Module 5: Quality Control

5.1 Overview of the Owner’s Rep’s Role

Quality Control is the Owner’s Representative’s mechanism to ensure that construction delivers the design intent, functional performance, and durability expectations. The OR coordinates testing, inspection, and commissioning processes, verifying compliance with codes, standards, and owner-specified performance criteria.

5.2 Step-by-Step Tasks & Best Practices

1. Develop a Quality Control Plan

   • Tasks:

     • Create a QC manual outlining inspection checkpoints, testing requirements, and acceptance criteria for each trade (structural, MEP, finishes).

     • Identify third-party testing agencies (e.g., geotechnical, concrete, acoustical, HVAC commissioning).

   • Best Practices:

     • Use an Inspection & Test Plan matrix that maps each milestone (e.g., foundation, framing) to required inspections.

     • Assign responsibility (Contractor, Engineer of Record, Third-Party) for each test or inspection.

       
       

2. Coordinate Material & Equipment Testing

   • Tasks:

     • Schedule material submittal reviews and hold material tests (e.g., concrete compressive strength tests, soil compaction tests).

     • Track long-lead mechanical and electrical equipment commissioning (e.g., chillers, generators, fire pumps).

   • Best Practices:

     • Keep a “Log of Approved Substitutions” to ensure no unauthorized materials are installed.

     • Require the contractor to provide certified test reports for critical elements (e.g., weld radiographs, steel mill tests).

       
       

3. Perform Site Inspections & Punchlist Development

   • Tasks:

     • Conduct systematic walkthroughs during key milestones: foundation inspection, framing inspection, MEP rough-in inspection, pre-punchlist walkthrough at 80% completion.

     • Prepare Punchlist documents, prioritize issues (safety, weatherproofing, code compliance) vs. cosmetic items.

   • Best Practices:

     • Use mobile inspection software (e.g., PlanGrid, Fieldwire) to document observations with photos, assign corrective actions, and track closure.

     • Schedule a third-party commissioning agent for major systems (HVAC, fire protection, electrical) to perform functional performance tests.

       
       

4. Monitor Workmanship & Installations

   • Tasks:

     • Verify that trades follow manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices (e.g., proper flashing at window openings, correct torquing on structural bolts).

     • Confirm that mock-ups (e.g., wall assembly, roof assembly) are reviewed and accepted before full installation.

   • Best Practices:

     • Hold “Mock-Up Approval Meetings” with owner, architect, and contractor to agree on sample quality.

     • Require the contractor to log daily QA/QC checklists for each discipline.

       
       

5. Oversee System Commissioning

   • Tasks:

     • Coordinate start-up and commissioning for MEP systems—including balancing, functional tests, and training of operations staff.

     • Validate that commissioning reports meet performance criteria: airflow rates, energy consumption targets, water usage thresholds.

   • Best Practices:

     • Require a commissioning schedule to be submitted with the contractor’s CPM within 30 days of mobilization.

     • Ensure that system deficiencies (punchlist items) identified during commissioning are tracked to closure before substantial completion.

       
       

5.3 Common Pitfalls & How the OR Prevents/Solves Them

• Pitfall: Inadequate Inspection Coverage Leading to Hidden Deficiencies

  • Prevention: The OR mandates a comprehensive Inspection & Test Plan covering all critical trade activities and mandates third-party testing for high-risk items (e.g., fireproofing, structural steel connections).

  • Solution: If a hidden issue arises (e.g., poor weld quality discovered after fireproofing), the OR coordinates destructive testing and enforces contractor responsibility for rework and associated costs.

• Pitfall: Mock-Ups Not Representing Final Work Quality

  • Prevention: The OR insists that mock-ups be constructed full‐scale with final materials, finishes, and conditions (e.g., waterproofing membranes).

  • Solution: If mock-ups are rushed or incomplete, the OR rejects the mock-up, requires revision, and issues a Non-Conformance Report to the contractor to ensure corrective steps.

• Pitfall: Commissioning Scope Gaps (e.g., HVAC not fully tested)

  • Prevention: The OR engages the commissioning agent early—during CD phase—to review sequences of operation and identify missing commissioning requirements.

  • Solution: If system underperformance is identified late (e.g., chilled water temperature swings), the OR convenes commissioning meetings, issues deficiency notices, and tracks final acceptance tests.

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5.4 Real-World Example

Case Study: Hospital Expansion Project

• Scenario: On a phased hospital wing expansion, the OR managed QA/QC inspections for critical air handling units that serve the operating rooms. Midway through installation, the OR discovered that the contractor had used incorrect duct insulation (R-6 instead of R-8).

• Impact: The OR issued a “Stop Work” for duct insulation until a corrective action plan was developed. By enforcing the QC criteria, the facility avoided costly re-insulation after occupancy and prevented potential compliance issues with healthcare codes.

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5.5 Transition to Module 6

While quality remains central, the Owner’s Representative must also ensure tight financial control. In Module 6, we will delve into Budget & Change Order Management to demonstrate how the OR tracks costs, manages contingencies, and processes change orders to keep the project financially on target

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