The cost of quality refers to the total amount of money that is spent on ensuring that the completed project meets the required quality standards. This includes the costs of preventing defects, detecting defects, and correcting defects that are identified during or after the construction process.
The cost of quality is an essential aspect of construction project management as it can impact the project’s timeline, budget, and overall success. The cost of quality can be broken down into four categories:
1. Prevention Costs: These are the costs associated with activities that are undertaken to prevent defects from occurring in the first place. Examples of prevention costs in construction include quality planning, design reviews, training, and process control.
2. Appraisal Costs: These are the costs associated with activities that are undertaken to detect defects during or after the construction process. Examples of appraisal costs in construction include testing, inspection, and auditing.
3. Internal Failure Costs: These are the costs associated with defects that are identified and corrected before the completed project is delivered to the owner or client. Examples of internal failure costs in construction include rework, scrap, and corrective action.
4. External Failure Costs: These are the costs associated with defects that are identified after the completed project is delivered to the owner or client. Examples of external failure costs in construction include warranty claims, customer complaints, and legal fees.
By managing the cost of quality in construction, project stakeholders can ensure that the completed project meets the required quality standards and is delivered on time and within budget. This, in turn, helps to reduce the risk of rework, delays, and disputes and increases the overall success of the project.
