How to document concealed work before it is covered
Photograph and record in-wall, in-slab and below-grade work before it is closed up, so its position and condition can be shown years after cover.
QA/QC, inspections, deficiencies and rework prevention
Rework is the most expensive way to find a problem. These lessons show how inspections, mock-ups and good records catch defects while they are still cheap to fix, and how to stop them repeating.
Before-cover inspections and notice: who must see the work
Find out which inspections and notices apply before work is covered, from the permit, the contract and the specifications, and record each one.
An inspection checklist crews actually finish
Build a short inspection checklist from the specification, with items a foreman can answer pass, fail or not applicable in a few minutes on site.
The pre-pour check: what to confirm and record before concrete arrives
Confirm and record what your drawings, specifications and engineer require before a concrete pour, and hold the pour until every item is closed.
Deficiency lists that actually get closed
Run a deficiency list where every item has a location, a photo, a responsible trade and a verified close-out, so the list shrinks instead of growing.
Preventing rework with a first-installation inspection
Inspect the first installation of each repeated element with the trade, agree what acceptable looks like, and only then let production continue.
Corrective actions: find the cause, not just the defect
Use a short cause analysis, asking why until the answer is a process you can change, so a corrective action prevents the next defect as well.
Mock-ups and samples: agreeing quality early
Use approved samples and mock-ups as the agreed standard for workmanship and appearance, and keep the record that shows what was agreed.
Recording quality lessons so the same defect does not repeat
Turn recurring defects into short quality lessons that change the checklists, briefings and mock-ups on the next job, with an owner for each change.
Preparing for a building inspection so it passes the first time
Prepare the area, the documents and the people for a building authority or engineer inspection, so it is not failed or rebooked for reasons you control.
