Construction Quality Assurance Observations (QAO) focus on verifying that building components are installed properly during construction through field observations and testing. Building commissioning, by contrast, is a broader, performance-based process that begins in design and continues through occupancy to validate that systems meet defined performance goals.
What is the role of quality assurance in construction?
During the construction process, property owners often want to have an independent third party perform Quality Assurance Observations (QAO) and testing for the installation of components of the building enclosure. These observations are not necessarily required by the building department or local codes, but instead are designed to check that certain aspects of the building are constructed properly.
Generally, these construction observations focus on areas such as waterproofing, doors and windows, roofing, floor flatness, Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) and other areas that impact the performance of the building and the occupant comfort. In addition, ECS can perform testing to verify proper sequencing and care are being observed.
