You're overseeing a high-profile construction project. How do you choose quality over cost for materials?

Long-Term Value: Consider the lifespan and durability of materials. Higher quality materials might have a higher upfront cost but can reduce maintenance and replacement costs over time. Project Requirements: Align the material quality with the specific requirements of the project. For example, if you're constructing a building in a region prone to severe weather, investing in higher-quality, weather-resistant materials could be crucial. Safety and Compliance: Ensure materials meet safety standards and regulatory requirements. Quality materials are less likely to fail, which helps avoid potential safety issues and compliance problems.

If I was to answer this question 5-7 years ago it would have by and large been cost driven. In my current construction environment (Healthcare construction), supply chain at times drives over the cost concerns leaving less options. For instance a project had Corrugated Metal Pipe 10’ diameter used for underground site storm water retention. Product spec’d came with a 9 month lead time but we found another supplier, more expensive but came with a 3 month lead time. Schedule could not take the long lead hit. I’ve seen this with a lot of products like insulating components, electrical gear and components, radius structural steel etc. Sometimes the alternate source product is similar in price seen as a wash. Something to asses!

When overseeing a high-profile construction project, I prioritize quality over cost by: Setting Clear Standards: Define quality goals and specifications from the start. Researching Thoroughly: Compare materials based on durability and performance. Consulting Experts: Leverage insights from architects and engineers. Evaluating Long-term Value: Consider long-term benefits and reduced maintenance costs. Ensuring Safety: Use materials that meet safety regulations and industry standards. Building Supplier Relationships: Partner with reputable suppliers for quality materials. Communicating Transparently: Explain the value of quality to stakeholders. Implementing Quality Control: Regularly inspect materials and workmanship.

To prioritize quality over cost in a construction project, define clear material specifications, select reputable suppliers, perform a lifecycle cost analysis, look for materials with certifications like LEED or ISO, and implement rigorous on-site testing. These strategies ensure durability, sustainability, long-term savings, and environmental responsibility, while maintaining budgetary goals. By focusing on these strategies, you can build a project that stands the test of time.

Las telecomunicaciones y redes sociales permiten acceder con mayor falicilidad y rapidez a los catálogos y fichas técnicas de producto. Aquí es importante contar con la opinión experta para entender las características de la aplicación y así lograr ubicar los productos adecuados para lograr acabados óptimos en nuestras obras.

Researching all the materials available and choosing what is best for the project is crucial. Just because its the most expensive does not always mean its the best. Ultimately we want the material that makes the client happy and is user friendly to our field staff.

Pour réussir cette étape de recherche des bons matériaux, on doit toujours collaborer avec des experts pour un meilleur choix, soit coté qualité qui veut dire des caractéristiques techniques qui répond favorablement aux conditions de leurs destinations et leurs utilisations, et soit coté disponibilité et cout, et malheureusement se dernier se considère comme un paramètre décisif dans le choix pour les maitres d'ouvrages.

Nunca podemos nos esquecer que o código do consumidor traz peso de lei as normas ABNT! Os materiais precisam seguir normas ou apresentar testes de desempenho que demonstrem com clareza a que vieram!

In these cases, we should analyze costs based on several factors, as cost analysis can reveal quality differences over time. For large-scale projects, maintenance can be the most challenging aspect, and a thorough analysis can ensure the quality of the materials used.It may deliver financial saving and value over time.

Une estimation précise des coûts est la base d'une gestion réussi des coûts des matériaux, et pour améliorer le processus d'estimation des coûts, je veux me concentrer sur un aspect très important qu'est d'envisager des matériaux alternatifs qui peuvent permettre de réaliser des économies sans compromettre la qualité ou les performances, et je cite l'exemple des matériaux recyclés, ses derniers peuvent souvent réduire les coûts tout en s'alignant sur les objectifs environnementaux.

