Changeworks discuss the importance of a robust quality assurance process
Changeworks Technical Support Manager Ewan Fisher explains the importance of a robust quality assurance process.
In this article, Changeworks Technical Support Manager Ewan Fisher - who recently presented at the SFHA Risk Management and Quality Assurance in Retrofit- explains the importance of a robust quality assurance process.
Why is Quality Assurance important?
For a retrofit project to deliver expected outcomes, the standard of workmanship and installation has to be high. Quality Assurance (QA) and risk management on retrofit projects is key to ensure compliance with procurement, specification and delivery of measures in all domestic retrofit projects. Changeworks’ QA team have a detailed understanding of retrofit and can spot where installed measures fall short of the relevant standards.
Value of Quality Assurance
Oversight of installations and quality checks begin before the work itself starts, continue throughout the installation, and conclude with a final sign off once works are complete. Independent inspections monitor contractor performance and ensure that expected energy efficiency and cost savings are realised. As QA inspections are carried out at various stages of the work, issues can be addressed as they arise, rather than compounding and causing bigger problems down the line.
Works to existing buildings can have additional risks and unforeseen consequences. A robust QA process ensures both effective and safe retrofits, protecting building occupants. For social housing retrofits, the benefits of QA extend to the housing association, their tenants, and the contractors carrying out the work.
As well as trusting the quality of the work, housing associations can also feel confident in the progress of their project. Regular reports help to establish a timeline for project completion, a timeline for addressing remedial issues, and support reporting for contractor key performance indicators (KPIs).
Tenants not only benefit from safe and effective energy efficiency upgrades, they also get the reassurance of an impartial third party who can support with any enquiries they may have. The Changeworks QA team offer an important mediation point between tenants and the contractors carrying out the work, which can help address tenant concerns before they escalate to complaints.
Finally, since QA inspections also focus on health and safety, the contractors themselves benefit too. A keen eye for health and safety compliance helps minimise the risk of workplace accidents.
Case study
At Changeworks, our QA team works on a range of retrofit projects of different scales and building tenures. We have expertise across internal and external building fabric upgrades and installation of zero carbon heating systems. Our team is grounded in
adhering to best practice approaches and adopting PAS2035 methodology to retrofit assessment, coordination and risk management.
We recently worked with Glen Housing Association to upgrade the windows, doors and ventilation across several of their properties. Housing Manager at Glen Housing Association Ian Byers said of the service,
"Large retrofit programmes can be all consuming, and using the Changeworks Quality Assurance service helps ensure that our resources are not overstretched and frees up staff time…There is a comfort in knowing that experts in the field are overseeing the work and that the Quality Assurance team has access to all of the Changeworks technical expertise."
An independent and expert quality assurance service can ensure the success of a retrofit project, bringing benefits to all stakeholders. If you are interested in how our QA team can support a retrofit project for your housing association, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at workwithus@changeworks.org.uk to find out more.