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February 2012

Feb 01
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COMPLETING A HEALTH INSURANCE APPLICATION ONLINE IS A SNAP

By Life and Health

There is very little that can’t be done online these days. From buying clothing and food, to attending college, to connecting with friends (and even finding a soul mate), almost anything can be done online. But old habits die hard, and some businesses haven’t yet cut the apron strings of time consuming, wasteful paperwork. A perfect example: Insurance applications. Virtually every aspect of obtaining, updating , and even terminating insurance, can be done online. However, companies across the globe are either unaware of this convenience, or are simply too comfortable with the routine of paperwork they have become accustomed to over the years. Employers want the easiest, most streamlined and efficient process possible when it comes to this otherwise lackluster aspect of doing business — but they don’t always know how to get it.

Especially in smaller companies where the employees and management are all relatively familiar with one another, the intimacy of Health insurance application questions can be embarrassing for employees. Medical history is very private, and if an employee doesn’t want her boss to know about a particular pre-existing condition, she has little choice but to withhold it from the application — unless the applications are done online. Online applications equal privacy for employees. Privacy alone is worth it to most businesses, but the benefits don’t stop there.

The ease of online Health insurance applications is paramount. Just think about the old fashioned way of doing things. Management calls a meeting, passes out large quantities of paperwork, explains the application process, and asks for questions. While holding their applications in hand, employees begin to ponder each and every question. Their eyes scan the pages; medications, pre-existing conditions, other insurances, doctors, alcohol use? Questions start being shouted across the room — the employees’ voices rising into a great cacophony that will only subside hours later, when the Health insurance meeting finally ends because everyone realizes it’s after 5:00. Then comes the “turning in” portion of the Health insurance process. Management announces that applications are due no later than Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon, four employees still haven’t turned in their applications. Josh lost his. Amanda’s is “almost done.” This process is never fun, and far from easy.

Now consider a slightly different scenario involving the online application process. Management calls a meeting. “Hello everyone. We will be changing to a new insurance company. They have an easy, streamlined application process, and their web site will answer any questions you might have about the new policy. The applications are completely confidential, and you can do them at home, on your own time. Just make sure to have them completed by the end of the week or you will be without insurance. The applications are processed immediately, so you should have your new cards by next week. ” While employees are at home, doing their applications in the privacy of their bedroom or den, questions will still arise — just as they did in scenario No. 1. The difference? They will be on a website hosted by the most useful resource available for their questions: The insurance carrier. They are much more likely to browse the site, looking for answers to their questions. A few employees will still make their way into managements’ offices, but they will be fewer and farther between. The “turn in” process will be eliminated. The applications will be processed with lightning speed. The environment, and the employer’s wallet, will be thankful for the reduction in paperwork. Not to mention, Health insurance isn’t a once and done thing. Employees will get married or divorced and will need to update their applications. Babies will be born. Options will be added. Virtually all of these changes can be updated — by the employee — online.

Online applications provide privacy for employees, speed and ease for everyone involved, and a more cost effective, environmentally-friendly process. Most carriers now offer this option, and the rest are not far off. By utilizing an online application process, employers will make their own lives easier while simultaneously winning the favor of their staff.

Feb 01
Love0

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A SEWER BACKUP?

By Personal Perspective

Although many homeowners assume otherwise, their insurance policies do not cover a sewer backup. However, there is separate coverage available. In comparison with the cost of dealing with the aftermath of a sewer backup, coverage is a true bargain. Homeowners are responsible for repairing and maintaining the portion of pipeline that connects their home with their city’s sanitary sewer main. Since this pipeline is actually owned by the homeowner, any parts of it that extend into the public right of way or street are also included. Working on these pipes is a costly chore, so it is important for all homeowners to know how sewer backups are caused. The following three types of blockages are the most common causes of backups.

