“Under conditions of complexity, not only are checklists a help, they are required for success.”
“Checklists provide reminders of only the most critical and important steps- the ones that even the highly skilled professional using them could miss”
These quotes are by Dr. Atul Gawande- author of the famous book- The Checklist Manifesto.
There are many more.
Checklists are a pre-requisite in most professions around the world- Manufacturing, Surgery, Training, Housekeeping, and so on. Checklists are even used on construction projects and that too quite extensively. Checklists serve as practical tools to ensure that all necessary tasks and considerations are addressed systematically and comprehensively.
Here are several reasons why checklists are essential in your home construction process:
1. Site-specific
Firstly, checklists can be tailored to the specific needs of each construction project. They can be adapted to suit the unique requirements of different home designs and building materials used on the project.
e.g., Pour cards are used on days when concrete works are executed, whereas foundation work checklists are used throughout the process of excavation, PCC, footing steel, foundation casting, and so on.
2. Consistency
Checklists promote consistency in the construction process. It is a fact that construction work is done by labours who rely a lot on tacit knowledge leading to complacencies and subsequently mistakes. By following a standardized set of steps and guidelines, the likelihood of errors or omissions decreases, automatically, even by the hard professionals.
3. Audit trails
These instruments are used for record-keeping and future reference and are extremely crucial for audit trails.
4. Comprehensive planning
While drafting the contents of a checklist, we break down the construction processes into smaller manageable tasks. This ensures that no critical aspects are overlooked during the planning stage.
5. Thorough monitoring
Construction projects involve numerous tasks and activities that need to be completed in a specific order. Checklists help engineers and contractors track progress, identify completed tasks, and plan the sequence of upcoming activities.
6. Quality control & assurance
Checklists act as a reference for quality assurance as within the checklists are outlined the standards and requirements for each construction phase, helping to ensure that work is carried out to the desired level of quality.
7. Budgeting & Cost Monitoring
Checklists help keep track of expenses on construction projects. It can help monitor costs, track material usage, and avoid overspending.
8. Prevention of theft onsite
Checklists can prevent thefts. In case a checklist system for issuance and consumption of materials on site has been implemented and is being followed on site, then this can prevent loss or theft of material onsite.
Now, by this time you will agree with the several benefits of checklists, but how do you implement them on-site?
1. Identify Project Requirements
It is imperative to be specific to the needs and requirements of your own construction project. So, it is a standard protocol to create a master checklist that covers all essential tasks, safety measures, quality standards, etc.
2. Develop Task-Specific Checklists
Breaking down the master checklist into task-specific checklists is the natural second step. Each checklist should address a particular aspect of the construction process, such as excavation, footing, masonry, plastering, & so on.
3. Assign Responsibility
A big part of the implementation of the checklists is to assign each checklist to a relevant engineer or subcontractor or supervisor on site. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities regarding checklist completion.
4. Toolbox talk
Now, conducting regular toolbox talks to familiarize the construction team with the checklists, their purpose, and how to use them effectively needs to be done.
5. Document and Distribute
Create adequate physical or digital copies of the checklists for easy access and distribute them to relevant teams or individuals before the relevant construction phase begins.
6. Review and Update
Regularly review and update the checklists as needed. Construction projects can evolve, and new requirements may arise during the process. Ensure that the checklists reflect the latest project specifications and safety standards.
7. Monitor and Follow-Up
You should regularly monitor checklist completion and follow up with the relevant people to see the effectiveness of the implementation.
8. Encourage Feedback
Encourage the construction team to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the checklists. This feedback must be used to improve the checklists and refine the construction processes.
9. Seek the help of professionals
Connect with Team Limpid to do a thorough work breakdown of your project and successful implementation of checklists on your construction project.
Readout our previous blog regarding “Deciphering Your Interior Design Style“.
