Trade contractors are in the perfect position to add value to the
home-building process by bringing training, safety assurance, and quality controls to
their work crews. However many trade contractors see their role only as schedulers of
independent piecework crews. You can help transform trade contractors such as these into
partners for quality and safety.
A benchmark best practice for trade contractors is set by Cedar King
and Chaussee Siding, two Seattle siding contractors. They are respected by area builders
as siding experts that can be relied upon to get the job done right. Together, they have
established a training school for siding installers with the cooperation of NAHB's Master
Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. They have also implemented ISO 9000
quality controls throughout their operations. Verified by a series of field audits, Cedar
King is a NAHB Research Center Certified Contractor and recognized as an ISO 9000 Builder
Quality Alliance Partner.
Some builders are lucky enough to find trade partners like these,
but all too often builders are left with the responsibility to do it themselves. To
achieve quality results, they inspect and punch-out each job until it is right. Basic
safety regulations seem to need daily enforcement. These methods are not very effective
and cost a lot of time and money.
A far more effective approach is to develop trade contractors into
value adding partners. Help them acquire the capabilities to be pro-active assets for
quality and safety by leading a collaborative effort that focuses on developing new
skills. Three important places to start are:
1. Work together to secure craftsman training from product
manufacturers and local trade schools. You will be amazed at the training resources
available to you. Decide what training and capabilities a capable craftsman should have
and develop a credential for craftsmen that meets those qualifications.
2. Collaborate to develop quality and safety plans. Agree on quality
and safety requirements and write them down in a quality plan that addresses the use of
materials, craftsman qualifications, workmanship specifications, safety requirements, job
records, and inspection requirements.
3. Define the field inspection records that document what was done
on every job and decide the inspection responsibilities for both the trade contractor and
the builder.
Cooperating in this way will result in high performance quality and
safety, and the mutual benefits will strengthen the relationship between you and your
trade contractor, creating a win-win situation for all.