Framing Quality Assurance System Can Be Customized

After wood framing contractors and manufacturers identified a need for practical and effective methods to improve the quality of homes they build, HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research commissioned the National Association of Home Builders Research Center to develop Quality Assurance System for Wood Framing Contractors.

The quality assurance system was developed and implemented collaboratively in construction operations by government, industry associations, builders, and framers. The model quality assurance system is designed to be adapted by builders and framing contractors to suit individual company needs.

The manual demonstrates a system for ensuring that qualified personnel perform framing work; controlling materials, tools, work procedures, and equipment that affect quality; and verifying compliance with regulations, product specifications, safety procedures, and builder requirements. It also outlines how to take action to prevent a recurrence of defects and to assess and improve the effectiveness of the quality assurance system.

Quality Assurance identifies a framework that a contractor can use to develop a quality management program. To implement this approach, wood framing contractors are advised to:

• Identify qualified people to take on certain roles related to the improvement program.

• Decide on goals for improvement and identify performance criteria such as code requirements and specifications.

• Determine a baseline through an audit procedure designed to identify deficiencies or opportunities for improvement.

• Provide improvements or training to address deficiencies or opportunities.

• Incorporate regular followup audits and training.

Customization notes throughout the guide identify areas that may need special attention. Quality Assurance includes checklists, forms, and procedures that can be used to create company-specific documents. Appendix A contains template forms, such as an approved materials list, jobsite inspection criteria, a problem report, and an annual quality systems review. Wood framing performance guidelines listed in appendix B help set framing specifications not addressed by building codes, industry standards, lumber grading rules, or manufacturers' installation instructions.

This manual for framing trade contractors was developed under the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing initiative, a government and industry partnership that seeks to accelerate the creation and widespread use of advanced technologies to radically improve the quality, durability, environmental performance, energy efficiency, and affordability of the Nation's housing.

Quality Assurance System for Wood Framing Contractors is available from HUD USER for $5. Use the order form.