Consistent Construction Quality

October 9, 2005


Consistent Construction Quality
You never know what lies behind the walls of an existing home. Every remodeling project is unique. Renovating an existing home is much harder than building a new home.

 

 

These are some of the proverbs of the remodeling industry, but they can also be used as excuses. This slippery slope leads to callbacks, profit slippage and unhappy customers.

 

This forum is designed to help remodelers get the job done right the first time. To add ideas of your own, ask a question or make a comment, e-mail Professional Remodeler Editor Kimberly Sweet at ksweet@reedbusiness.com.

 

 
 
 
Five Essentials of Consistent Construction Quality

Put these elements in place and get the job done right the first time
By Kimberly Sweet, Editor

 

 

1. A culture of excellence
If you take it for granted that every job is plagued with misunderstandings, damaged supplies, inept subcontractors and infuriating architects, and that it's not a remodeling job unless at least one item has to be installed twice — well, you're right. It's easy to fulfill low expectations.

 

2. Skilled field workers
Siding-1 employs several project managers, but subcontractors do all of the hands-on work in siding, roofing, windows and carpentry. Many of the crews have been with the company for years, but Conforti still has rules for screening new crews.

 

3. Reliable products
You and your customers want building products and materials that look good, work hard and don't crack, fade, rot, mold, or fall apart. There are a couple of ways to get this.

 

4. Clear, frequent communication
It begins with a detailed proposal or contract that addresses construction standards and product selections to ensure that the final product is both well built and in accordance with homeowner requirements.

 

5. Quality control
Despite the best prep work, mistakes can and do happen. Completing great projects on a regular basis requires a system to catch and fix mistakes during production.

 

 
Advertorials

 

 

 

Energy Efficient Remodel of a Heritage Home
Icynene® enabled the homeowners to take advantage of HVAC rightsizing in order to maximize energy savings. Icynene® also sealed the building envelope to reduce condensation and moisture-related problems (i.e. mold growth), airborne street noise, and improve indoor air quality.

 

Learn more about Energy Efficient Remodeling.

 

 

 

Mold Remediation in a crawlspace renovation
Icynene® was used to increase energy efficiency by 29% and to help remediate an existing condensation-related mold growth problem.

 

Learn more about Healthy Remodeling Practices.

 

 

 

Changing the Way You Think about Insulation and the Way You Remodel
The Icynene Insulation System® offers remodelers and home improvers an effective way to upgrade the performance of an existing structure like no conventional insulation can.

 

More Projects Using Icynene.

 

Visit Icynene’s Dealer Locator to request a quote or more information from your local Icynene Licensed Dealer.
   


Production Folder Checklist

Pre-Construction Meeting Checklist
 

Installation Standards

 

Carpet and Rug Institute

 

2005 Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation

 

Residential Construction Performance Guidelines, 3rd Edition—Contractor’s Reference

 

Installation Certification

 

 

International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association

 

National Wood Flooring Association

 

CertainTeed

 

Owens Corning

 

 

CertainTeed

 

GAF

 

 

Vinyl Siding Institute

 

 

Association of Window Dealers and Installers

 

Installation Masters Institute

 

    Flooring Programs Insulation Programs Roofing Programs Siding Programs Window and Door Programs
 
Articles on quality production management from Professional Remodeler:

 

“Balancing the Risk Equation”

 

“Building a Quality Assurance System”

 

“Performance and Project Management”

 

Blueprint for Success: Chapter 6, Production Systems

 

Blueprint for Success: Chapter 7, Contracts

 

Articles on quality building practices from Professional Remodeler:

 

“Basements: Keep the Whole House Warm and Dry”

 

“Ductwork that Delivers”

 

“Hurricanes: Winds of Change”

 

“HVAC: V Stands for Ventilation”

 

“Insulating Attics for Performance”

 

“Painting Pointers”

 

“Roofing: What Goes Under What’s on Top”

 

“The Window System”

 

Articles on quality construction from the NAHB Research Center:

 

“Build it Right the First Time”

 

“Inspection Checklists for Trade Contractors”

 

“Leadership for Construction Quality"

 

“Trade Contractor Quality Control”

 

  June PR-Forum
  July PR-Forum
 
 

Comments on: "Consistent Construction Quality"



 

See all videos

Search Our Buyer's Guide

Reference Library

Professional Remodeler’s annual Market Leaders list, which identifies the top...

Using the kitchen as a social space is just one of Professional Remodeler's Top

With demand for custom design, remodeling, and renovations at its highest level since 2005, ...

A 78-inch long, 36-inch high island outfitted with granite countertop and built-

Normandy Remodeling converts confined kitchen into sprawling galley.

Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association surveys its members to identify the latest...

Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association surveys its members to identify the latest...