About VCC
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROCESS
The VCC Total Quality Management (TQM) Program is created by looking at the attributes and challenges of each project individually, creating a customized approach to ensure a high level of quality. At VCC, taking that special look at each project creates am individualized quality management program.
VCC’s TQM Program has evolved from straightforward checklists for each trade, to a more formal review process. We continue to look for new methods, new measures to build quality products every time. Each additional project refines our TQM Program with new insight, experiences and critical items.
During the initial plan review process, VCC identifies potential design and product selection conflicts. During this review, areas of construction are selected as focal points for our TQM Program. These typically begin with the building envelope, where proper integration of building materials and weather barriers is vital to moisture control, energy performance, and overall building health and maintenance. The VCC TQM process also focuses on other areas of construction including concrete, site utilities, flooring finishes, and any new products.
As construction begins, the Quality Control Department prepares Pre-Installation Meeting books. These become guides for our field personnel during Pre-Installation Meetings and construction. The books include a thorough review of the project’s plans and specifications, manufacturer’s guidelines for the selected products, and any ASTM’s or other governing body’s standards that may apply.
VCC’s Quality Control Department assembles these books, and identifies any instances where the project document requirements, manufacturer’s recommendations, and applicable standards are in conflict.
At the Pre-Installation Meeting, these issues are addressed, and resolved between VCC field and quality control staff, the Architect, the product manufacturer, and the sub-contractor doing the work. The Pre-Installation Meeting book is an effective tool to identify design issues that might lead to problems after construction. It is also a reference to illustrate proper construction and to help identify poor workmanship through our quality control checklists. The applicable standards and industry practices serve as guidelines to ensure proper installation is done correctly. These checklists ensure that issues identified in Pre-Installation Meetings are corrected in the field.
VCC requires our subcontractors to build to these standards, and complete this checklist as documentation of their compliance. Using the same checklist process, our superintendents and TQM personnel perform weekly quality control inspections. Deficient items are added to our TQM database, where they are tracked and the correction is ultimately documented.
The VCC Total Quality Management Program is designed to both recognize and correct issues before construction, and to ensure that construction is completed in compliance with the contract documents. This is just another way VCC is exceeding expectations as we deliver excellence in construction.