Tree Roots Blocking Pipelines. Trees thrive on water, so their roots often gravitate toward cracks in sewer lines. Although the growth starts with a few tiny roots penetrating the pipe, they eventually get thicker and expand. They often enter pipelines near the joints, which results in major blockages. Unfortunately, tree roots eventually can span the entire length of the pipe and cause a complete clog. If trees owned by the city are suspected of causing problems, contact their cleanup department immediately. They will often sample the roots to determine who is responsible for cleanup. In some situations, a combination of city trees and privately owned trees are to blame. When this happens, the city and the property owner must split the cost of cleanup and repairs.

Heavy Rains Clogging Storm Sewers. If a sanitary sewer or storm sewer is unable to contain the amount of rain falling, a backup might occur. Water typically enters the home through washtubs, toilets or sump wells in the basement. Although damage is most common in the basement, it can occur anywhere in the home. To help avoid this problem, make sure there is a sump pump to drain the water and a generator that will run the pump if the power goes out.

Sanitary Main Blockages. Several types of blockages are possible in the sanitary main. Blockages result in sewage backing up into the home itself. Fortunately, this occurrence is gradual, so there is time to call a plumber before the house is overcome with sewage. In some cases, there might be a rapid flow of water coming in through the basement. When this happens, it is important to call the city’s public works office immediately.

Each of these events can be very costly. Sewage and standing water can also be hazardous to human health. In addition to this, they destroy nearly every tangible object they meet in a home. A simple calculation of the cost of replacing damaged items and comparing it to the cost of insurance is enough to clarify the importance of adequate coverage. To learn how to obtain protection from sewer backups, discuss available options with our agents today.

Feb 01
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WIRELESS HOME SECURITY ADVANTAGES

By Personal Perspective

Burglar alarm systems have evolved into total security systems in recent years. In the past, these systems were limited to providing protection for a homeowner’s property against carbon monoxide, fire or intruders. However, they offer an entire new form of technology and increased security today. Some of the latest products from the most popular companies have the ability to oversee every function of the home environment. One of the most important parts of this new wave of home security is Z-Wave technology.

Understanding Z-Wave Technology. Z-Wave Technology is considered a mesh networking technology. It was developed in 1999 for the purpose of creating a standard for communication of home devices via wireless radio frequency. This new technology has a major advantage over older home security systems. Since it is constructed similarly to extremely reliable computer network protocols, it offers a much more elite level of protection. Z-Wave technology also serves as a signal repeater by re-broadcasting signals to a network’s additional devices.

Although these revolutionary products are purchased separately from garage door openers, locks and dimming switches, one major security company has introduced the technology into its most recent home security system products. In addition to offering the basic home security functions, this system offers many more advantages, which include light control, climate control and video surveillance. This latest technology development also features remote access to the system’s controls and cameras via a computer at work, a laptop, smart phone, tablet computer, netbook or any other compatible device with access to the Internet.

Reasons to Install Z-Wave. Since millions of property crimes occur each year in the United States, it’s important to have a way to help put criminals behind bars. In some cases, indication of a home security system with stickers is enough to deter criminals. With a burglary occurring every few seconds somewhere in the country, nobody should assume that their property is safe or that this couldn’t happen to them. It’s crucial to have a system offering technology features that surpass the capabilities of criminals. For example, a burglar might simply clip the cords on an outdated system. With the technology of the newest wireless systems, even clipped cords won’t let the criminal get away with their plans. The system will still send electronic notifications to the monitoring company, homeowner and law enforcement if the power cords are cut. Z-Wave’s remote monitoring features give families additional peace of mind that they can know what is happening on their property while they’re miles away from home.

In addition to providing superb protection for an empty house, these systems are also great for parents who want to monitor children, pets, or individuals providing child care in the home. These systems not only let parents know that their children are home but they are also capable of monitoring television and computer usage. The system has the ability to control access to locked closets, cabinets or other areas of the house that are forbidden to children. In a world where crimes are high and perils threaten homes, it’s important to have a good plan to avoid being the victim of theft, fire or any other unwanted incidents.

