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Free inspections for correctness - check.

Extended warranties - check.

Minimize callbacks - check.

Involving the manufacturer’s representative and product installers in the construction process provides obvious benefits for everyone. We typically get manufacturer’s representatives involved for windows, siding, roofing, flooring and PVC trim, especially if we’re using a new product for the first time.

So Why Wouldn’t the Contractor Do This?

Contractors might not be willing to bring in a manufacturer’s representative on a project because it can add time to the project. Everyone’s already working straight out, and let’s be honest, who has time for more meetings?! If a project is on a tight schedule, the contractor might decide the extra work just isn’t worth it.

What Does Partnering Involve?

The benefits to the owner, the contractor and even the manufacturer are huge. The main goal of involving the manufacturer’s representative is to ensure their product is installed correctly. This means any meetings need to have the manufacturer’s representative, architect, contractor and installer present.

First there is a pre-installation meeting to verify the specified and approved materials are the ones being installed.

Next, the invested parties install the product together on the mock-up or, if there’s not a mock-up, the first time the product is being installed on the job. The manufacturer walks everyone through the recommended installation guidelines, and the architect ensures the product meets their expectations.

During the installation of the product, the manufacturer’s representative returns to the site to inspect the work and confirm it is being installed correctly.

Upon completion of the work, the manufacturer’s representative will conduct the warranty inspection.

Case Study: Partnering with a Hardie Representative

On one project we partnered with a Hardie representative and the siding installer. During the pre-installation meeting, we reviewed the products to be used on the project and the manufacturer’s recommended installation procedures. We developed a plan for the window and door flashing to provide a tight, waterproof envelope. We also reviewed the Hardie installation checklist in order to achieve the extended warranty.

During installation inspections, we received immediate feedback about the work, reviewed job-specific installation details and received suggestions for better product longevity.

When the siding was completed, we scored a perfect 100 on the manufacturer’s warranty inspection and were able to secure the best manufacturer’s warranty – 50 years instead of 25 – for the owner.

Summary

It’s a win-win-win situation for the owner, product manufacturer and contractor when the contractor brings the manufacturer’s representative together with the architect and installer to review a product. This partnership mitigates the risk of product failure and incorrect installation, saving everyone time and money in the long run. The contractor can secure extended warranties for the owner, callbacks for issues with the product are minimized and the architect will specify the product again on another job.

Stay tuned for last part of this five part series, which will cover the importance of conducting field inspections during and after the installation of the work.

Check out our other articles in this series:

Quality Control in Construction: An Overview (Part 1 of 5)

Quality Control in Construction: Submittal Review Process (Part 2 of 5)

Quality Control in Construction: 4 Reasons to Create Mock Ups (Part 3 of 5)

Contact us to discuss how we can help you on your building project.