Is it possible to talk about the quality of construction without pathos - and in a constructive way? Yes it can, and now I want to do so.
There are no options when it comes to the quality of construction: it's either there or it's not. The latter should not even be an option for anyone. All of us involved in the construction process should have a passion and aim to build only healthy and safe things - both for living, being, working and having fun.
I have been thinking about quality for a very long time and ways to achieve it. For more than ten years, I was responsible for the maintenance of Ilmarinen's properties and took over properties that had gone builder-led - in several projects. It is also important to remember how buildings are cared for and maintained when building, and not to think narrowly about the construction process alone.
Let's strengthen cooperation
In my opinion, our customers should take a stronger role in the projects and step forward to show an example of a high-quality end product. After all, there are a majority of successful projects! Unfortunately, our industry is famous for those projects where two or more "mugs" do not admit mistakes and correct them due to loss of face. What's worse than having to tell someone: "I'm sorry, I was wrong. I made a mistake. Now I will fix it.”
In my work as a construction manager, I have noticed that if there is an atmosphere of trust and openness in construction projects, mistakes are also allowed. Then errors are also reported and corrected. If the creator does only for himself, the end result is high-quality. The best results are obtained when we don't make and look for solutions that have already been made before, but learn from each other and listen to each other. Then the customer is also satisfied and tells his own networks about the good work.
The authorities and planners should also be aware that the old solutions do not necessarily work when climate change threatens - let alone curb the carbon footprint. No eaves-free building should be designed in Finland anymore! Storms, winds and heavy rains and relative humidity only complicate the maintenance situation for us property owners. Cooperation and discussion are needed here as well. I wouldn't want to hear again, for example, when I ask the planner about building maintenance, that "it's my problem".
Extended warranty periods to build quality
Extended warranty periods, which have been used in our projects for some time, should also be considered as one of the important factors of quality. The results are very positive. To top it all off, it will be cheaper, because the warranty costs will also be reduced to a minimum. And everyone wins: the customer, the construction company and the customer.
And have you thought about the importance of site personnel's bonus meters in order to obtain a high-quality end product? I believe that the current model leads to getting the so-called "margins and bonuses for home", leaving quality second. But what if the factors of the bonus meter were zero-defect handover, high-quality end product, customer satisfaction, schedule and work safety? I have found that this way we get a high-quality, safe and functional end product and satisfied parties. Most likely, those margins and bonuses will also be taken care of at home. Without forgetting, of course, a satisfied customer who returns to you again and again.
Niina Rajakoski
Construction manager
Ilmarinen
The text originally appeared in RALA's blogs.
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