In construction, ensuring that the detailed design within the plans and specifications is properly executed is crucial for project success. Part of our equity-level services is thoroughly monitoring the quality control and assurance program that is in place for the project, as well as conducting our own observations. We focus on verifying that any concerns raised during site observations are quickly addressed and resolved. When desired by our clients, we can also add specialty consultants to our services as a subconsultant. In our reporting, we strive to not only provide a detailed accounting of any concerns, but also why it is important.

Here’s a closer look at quality control and assurance reporting services provide transparency, identify risks, and safeguard quality throughout your project.

The Role of Design Consultant Observations

Design consultants, including architects and engineers, play an essential role in monitoring the quality of construction. They conduct regular site visits to ensure that the project aligns with the original plans and specifications. Here’s how we ensure these observations are effectively tracked and managed:

Confirming Consultant Visits and Observations
We verify that the appropriate design consultants, such as architects, structural engineers, and MEP engineers, are conducting site visits as required. Each consultant’s proposal outlines the scope of services and expectations, such as:

Architects visit during framing, exterior detail work, or interior installations. They also participate in the punch process.

Structural engineers visiting during foundation and framing stages.

MEP engineers inspecting during rough installations and commissioning.

Timely Sharing of Reports
We ensure that observation reports from these consultants are received promptly and shared with relevant parties, such as our subconsultants. This helps us stay informed of any potential issues or concerns.

Thorough Review and Documentation

Once we receive the observation reports, we carefully review them to identify any systemic quality concerns or issues that could impact the project’s schedule or budget. In our reports, we always ask, “So what?”—meaning, we assess the significance of these issues and communicate why they require attention and action.

Third-Party Consultant Observations: A Deeper Dive

In addition to design consultants, third-party consultants are often hired to address specialized aspects of construction, such as exterior façades, below-grade waterproofing, acoustics, and accessibility. Our role is to ensure that their observations are properly documented and addressed promptly.

Confirming Peer Reviews and Incorporation into Design
We begin by obtaining third-party design peer review reports to provide summaries of the process and status. We also review the scope of the concerns to determine if they are isolated or a systemic issue that will require significant resources to resolve.

Monitoring Regular Consultant Visits
Third-party consultants should be visiting the site regularly, according to their scope of services. While we often don’t have direct access to their schedules, we work closely with the developer to understand when these visits will occur and to ensure that adequate follow-up is occurring. Consultants may visit for specific areas of expertise:

Waterproofing consultants typically visit during foundation work to ensure below-grade waterproofing is properly installed.

Exterior façade consultants may inspect mockups and installations, especially the weather-resistant barriers and flashing.

Acoustic consultants often monitor key areas such as plumbing attachments, electrical isolation in walls, and floor-ceiling assemblies.

Tracking Reports and Future Visits
As we receive the third-party consultants’ reports, we ensure we are on the distribution list for future observations and reports. We also keep track of upcoming site visits and document when these visits are anticipated to occur.

Deficiency Log & Process: Ensuring Issues Are Addressed

One of the most critical aspects of observation reporting is ensuring that deficiencies or issues identified by third-party and design consultants are promptly tracked and resolved. Here’s how we ensure this process runs smoothly:

Deficiency Log
A deficiency log is essential for monitoring the status of identified issues. If one isn’t being maintained, we alert the client and encourage them to establish one. This log, often compiled from consultant reports or meeting minutes, ensures that deficiencies are addressed before they escalate.

Tracking Deficiencies
While we don’t summarize every deficiency in our report, our value lies in monitoring the resolution process. The longer issues are allowed to linger, the more expensive and challenging they become to resolve. We work with the contractor’s quality control team and the designers of record to ensure all issues are logged and tracked to resolution.

Regular Updates and Reporting
We include the deficiency log in the reports we provide and reference it in our discussions. Our goal is to ensure that clients are aware of any ongoing issues and the steps being taken to resolve them. We also highlight any concerns that could potentially impact the project’s scope, schedule, or budget.

Highlighting Potential Impacts
If a deficiency is significant enough to affect the project’s scope, cost, or schedule, we summarize this in our Executive Summary. This ensures that our client is aware of the current risks to the project and how the project team is remediating the concern.

Our Value to Clients: A Clear Path to Project Success

By monitoring the quality control and assurance process, we help ensure that construction projects adhere to the highest quality standards. Our role is to:

Track consultant visits and reports to ensure that all concerns are documented and addressed.

Monitor the resolution of deficiencies to avoid delays and cost overruns.

Provide clear and actionable recommendations based on our observations and in-depth analysis of the provided reports and construction documents.

Ultimately, our goal is to keep the project moving forward smoothly, ensuring quality control, timely resolution of issues, and alignment with the original design and specifications. Through diligent observation reporting, we add significant value to each project, helping to protect the interests of the owner and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.