Feb 01
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DECIDING ON UMBRELLA COVERAGE AMOUNTS

By Personal Perspective

One million dollars is the minimum amount of coverage for an Umbrella policy. However, insurance companies usually offer these types of insurance policies in million dollar increments and often go up to $5 million or $10 million. Some companies that target high net worth individuals might offer up to $50 million or more in coverage. Most people who purchase an Umbrella policy choose the $1 million dollar amount, but many choose $2 million dollars or more. A rough estimate of what it costs for the first million is about $200 to $250 a year, but can be higher if you have more than two cars, young drivers, or points on your record. Although each incremental amount above the first million is slightly less, increments exceeding $10 million can be higher.

The more coverage you have, the more bullet proof you will be if you become liable for a catastrophic incident. One of the best aspects of this coverage is that it’s very inexpensive. It’s important for those considering this type of insurance to avoid cutting corners. Shortcuts cannot be afforded when all accumulated assets from an entire lifetime are in question. Some believe that all they need is coverage for whatever their net worth is, but settlements and judgments can go beyond someone’s assets because damages are never limited to someone’s net worth.

It’s also important to protect future wages from garnishment. The future income of an individual who doesn’t have ample coverage can also be jeopardized. If the person who is injured earns a considerable amount of money, that individual is more likely to be a target of the best liability attorneys.

Although $1 million might appear to be more than enough coverage, the total cost of liability claims can multiply quickly. In today’s world, $1 million isn’t much. It’s not unusual to read in the news of settlements of well over $5 million. Losing the ability to earn an income and facing a lifetime of injuries or medical care can easily total several million dollars over a lifetime, not to mention situations where multiple people are injured, which would multiply the total damages. It’s important to consider what amount would be acceptable for various conditions. For example, ask yourself how much you would settle for if you were paralyzed and unable to work the rest of your life.

Anyone who has something to lose should have at the very minimum a $2 million Umbrella, but if you really have a lot to lose and don’t want to gamble with your life’s wealth, your options are at least a $5 million policy, if not more. Discuss this valuable coverage with one of our agents.

Feb 01
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FOUR COMMON MISTAKES EMPLOYERS MAKE REGARDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

By Business Protection Bulletin

Most employers look at Workers Compensation as just another necessary evil and unavoidable cost of doing business. It’s usually one of those out of sight, out of mind things when rates are low. It’s not until an employer is hit with a rate hike that they really start to give some thought to their Workers Compensation rates.

Employers need to constantly look at Workers Compensation as a tool to improve their business’s bottom line, and they certainly need to make an effort to keep their low rates over the long term so that they can take advantage of some significant savings.

Here are four common mistakes made by employers that frequently deter their Workers Compensation savings:

1. Assuming that lower rates equate to lower costs. Don’t make the faulty assumption that your cost will go down automatically just because your rates have been reduced. Workers Compensation insurers use an experience modification factor to examine the actual losses incurred by the insured company and establish cost. The actual losses are compared with other companies in similar industries. If the insured company’s past losses are below average, then the insurer gives the company a credit rating lowering their premium, but an added surcharge is applied to the premium if the insured company’s past losses are above average.

2. Believing that employers have little control when it comes to the expense of Workers Compensation. Employers know they’ve got to have Workers Compensation insurance. However, this acknowledgment shouldn’t lead to an employer thinking they’ve got to pay excessively for it; employers don’t and shouldn’t. Cost reduction starts at the hiring process. Initiate effective interview techniques and background checks to help ensure the right people are hired for the right jobs. That said, there’s no way to eliminate the possibility of injuries in a workplace completely. Therefore, it’s equally important to have an effective return-to-work program in place to assist injured workers return to work as soon as possible and reduce the cost of their claims.