Once again time needed to do such exercise cannot be compromised...that is including expert or experienced cost analysis. It is also important that updates of improvement of materials is kept while the project progress, it could help in getting better materials at attractive costs which are still acceptable for the intended purpose...which in turn becomes a win win situation

D'après mon expérience, le matériaux le moins coûteux, n'est pas toujours le plus économique. L'économie dans ce contexte va au delà du coût initial du matériaux, mais tient compte de la durabilité, le coût d'entretient et l'efficacité énergétique. En plus, les projets de grandes envergures, sont susceptible d'impacter l'environnement et une grande population aujourd'hui et dans les générations futures. L'éthique en Aménagement nous impose donc de faire un choix de matériaux basé sur le conforts des êtres humains et la protection de l'environnement plutôt que sur le coûts initial uniquement. Il faut donc une analyse de coût approfondie pour assurer cette responsabilité éthique. La qualité n'as pas de prix, dit-on.

En este punto siempre aplico algo en los equipos de trabajo: la diferencia que se debe marcar entra barato y económico o si se quiere caro y costoso. En la medida que el producto elegido para una aplicacion cuente con respaldo del proveedor (comercializadora o fabricante), tengamos certeza d ellas características técnicas del mismo y se observe casos de éxito anteriores. Podemos estar tranquilos que estamos cumpliendo con el objetivo. Por lo general lo más barato siempre sale más caro al final de todo.

Robust stakeholders engagement is key an aspect of value management practice, also value engineering principle should be used in projects most especially when considering cost against quality

Sin duda alguna incorpora al cliente y asesora cada toma de decisión. Si aplicas Scrum como framework para la gestión de la construcción, la incorporación del cliente dentro del proceso constructivo es natural.

Los equipos de trabajo deben actuar de forma abierta a las observaciones y recomendaciones que se puedan encontrar. Es muy importante tomar en cuenta un comentario a tiempo para no cometer errores que incrementen posteriormente los costos del proyecto. Tener un objetivo claro y las actividades diseñadas, nos permite llegar a mejores resultados, pero tener en cuenta las observaciones pertinentes, nos da una gran posibilidad de éxito en cualquier proceso.

Stakeholder engagement is always key as the variety of perspectives can help guide decisions, prevent changes and reduce risk down the line. Ensuring all needed feedback is compiled ahead of time can also expedite the procurement process.

The construction industry is one of the biggest consumers of natural resources, and sadly the greatest factor leading to environmental degradation. It is essential to thoroughly evaluate the impacts of those construction materials on the environment and replace them with valuable eco-friendly high-quality materials.

Some of the most expensive materials have been know to be the worst to the environment. I like to watch the movie "The Greening Of Southie" with my students during Green Building Awareness Class. The movie explains how a LEED building comes to shape and what defines it. One of the best things a builder can do is use locally sourced materials close to the job. Helps keep the carbon footprint low and also helps the local economy.

Quality does not mean to sacrifice the environment. As this is a high-profile construction project, this should set an example and be a standard in protecting the environment. Environmental Impact will be my main consideration.

To choose quality over cost focus on "Long-Term Value". Consider durability, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle costs to ensure the materials chosen will provide lasting quality and reliability for the project.

Comprender que las obras civiles son inversiones importantes en tiempo y recursos, nos permite implementar todos procesos necesarios para lograr, resistencia, durabilidad, belleza y sobre todo balanza financiera. Las personas invierten recursos, ideas y sueños, así pues, los que ejecutamos proyectos de construcción debemos ser conscientes de la importancia que tiene hacer un buen trabajo para generar tranquilidad y felicidad.

Prioritizing quality over the cost will always plays a vital role in the long term functionality of any system. The system will be working efficiently for long time thus leading reduced energy consumption which is eventually cost saving. Initial cost may be high but adopting that strategy will be saving the longterm maintenance and energy consumption cost for the client.

In choosing materials for a project one must also consider the Laws of the country, Local by-laws and International laws of the materials been used. Because at this moment a number of materials are been disputed by environmental activist and other organizations. Example are some petroleum products, when such materials are used in the near future such projects might be pulled down or abounding.

I truly believe that you cannot confine yourself to just one answer from these options..". As a professional in construction management, it's essential to confidently consider all of these tasks as part of your role. After you have done that you present them to the stakeholder or board. Knowing it is their cost ownership whether it's a good choice or bad choice you did your job by giving them the facts and your input with experience in the field where they more than likely neglect that knowledge hence the reason they hire individuals with this talent.