1.7.7 The Preconstruction Conference—QC and QA

Preconstruction conferences are often stipulated in the contract specifications, but whether they are a contract requirement or not, the use of such meetings can greatly enhance the goal for high quality levels.
Experienced installers in one trade may offer suggestions to improve their performance and the performance of predecessor activities or those that follow. Issues of constructability and achievable tolerances can be raised, reviewed, and discussed with the design consultants at these meetings.
Preconstruction conferences are particularly effective where subcontractors involved in exterior wall and building envelope components are concerned. Curtain wall or brick veneer construction involves a number of trades; the performance of each one will impact the weather-tight integrity of the building’s skin. By bringing all parties together, possibly in the presence of the architect, details are either confirmed or modified in order to create the most effective exterior barrier. Rather than halt an operation in progress, problems are raised and resolved before work commences—a clear exercise of Quality Control and Quality Assurance.
Preconstruction conferences are especially useful when working with the following construction operations or components:

• Sedimentation control and maintenance where subcontractors are alerted to the provisions to be taken to preserve and avoid damage to these installations
• Cast-in-place concrete work, particularly where extreme weather conditions can be anticipated
• Precast concrete deck, wall, architectural panels requiring embedments, and attachment of other structural or architectural elements
• Structural steel and metal deck installation
• Waterproofing, commencing at the foundation and progressing up to and including the roof membrane
• Exterior wall assemblies: stucco, exterior insulation finish system (EIFS), masonry, precast concrete, metal or vinyl siding, metal panels
• Windows, louvers, ducts, and other penetrations through exterior walls
• Roofing, skylights, hatches, MEP penetrations, roof curbs, equipment platforms
• Joint sealants and compatibility to adjacent surfaces
• Interior gypsum drywall assemblies where in-wall blocking or other types of reinforcement are required
• Kitchen and bath installations where MEP coordination is required and in-wall blocking requirements need to be confirmed
• Finish wall items such as signage, window treatments, artwork installation (with lighting) to confirm the location, type, and extent of in-wall reinforcement, if required