3. Neglecting or de-emphasizing cost containment and injury management during low rate periods. Safety should be an unyielding focus at all times. This will not only help a company reduce their claim numbers, but also keep their rates low over the long term. Employers need to keep an eye on the issues that frequently impact the costs of claims, such as medical care costs and lost wages. Also, remember that open claims mean escalating costs and negative impacts to the company’s modification factor. Of course, this causes an increased cost for coverage.

4. Not making the association between cost containment and worker retention. Studies have shown that fewer accidents occur among skilled workforces, but even skilled workers can have an accident. A large part of whether or not an injured skilled employee returns to work is based on how their employer responds to them during and after recovery. An important part of an employer’s response will be in having a return-to-work program that includes maintaining constant contact with all injured workers and their health care providers to monitor how they’re recovering and when and how they can get back to work as soon as possible. Skilled employees that are kept in the loop with a return to work program’s periodic phone calls about what workplace changes are occurring in their absence are more likely to return. On the other hand, skilled employees that feel forgotten, undervalued, and disconnected aren’t very likely to return.

Feb 01
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UNDERSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCE

By Business Protection Bulletin

There are four types of insurance that most small businesses purchase. The first is Property insurance. This type of coverage provides compensation if business property is damaged, stolen or lost. In addition to covering the physical business structure, property insurance covers personal property. This includes inventory, office furnishings, raw materials, computers, machinery and other items that are part of business operations. Property insurance coverage doesn’t end with protecting physical assets. It also affords operating funds when business owners are forced to take steps to get their business back on track following a major loss. Property insurance might provide coverage for broken equipment in some cases. It can also provide coverage for water damage, debris removal following a fire and several other specific items.

Business Vehicle insurance is the second type of coverage many small businesses purchase. Anyone who uses their own personal vehicle for business purposes should discuss this type of coverage with their agent. Most personal vehicle insurance policies don’t provide coverage if the automobile that is involved in an accident is used mostly for business purposes. Business Auto insurance policies afford coverage for vehicles that are owned and used by a business. Third parties injured by the policyholder’s vehicle receive compensation for damages up to the policy limit amount. Some policies might provide compensation for repair or replacement of vehicles that are damaged from flooding, theft, accidents and similar events.

The third type of coverage most small businesses purchase is Liability insurance. Any business can face a lawsuit at some point in today’s litigious society. For example, a person might claim that a business caused them harm from a service error, defective product or negligence in providing a safe environment. Liability coverage provides compensation for damages a company is liable for. However, the coverage is only provided up to the policy’s limit amounts. These policies usually also provide funds for legal defense expenses, attorneys’ fees, medical bills and several other related expenses.

Workers Compensation is the fourth type of insurance purchased by many small businesses. In nearly every state, employers are required by law to have Workers Compensation coverage if they have employees. This number usually varies from three to five, and even if a business employs fewer than three employees, it is still wise to purchase this coverage. Workers Compensation pays for a portion of lost wages for workers who are injured. In addition to this, it also covers the medical care they require. Coverage is provided to employees who are injured at work regardless of who is at fault. If workers die as a result of the injuries they sustain, the insurance company compensates the surviving family members of the deceased worker.

In addition to the four major types of coverage purchased, there are several other valuable policies some companies might want to purchase. Umbrella policies, Terrorism coverage and specialized liability policies are all helpful. Umbrella policies, much like an umbrella, cover above and beyond the normal inclusions. These are usually obtained to prevent high losses by businesses with high risks. Specialized liability policies are made up of several types of individual coverage. Terrorism coverage provides compensation for damages and medical care to a certain extent in the event of terrorism.

To find out which options are best for your business, be sure to speak with one of our agents.

