Which factors affect the quality of construction projects?

Ensuring your construction project adheres to all the relevant standards isn’t always straightforward. However, with the right professional support and an awareness of the various factors that can impact overall quality,

What are quality standards in construction?

Quality standards in the construction industry are simply a set of guidelines that outline the necessary specifications that construction materials, processes, and services must meet to be considered safe and fit for purpose.

Supported by the National Quality Assurance (NQA), ISO 9001 (among others) is one of the most common and important international standards for the construction industry when it comes to quality management.

Following the guidance from this standard can help UK construction companies to streamline their processes and minimise errors, resulting in more consistent results and greater customer satisfaction.

What are the factors affecting construction quality?

1. Poor project management

Late or completely forgotten quality checks can lead to costly and time-consuming mistakes, resulting in significant project delays or changes. That’s why a strong project management system is key to keeping tabs on the quality of everything - from the materials to the workforce.

A convenient, flexible and efficient way to do this is via a mobile app and specialised software that outlines exactly when these essential quality control checks should be carried out.

2. Human error

Unfortunately, human error can seep into your construction project from several sources (including your suppliers, vendors, contractors and subcontractors) and impact the overall quality.

From material slip-ups (sometimes suppliers swich materials to lower-quality alternatives to increase profit) to a lack of communication between your contractors and subcontractors, failing to properly screen and stay on top of all parties involved in the project construction can have significant quality implications.

To help protect the quality of your construction project and reduce the likelihood of human error, it’s therefore vital to thoroughly screen and select trustworthy suppliers and subcontractors by learning more about their past work, skills, and accreditations.

3. Design complexity

While more advanced and complex designs can be unavoidable for some construction projects (particularly large, commercial ones), opting for simplified designs can help to limit potential errors and ensure a more straightforward construction process.

This is because complex techniques and unnecessary features can be a drain on resources, push back the completion deadline, and make quality control harder.

4. Low-quality materials

Whether damaged or sub-par, low-quality materials pose a safety risk as well as raising quality concerns. From improperly treated lumber to low-grade steel, degrading materials can lead to structural failures, unexpected reactions, and even potential penalties and legal repercussions.

To reduce the likelihood of poor-quality materials from being incorporated into your construction project, it’s vital that you source materials from only trustworthy suppliers and enlist support from a quality control officer who’s responsible for conducting regular inspections of all site materials.

5. Project changes

Most construction projects are meticulously planned before being executed which is why undocumented or unplanned changes can have a substantial knock-on impact on quality.

Between last-minute changes and scope creep (the uncontrolled expansion of a project's scope), a wide range of serious or even dangerous quality issues can arise. For example, opting for a different material than originally planned may mean it has varying maintenance or installation requirements.

Failing to document or respond accordingly to these changes can therefore result in not only quality issues, but also potential safety problems. 

Put quality first with Kingsmead Consultants

At Kingsmead Consultants, our team of RICS-regulated chartered quantity surveyors has extensive experience maintaining the quality of construction for both residential and commercial projects across the UK.

As part of our services, we offer comprehensive project monitoring, ensuring adherence to necessary standards and diligent cost management throughout the entire construction process.

From conducting regular site inspections and carrying out meticulous cost control to facilitating clear communication between all relevant parties and verifying that materials meet the agreed-upon specifications, think of us as your first defence in quality control.

​To support the successful delivery of your construction project to the necessary standards, talk to our quantity surveyors in Liverpool today:

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Call us on: 01270 323 515

Email your enquiry to: info@kingsmeadconsultants.co.uk