Quality control and safety represent increasingly important concern in the construction industry. Defects and failures in constructed facilities or buildings can result in very large costs wastage. Even with minor defects, re-construction of works may be required and facility operations impaired. Increased costs and delays are the result. In the worst case, failures may cause personal injuries or fatalities. The disadvantages and impact of the defective works to the construction company is huge and serious. Deming (1982) states that, “Additionally, defects are not free. Someone was paid to make the mistake. Now someone is paid to correct the defective work”. Boyd (1992) stated that “the improvement of quality provides many benefits. First of all, the application of quality control will lead to fewer mistakes and ensuring the work is being performed correctly and according to plan. By eliminating or reducing the need for corrective rework, there will be a reduction in the wastages of project resources. In order to lower the costs, higher productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and increased workers morale will then lead to a better competitive position for the company”. Donald (1992) emphasized, “The most important of all, quality improvement can serve as a catalyst for improved productivity. By suggesting new work methods, by avoiding rework and by avoiding long term problems, good quality control can pay for itself. Developers should promote good quality control and looking for contractors who maintain such standards”.
With the attention that the conformance to design as the measure of quality during the construction process, the specifications of quality requirements in the design and contract documentation becomes extremely important. Quality requirements should be written clearly and verifiable, so that all parties in the project can understand the requirements for conformance.
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