Feb 01
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REDUCE PREMIUMS? REDUCE RISK — LOSS CONTROL STRATEGIES

By Business Protection Bulletin

Business owners know an injury to an employee or severe property damage destroys productivity; so all losses should be avoided or reduced. So why do insurance loss control representatives’ visits and the ensuing safety recommendations bother business owners so frequently? Is it a nuisance? Is it the money to implement loss control strategies? Insurance companies understand that the frequency of claims, that is the number of claims, predicts risk levels much more accurately than does the severity of claims.

Insurance company recommendations tend to reduce the frequency of claims. In the long run, reduced frequency leads to better experience and greater discounts. Selfishly, you should implement loss control recommendations that lead to lower costs.

For small business, as defined as those that cannot afford an in-house full time safety officer, the insurance company loss control representative acts in that capacity to review the overall loss control picture. Use this service to your advantage. The insurance company wants to reduce risk as much as you do. Of course, the company is less concerned about the budget to do so when you’re fulfilling their recommendations. So, what can you do about costly compliance measures? Ask the loss control representative for help. These professionals are in the field all the time and see many solutions to the same problems. They will have some cost effective ideas.

What other proactive measures can a business owner implement? First, a loss control survey, sometimes called a risk management survey, outlines every process, job, piece of equipment, or operation with regard to safety.

Once your safety concerns are identified, you can manage the risks in two ways: Loss control measures or strategies. A loss control measure reduces the frequency of claims. A strategy eliminates or reduces risk. Loss measures include installing equipment safety devices, controlling environmental conditions, and supplying proper protective gear. Right now would be a good time to solicit feedback from the insurance loss control representative. They have valuable experience in this area.

Manufacturers and contractors are familiar with equipment safety devices, such as guards on saw blades or operator cages. Ergonomics has become a popular form of loss control that ties into safety devices. Differing control knobs, placement of controls and sight lines improve operator efficiency and eliminate unsafe habits.

Environmental controls, for example ventilation and lighting, reduce worker fatigue, unhealthy air quality, and poor visibility. Injuries decrease in frequency as a result.

Proper protective gear might seem a bit old school, but goggles, gloves, hard hats, protective clothing, and even proper work clothing can help to reduce claims.

Installing guards and providing equipment protection is half the battle. Safety must be taught to employees at all levels for an effective loss reduction program. New and old measures should be embraced by management and implemented correctly.

Insurance loss control departments are a good source for safety lesson plans, posters, or even direct employee meetings to teach and discuss safety issues.

Loss control strategies eliminate or reduce risks. Prevention, avoidance, transfer, and separation are examples of viable strategies.

Prevention strategies anticipate future problems. A business can carefully screen driver applicants with background checks, records, and road testing to preclude poor operators from damaging valuable vehicles or injuring third parties. Avoidance eliminates existing or potential risks. The business screens drivers unsuccessfully; and therefore decides to eliminate its fleet and use common carriers. The business has avoided all risks associated with operating vehicles, but not those associated with shipping products.

Separation segregates risk. The business decides to build a second manufacturing site rather than place both lines in the same building. The risk of both lines being destroyed at the same time is greatly prevented because the exposures are separated.

This strategy might allow one site to shut down for difficult maintenance while the second site continues filling orders. Better maintenance is a safety measure granted by the separation strategy.

Transfer strategies include contractual transfers, subcontracting work, and buying insurance. Transferring is usually a legal risk reducing strategy.

Purchasing insurance is a strategy to fund claims. The business might not technically be reducing losses, but it is keeping those losses – premiums – at a tolerable level. This strategy brings us back to listening to the insurance company recommendations.

If you manage the input proactively rather than withhold feedback from the safety representative, in the long run, you will focus on the important issues, eliminate the intolerable risks, and attain affordable insurance premiums.

Feb 01
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BEST PRACTICES & SURETY REQUIREMENTS

By Construction Insurance Bulletin

Construction firms must have a financial plan in order to keep up with competition, capture surety support and grow through partnership. In today’s market, it is crucial to perfect this strategy as quickly as possible. This is especially true because of the large number of requests for proposals designed to benefit small businesses. However, these RFPs come with risks. Steep liquidated damages and consequential damages leave small businesses with no choice other than blending with larger businesses to maximize surety support.

