The success of any construction project depends on schedule, costs and the quality of the finished product. One of the main reasons construction managers must schedule reworks and fight complaints is defects.
Achieving zero defects and achieving a zero punch list is critical to high-quality construction – we'll explore a list of construction defects, their causes, and what you can do to avoid them.
3 types of construction defects
First, let's discuss the three categories on our construction defect checklist:
Material defects happen when building materials are damaged – whether the defects come directly from the manufacturer or the damage occurs on site.
These types of defects can be particularly expensive; It is not uncommon to notice material defects only after a contractor uses them on the project. This is especially true for materials that are shipped with defects.
2. Design defects
Design defects are the result of the design team's failure to produce organized and accurate construction documents. These defects may occur due to omission or error.
Defects due to omission are typically corrected through change orders that increase the scope of work for one or more contractors.
Defects due to errors often require replacement of parts or a redesign.
3. Manufacturing defects
Manufacturing defects are what usually come to mind when you think of construction defects – they occur when someone fails to follow design documents when building components or structures.
A manufacturing defect can be as simple as an aesthetic issue or as problematic as inadequate structural integrity. In any case, assigning responsibility and repairing the defect is usually a complex process.
3 causes of construction defects
Next, let's look at three of the main causes of construction defects:
1. Inadequate quality control
Many construction defects result from inadequate quality control procedures. Some factors that impact this include:
- Lack of qualified labor
- Low quality materials
- Unrealistic deadlines
Additionally, not having adequate inspection plans can prevent defects from being detected early in the project, resulting in more rework and less profit.
2. Inefficient document distribution
Even with so many automated solutions available in the construction industry, it is not uncommon for paper documents to be circulated both on site and in the back office system. This means contractors struggle to get the necessary documents signed and approved in time to stay on track.
Additionally, builders may end up working with old versions of construction drawings without the latest changes from the design team.
When different people have different versions of the same document, accurately tracking project progress becomes nearly impossible.
3. Poor communication
When project stakeholders, construction site crews, office staff, and contractors are not on the same page, progress slows down and the chance of construction defects arising in your project becomes much greater.
Poor communication also leads to billions of dollars in rework, unnecessary delays, budget and cost overruns, safety issues and more – it is arguably one of the most important aspects of project management and the construction industry as a whole.
3 ways to avoid construction defects
Finally, let's look at how you can prevent these three causes of construction defects:
1. Change the way you manage defects
To avoid construction defects due to poor quality control, you need to review your defect management processes.
- Give everyone access to punch lists and inspection documents
- Identify site problems and pull the plug before one defect turns into many
- Send instant notifications about what's happening on your website
- Sign or reject documents without setting foot in the office
2. Store your documents in one place
You can prevent construction defects resulting from inefficient document management by ensuring everyone has immediate on-site access to important documentation.
Construction management software can help eliminate document damage and loss while speeding distribution between teams by switching from paper to digital forms.
Additionally, managing your documents with a dedicated digital platform allows you to check and approve multiple documentation in the same place, giving all users access to the latest reviews, analyzes and comments.
3. Share progress and communicate in real time
Preventing construction labor defects due to communication breakdowns requires using the right communication channels and sharing project progress in real time.
- Keep everyone involved in the project on the same page
- Communicate with each crew in real time with a single app
- Send mass notifications with tasks, site issues, comments and daily summaries
- Share team progress and reports using real-time visuals
Reduce defects in construction with Compraço
All three of the above strategies for avoiding construction defects have one thing in common that makes them successful: managing defects digitally rather than manually.
With the right defect management software, you can:
- Instantly record defects and quality issues and assign tasks from your mobile device
- Assign responsibilities and deadlines to specific workers for handling defects
- Attach documents, photos and notes to each defect for full transparency
- Create templates to quickly drive walkthroughs to identify defects on-site
But don't just take our word for it: schedule your free demo today and see how easy it can be to manage defects on-site.
