The success of a construction project is determined by how closely the actual cost and schedule follow the planned cost and timeline. However, the ordeal of going over budget and beyond target deadlines has become rather common in the construction industry. In a study published in 2015 by KPMG, a global risk and management consultant, only 31% of all construction projects came within 10% of the budget, while only 25% of construction projects came within 10% of their original deadlines in three years.
To address project delays and cost overruns, contractors and builders need to constantly improve efficiency in project management and work execution.
Supervision in construction
Effective project management requires sufficient vigilance in the construction processes. The construction work must always be maintained to a quality that is compliant with standards. Mistakes must be immediately remedied before they compound and cause damages and delays. To ensure this, the construction work must be adequately supervised.
What is considered ‘adequate supervision’?
In the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (QBCC Act), ‘adequate supervision’ entails proper overseeing of work to ensure that it is:
In accordance with the plans and specifications of the work set out in the contract between the licensed contractor and client
Of a standard expected of a competent contractor of the appropriate licence class.
Who is responsible for ‘adequate supervision’?
It is the obligation of a licensed contractor (including a nominee/site supervisor) and/or construction manager to ensure that the building work carried out under their licence is adequately supervised.
What is required to ensure that construction projects are ‘adequately supervised’?
The steps required to ensure that the building work done conforms with plans, specifications and standards depend essentially on the complexity and nature of the work, as well as the expertise of people involved. While for most cases, the supervisor does not always have to be present during construction work, they have to make sure that work is done in compliance with plans, specifications, and appropriate standards.
This module will cover:
- Supervising the administration of quality control compliance procedures
- Supervising the administration of projects
- Supervising the use of site communications and record keeping systems
- Conducting onsite project monitoring and inspection of work quality
- Completing project administration processes