To guarantee the bonding they need, construction firms must adopt several best practices. The following are some examples of essential best practices:

  • Establishing a continuity plan that is funded by Life insurance.
  • Keeping a certified public accountant who is construction oriented.
  • Using job-cost accounting software to track data for financial statements.
  • Maintaining ample insurance coverage.

By using these practices, construction firms can increase their surety support and company respect. In addition to the surety, this idea also applies to any team partner.

Importance of a Construction-Oriented CPA. These certified public accountants are able to provide valuable insight into a field that has an extremely difficult pre-qualification process for surety bonding. In addition to their insight, CPAs can assist in a financial statement’s required accrual-based percentage. They also know who the key players are, and they always provide helpful information about the negative effects of profit fade for contractors. Since profit fade is a detriment to sureties, contractors must submit CPA-created financial statements for jobs exceeding $350,000. Approval is based on personal credit. There are varying rules for large projects and small businesses. To learn more about these rules, discuss them with us.

Working with a Stronger Contractor. Bond capacity is the amount of work a contractor can finance at one time. This number is the amount required to complete all un-bonded and bonded jobs. Sureties typically offer bonding credit up to one and a half times the amount of the largest completed job, and they usually offer about 20 times the working capital as capacity. This is because general contractors typically finance very little of their total workload. Subcontractors are normally offered about 10 times the working capital for sureties. However, there are exceptions. An escrow agent controls the funds from projects. He or she receives the funds from the owner, pays the suppliers, pays the subcontractors and then pays the prime contractor. There are special rules for indemnification and joint ventures.

The SBA Bond Guarantee Program. This is an alternative surety option available to contractors. It is designed to establish small business contractors’ bonding credit by guaranteeing up to 90 percent of the bonded risk. In order to participate in this program, small businesses do not have to participate in the SBA’s small disadvantaged programs or 8(a). There are two different plan categories. Plan B is for corporate sureties that are maintaining, underwriting and approving bonds on behalf of the SBA. Plan A includes bond accounts that are submitted to both the SBA and corporate surety for approval. To learn about the advantages and disadvantages for small or large businesses, discuss them with an agent. Since the SBA’s program might change, it is important to learn the up-to-date information from our office.

Feb 01
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DESIGN-BUILD INSURANCE ISSUES

By Construction Insurance Bulletin

Managing design-build risk for any entity is something that requires careful consideration. There are many differences between design-bid-build projects and design-build projects. One of the most prominent differences is insurance coverage. In both types of projects, all parties share goals and have individual concerns. Since contractual relationships in these two types of projects vary, so do the methods of balancing risks.

Understanding Liability Concerns. If a problem arises when the owner has separate contracts with the designer and constructor, it is easier to distinguish whether the problem is a design flaw or a construction mistake. However, the law has a statute of limitations for design errors and building functionality. Both types of issues can result in messy and complicated lawsuits as time passes. For example, if a building experiences air quality problems two years after its construction, the cause of the problem could be shared by two or more parties involved in its design, construction and maintenance. When these issues turn into insurance claims, the parties involved often realize that their coverage is inadequate. Since insurance for these projects has changed in the past decade, the need for evaluation is crucial. Discuss the new changes, insurance requirements and helpful suggestions with an agent.

