Precision and quality play a central role in the construction industry, but even the best planning and execution are not protected from defects. Defect management is therefore a crucial process for completing construction projects successfully and on time. Dealing systematically with construction defects is essential to reduce costs, minimize delays and ensure the quality of the building.
Clear communication, detailed documentation and close cooperation between all parties involved are important. Well-organized defect management is an essential part of any construction project to ensure smooth and efficient completion.
In the following interview between Marco Fehr, site manager / client representative and operator of the Swiss client podcast, and Andreas Kälin, client representative of siworks immo AG, you will find answers to many current questions and gain insights into important work processes relating to the topic of defect management.
You can watch the full interview in the video below or read it on this page.
Marco Fehr: How can a contractor benefit from efficient defect management by a client representative?
Andreas Kälin: Yes, you can of course benefit from the fact that quality assurance is guaranteed [by the client's representative]. You can also benefit from the entire cost issue if you take the right steps at the right time and report the defects. In this way, other problems can be ruled out and the required quality can be maintained in accordance with the (works) contract. It also has an impact on costs, which can be reduced. The contractor or the executor always has an interest in delivering the best possible product. In this way, you can effectively benefit from each other.
Marco Fehr: Who is responsible for a construction defect and up to what point in time?
Andreas Kälin: It is important to understand that the focus is not on the construction defect itself, but on the work as a whole. The contractor concludes a contract for work and services with the client, which clearly stipulates that the contractor is responsible for the work until it is handed over. He must hand over the work free of defects. After acceptance of the work, responsibility is transferred from the contractor to the client. Acceptance therefore marks the point of intersection with regard to defects and responsibilities.
Marco Fehr: From the time of acceptance, the client is responsible for the trade. The different trades have different end dates, for example the acceptance of the shell construction takes place much earlier in the process than the acceptance of the interior work, such as the laying of parquet flooring. How do you ensure that all trades start the warranty period at the same time?
Andreas Kälin: That's a very good question, how to ensure that. It starts with the tendering process for the various trades or sections. For example, last week I was at an award meeting where we laid down clear specifications regarding the tender packages and the protocol. These things are fixed before the contract is drawn up and explicitly declared. The protocol is then signed by both parties. This ensures that both parties can plan accordingly. As a rule, the warranty period begins at the end of construction.
Marco Fehr: That is indeed very exciting. What do contractors say if they now have to give longer warranty periods? A two-year warranty is usually provided. But if this is extended to three or three and a half years because the construction period is longer, what do contractors say about this?
Andreas Kälin: Yes, this is mainly received very positively. For the simple reason that entrepreneurs like to have clarity. If you can communicate clearly and make clear agreements, this is also positive for the entrepreneur. And the negative example is also familiar: "Can you quickly...?" "Why don't you do..." Such situations often lead to legal proceedings if there are no written documents or definitions. This creates corresponding difficulties. As the saying goes: fodder for the lawyer. When the warranty period really counts and when it doesn't often leads to discussions.
Marco Fehr: If I now walk through the building as a site manager or architect and make a note of defects, how do I see defects if I am perhaps not yet so experienced? What valuable tips would you give a site manager?
Andreas Kälin: Yes, actually relatively simple, but also very obvious tips. The word "obvious" describes it well: walk through the construction site with your eyes open and document and photograph anything that seems strange. That way you can refer to it later. Ask questions if something is unclear or check the contract to make sure that what was agreed is actually delivered.
If something looks strange, such as three reinforcing bars sticking out or a big mess on the construction site, you should check it out. People often try to cover something up.
Marco Fehr: Defect management is a major topic. We have now been able to explain it very well. What final tip would you give a building owner with regard to defect management?
Andreas Kälin: Very important: take a close look at the construction sites right from the start. It is crucial that you walk through them with your eyes open. Obvious defects can be reported right from the start, that is undisputed and should be done.
The most important thing for the client is to respect the hierarchy. If you have the construction management, you should never agree anything directly with a contractor. That really is the be-all and end-all. Always go through construction management and maintain a good relationship with the designers and construction management because they are tasked with solving your problems. Reporting defects is very important and can help prevent bigger problems.
Software solutions from Trimble for efficient defect management
Driving digital transformation in the construction industry requires appropriate software solutions such as Viewpoint For Projects and Viewpoint Field View. Together, these two tools help to exploit the previously untapped potential of digitalization in the construction industry
Construction industry and thus make your defect management even more effective, for example. At the same time, we guarantee the protection of sensitive (construction) data in our tools and in the exchange of data between the various stakeholders:
Viewpoint For Projects - the construction management software
ISO 19650 conformity for international standards in information management
Optimization of construction processes through precise planning and analysis
Improving communication and coordination between project participants
Support for data-based decision-making
Access to construction documentation from anywhere - both online and offline
Viewpoint Field View - the construction site documentation app
Efficient defect and task management in real time
Customizable forms for mobile devices
Digitization of information to increase efficiency
Real-time communication between office and construction site
Creation of configurable project models with detailed tracking options
Would you like to find out more about our digital software solutions for the construction industry? For more information and to arrange a personal demo appointment, please click here: https://www.viewpoint.com/
