Quality Control & Process Improvement Flashcards

A handyman notices that drywall screws are consistently set too deep, leaving craters. What is the FIRST corrective action?

Answer: Adjust the screw gun clutch setting

Adjusting the clutch setting on the screw gun addresses the root cause of over-driving screws.

Which quality control practice best prevents rework when installing ceramic tile?

Answer: Laying out a dry run before setting tile with adhesive

Dry-fitting tiles before adhesive installation identifies layout problems before they become permanent.

What does the term 'punch list' mean in construction quality control?

Answer: A list of deficiencies to correct before project completion

A punch list documents outstanding defects or incomplete items that must be addressed before final acceptance.

When a client reports that a newly installed faucet drips after the handyman left, the BEST process improvement response is to:

Answer: Return promptly, diagnose the cause, and document the failure mode

Returning to diagnose and document the failure creates a feedback loop that prevents similar errors on future jobs.

Which measurement tool is essential for verifying that a door frame is plumb during installation?

Answer: 4-foot level or plumb bob

A level or plumb bob directly measures vertical alignment, which is required to confirm a frame is plumb.

A handyman consistently finishes jobs 20% over the estimated time. Which process improvement step should come first?

Answer: Track time per task on several jobs to find where overruns occur

Data collection through time tracking identifies which specific tasks take longer than estimated, enabling targeted improvement.

What is the purpose of a moisture meter in quality control for flooring installation?

Answer: To verify subfloor moisture is within acceptable limits before installing new flooring

Excessive subfloor moisture causes flooring to warp or buckle, and a moisture meter verifies conditions are acceptable before installation.