Quality Controller (Interior Projects)

1. Job Summary

The Quality Controller for Interior Projects is responsible for ensuring that all interior fit-out work is executed to the highest standards of quality, adhering strictly to the approved design drawings, project specifications, and material submittals. This role involves proactive monitoring, inspection, and documentation throughout the project lifecycle, from material procurement to final handover, to prevent defects and ensure ultimate client satisfaction.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Pre-Construction Phase:

• Document Review:

  Thoroughly review all project documents including architectural and interior design (ID) drawings, Bill of Quantities (BOQ), technical specifications, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) plans to identify any potential quality issues or discrepancies.

• Material Approval:

  Inspect and approve material submittals from contractors and suppliers (e.g., tiles, marble, wood, laminates, hardware, paints, fabrics) to ensure they match the project specifications and quality benchmarks.

• Method Statement Review:

  Review and provide input on contractor's method statements for various activities like blockwork, plastering, tiling, painting, and joinery installation.

• Mock-up Inspection:

  Supervise and approve the construction of on-site mock-ups for critical finishes (e.g., a sample guest room, a section of flooring/wall paneling) to establish the benchmark for quality.

• Checklist Preparation:

  Develop detailed inspection checklists for all major interior work packages.

B. Construction & Execution Phase:

• Material Receiving Inspection:

  Conduct inspections of all materials delivered to the site, verifying them against approved samples for quality, quantity, brand, and potential damage. Reject any non-conforming materials.

• In-Process Inspections:

• Civil & Structural Works:

  Monitor the quality of internal blockwork, plastering (checking for smoothness and right angles using a 90^\circ square), and screeding (checking for levels).

• Flooring & Tiling:

  Inspect floor preparation, waterproofing (if applicable), and the installation of tiles, marble, or wood, checking for correct levels, lippage, consistent grout lines, and finish.

• Walls & Partitions:

  Inspect gypsum/drywall installation, wall paneling, wallpaper application, and painting finishes. Ensure smooth surfaces, sharp edges, and uniform color application without defects like brush marks or peeling.

• Ceilings:

  Check the alignment and level of false ceiling grids, the finishing of gypsum boards, and the installation of cornices and coving.

• Joinery & Carpentry:

  Inspect the fabrication and installation of doors, windows, wardrobes, cabinets, and custom furniture. Check for precise dimensions, alignment, proper functioning of hardware (hinges, channels), and flawless finishing of veneers/laminates.

• MEP Clearance:

  Conduct inspections for MEP first fix (conduiting, pipework) and second fix (installation of switches, sockets, lights, sanitaryware) to ensure they are correctly positioned and installed as per drawings before finishing works commence.

• Non-Conformance Management:

  Identify and record any work that does not meet the specified quality standards. Issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) to the concerned contractor and track them until the defect is rectified and closed out.

• Reporting:

  Prepare daily and weekly quality reports detailing inspection activities, observations, NCR status, and photographic evidence.

C. Post-Construction & Handover Phase:

• Snagging (Punch Listing):

  Conduct detailed final inspections of all areas to identify any defects, imperfections, or outstanding items (snags).

• De-snagging:

  Verify that all items on the snag list have been corrected by the contractor to the required standard.

• Handover Documentation:

  Compile all quality-related documentation, including inspection reports, test certificates, material approvals, and NCR closure reports, into a final QA/QC dossier for project handover.

• Lessons Learned:

  Participate in project close-out meetings to provide feedback on quality challenges and contribute to lessons learned for future projects.

3. Required Skills and Qualifications

• Education:

  Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or Interior Design.

• Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience as a QA/QC Inspector or Site Engineer with a focus on high-quality interior fit-out projects.
• Experience in commercial office, hospitality (hotels), high-end residential, or retail projects is highly desirable.

• Technical Skills:

• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and shop drawings.
• In-depth knowledge of interior construction materials, quality standards, and installation methods.
• Familiarity with industry standards and building codes.
• Proficient in using MS Office (Word, Excel) for reporting and documentation.

• Soft Skills:

• Meticulous Attention to Detail:

  An exceptional eye for identifying even minor defects and imperfections.

• Strong Communication Skills:

  Ability to clearly and professionally communicate quality requirements and non-conformance issues to contractors, project managers, and designers.

• Assertiveness and Integrity:

  The confidence to reject substandard work and materials, upholding quality standards even under pressure.

• Problem-Solving Skills:

  Ability to suggest corrective actions for identified quality issues.

• Organizational Skills:

  Excellent ability to manage documentation, track issues, and prioritize tasks effectively.

4. Preferred Qualifications (Bonus Points)

• Certification in Quality Management (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Experience with luxury or 5-star hotel projects.
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Aconex, Procore).
• Knowledge of sustainable/green building practices (e.g., LEED, BREEAM).

5. Working Conditions

• This is primarily a site-based role, requiring a presence on the construction site for the majority of the workday.
• Must be prepared to work in a construction environment, which may include exposure to dust and noise.
• Requires physical fitness, including the ability to walk extensively, climb stairs, and stand for long periods.
• Working hours may be extended to meet project deadlines.