Are quality costs a critical yet overlooked aspect of construction projects? This study examines the increasing importance of quality management in the construction industry, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked costs associated with quality. It reports the findings of a survey conducted among construction professionals, exploring their perceptions of quality management and its financial implications. The survey results highlight several key issues, including the crucial role of the client in defining quality, the value of non-conformance data for preventing failures, challenges related to ground conditions, and the potential to eliminate most failure costs. The research also emphasizes the contractor's responsibility in anticipating problems and using failure cost data to identify weaknesses and prevent future issues. These findings provide valuable insights for construction companies seeking to improve project outcomes. By emphasizing proactive problem-solving, the research encourages a shift toward more efficient and reliable construction processes.
This paper, published in the International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, directly addresses the journal's core focus. The research explores the strategic management of quality in construction, offering practical insights into cost reduction and process improvement, aligning perfectly with the journal's aim to advance quality and reliability practices.