HotSpot Process Nips Quality Problems in the Bud

Take close-up photos of work done properly and draw an arrow to specific detials you want to highlight. This example shows the right way to paint around hinges.

1. Identify one or two quality issues per trade through job inspections, comprehensive quality reviews and builder feedback.
2. Add these top quality issues as HotSpot checkpoints to your inspection forms.
3. Create one-page training sheets using pictures and diagrams to address each specific problem.
4. During weekly production meetings or toolbox talks, train production personnel and trade contractors on procedures to eliminate the newly identified HotSpot problems.
5. Post the HotSpot training sheets in a prominent area.
6. When an existing HotSpot issue is resolved, post the item in the production meeting room or construction trailer as a quality success. Remove the checkpoint from the HotSpot part of the inspection form and put it in the reminder section. In time, it may leave the inspection form altogether.

Caldeira is the founder of Caldeira Quality, a training, consulting and software firm based in Crofton, Md. For instructions on creating your own training sheets, visit the resources section at http://firsttimequality.com.