The Construction Phase / Working with Contractors and Subcontractors

Approving or Rejecting Work Completed

When managing a construction project, it is important to review the work completed by contractors to ensure that it meets your expectations and the requirements of the project plans and specifications. Here are some steps to help you approve or reject work completed by contractors:

1. Review the Work: Take the time to review the work completed by the contractor in detail. This will help you to identify any issues or areas that may not meet the project requirements.

2. Compare to Plans and Specifications: Check the work completed against the project plans and specifications to ensure that it meets the required standards. If there are any discrepancies, bring them to the contractor’s attention.

3. Identify Issues: If you identify any issues or areas of concern, document them in writing and discuss them with the contractor. This will help to ensure that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

4. Communicate Effectively: When communicating with the contractor, be clear and concise in your feedback. Avoid using negative or accusatory language and focus on finding a solution that works for both parties.

5. Addressing Deficiencies: If the work completed by the contractor does not meet the required standards, clearly identify the deficiencies and work with the contractor to develop a plan to address them. If necessary, you may need to withhold payment until the issues are resolved, but realize that this may sour your relationship if not handled in the right way. As always, be as straightforward and fact based as you can.

Work Review Template

Here's a template you can use to review the work quality during your weekly inspections:

  • Overall progress: Assess the progress of the project since the last inspection. Have there been any delays or setbacks that need to be addressed?

  • Quality of work: Inspect the quality of work completed since the last inspection. Check for any errors or defects in the work, such as uneven finishes, gaps, or cracks.

  • Materials: Check the quality and suitability of the materials being used on the project. Ensure that they meet the required specifications and standards.

  • Schedule: Review the project schedule and assess whether it's on track. If not, identify any potential issues or delays that need to be addressed.

  • Communication: Discuss any issues or concerns with the contractors and subcontractors, and provide feedback on the quality of their work. Ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the project's progress and next steps.

Remember to take photos and notes during your inspections and to follow up with any issues or concerns. Good communication and regular inspections can help ensure that the project stays on track and the work quality remains high.