How to Solve Insurance Deficiencies. For those who are relying on General Liability coverage, it is essential to have modifications made to the policy. For example, companies that perform design-build work should add the design-build rider or the means and methods rider. Adding a rider closes the deficiency gap for liability coverage in a general policy. Another beneficial addition for design builders is Contractor’s Pollution Liability with a fungus inclusion. This affords protection from mold that results from damages. Another option instead of the combination of CPL and CGL riders is a Contractor’s Protective Professional and Indemnity policy, which is commonly called a CPPI. This type of product includes pollution and professional liability. Since the individual options are complicated, please discuss them with one of our agents. To get a clearer picture of what should be done to enjoy the strongest protection, consider the following liability tips:

  • Make sure the policy includes errors and omissions, which is layered as excess over the E&O coverage for architects.
  • Study the rules for the extended reporting period.
  • Ensure the policy period meets the project’s requirements.
  • Carefully examine the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.
  • Make sure the claim notification procedures are understood.
  • Instead of asking for only a certificate of insurance from contractors and sub-contractors, ask to see the policy itself.

Importance of Bonding. Many people in design building misunderstand bonding. Surety bonds are made between the surety and contractor to benefit the owner. They are classified as a credit instrument. While they are meant to benefit owners, brokers usually sell them. Owners should always ask for a total performance bond in any design-build project. If they are not requested, many types of unintended consequences can produce a messy situation. It is important to ensure that the design builder purchases surety products that include the contract’s entire cost. To learn all of the insurance issues for an individual project or company, discuss them with one of our agents.

Feb 01
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5-STEP CONSTRUCTION QUALITY ASSURANCE

By Construction Insurance Bulletin

Planning Construction projects such as roads, industrial structures, stadiums, bridges, homes and various commercial buildings bring the need for a quality assurance process. Since even a tiny defect or flaw in any of these construction projects can have dangerous effects, it is imperative to develop a plan before construction begins. It is also necessary to monitor the quality assurance plan’s effectiveness throughout the span of the project. The cost of implementing a good quality assurance program is small in comparison with the possible large amount of money required to deal with the effects of lapses, defects and flaws. To better understand what a quality assurance plan in construction should include, consider the following steps.

1. Define Requirements. This should always be the first step. To accomplish this task, determine what the needs of the customer are. Listen carefully to the customer, and rephrase ideas to ensure their needs are fully understood. The structural designs of the project should be determined by the customer’s specific needs. In the design phase, it is also important to decide on types of material to use. Define the standards for the structure’s construction to determine what components must be included in the quality assurance process. It is also important to consider surrounding factors. For example, the soil and construction site must undergo several tests to check climatic conditions. All parties involved must be certain to comply with any environmental protection laws. By considering these laws during this first phase, it is easier to incorporate them into the decision of materials and design planning. Keep in mind that the site should not pose a pollution threat to bodies of water nearby. Sound pollution must also be minimal, and it should not cause inconvenience to people who live nearby.

2. Material Requirements. After the initial project requirements have been defined, it is necessary to list all of the materials and supplies that will be used. Be sure to include their respective specifications. Note any brand requests, and add reminders for materials that must be certified. All of these details are necessary to ensure that the chosen materials match the quality and design needs for the project.

3. Planning. Once the material planning is finished, start developing a plan for the task’s completion. This plan should clearly outline the workflow. Invite several tenders to obtain the building material and supplies. During this process, document each step for future reference.

4. Material Testing. It is imperative to test the materials before using them. During this process, third parties or internal laboratories test the composition of the chosen materials. Whether private or internal labs are used, a uniform set of work quality standards from various institutes dictate decisions. Issues such as steel’s tensile strength or the compression strength of bricks are tested. Based on the results of tests or trials, the chosen materials will be approved or disapproved.

5. During Construction. In this final step, quality assurance is measured throughout the construction process. Supervisors must ensure that all standards outlined in the previous steps are upheld. Several different quality assurance measures should be taken to reduce the likelihood of any breaches. Supervisors must also check workmanship quality and conformance. With the help of external and internal audits, quality checks are stronger. If quality control supervisors find any components to be below the set standards, they must determine the cause. After this, they must develop a rework plan to fix the issue.

Since the cost of rework is very high, quality assurance should never be neglected. In addition to this, the liability issues connected with poor design quality can be detrimental to a company’s budget and reputation.

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