You may not be aware of errors embedded
into the normal construction practices used by your trades. Ensuring
that these practices are correct may be a significant opportunity
to improve the strength, durability and performance of your homes.
In the last few years, high-profile construction
failures have been caused in part by practices that were considered
normal, but were not correct. A contributor to the rotted framing
problems for EIFS synthetic stucco clad homes was the common
practice to deviate from manufacturer installation instruction
when sealing window openings. In Florida, normal framing techniques
that did not comply with building codes led to the loss of many
roofs during hurricane Andrew. These examples are just the tip
of the iceberg.
From flexible ducting installation to window
flashings, from roof truss attachment to fastening drywall, normal
practices can vary significantly from recommended practices.
Break the cycle by taking time out to compare your construction
details with recommended practices.
Focus on one trade at a time. Read the
wealth of information contained in manufacturer’s installation
instructions, reference standards,* code evaluation reports,
building codes, and your own scope of work specifications.
On the job site, watch the trade craftsmen
perform their work. Make point-by-point comparisons between each
recommended practice and your observations. Take notes on every
material they use including fasteners, adhesives, and secondary
parts. Pay attention to every dimension, actual tolerances achieved,
and details like nailing schedules.
Each discrepancy should prompt a review.
Contact the experts at the product manufacturer, trade association,
or the NAHB Research Center to get an
understanding of the requirement. The experts will help you discover
opportunities to make significant quality improvements.
Jim Hoffner of K. Hovnanian, a 1997 NHQ
winner, studied the carpet installation process in their homes
and compared them with the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI)
Carpet Installation Standard 105. By discussing technical requirements
with Carroll Turner at CRI he learned how to upgrade the strength
of carpet seams for high-traffic areas by taping padding joints
and sealing carpet seams. Hoffner also discovered opportunities
to prevent problems and extend the life of carpet installation
through the proper use of power stretchers and revised specifications
for carpet padding. These requirements are being integrated into
their ISO 9000 quality plan for carpet installation.
Follow up quality reviews with an internal
training session involving your field staff, the trade contractor,
and the product supplier. Review findings and discuss revisions
to construction practices. Update the quality-control system
to reflect the changes.
If you perform a detailed quality review
for one additional trade every month, within a year, noticeable
improvements can be made throughout your construction process
to improve strength, durability, and performance of the homes
you build.