Masonry Magazine January 2001 Page. 22
By Rashod R Johnson, Director of Engineering
Mason Contractors Association of America
The construction boom that America has been experiencing over the last several years has created overwhelming markets for mason contractors. But this prosperity has also brought with it a rash of contractors less skilled in providing a quality construction project. Recently a popular topic of discussion in national and local media is quality construction. Obviously it is the responsibility, and in the best interest, of the mason contractor to do the best job possible in constructing masonry structures. However, it is also the responsibility of the inspector to ensure that a quality project is constructed. An important part of any construction project is inspection. Therefore, the inspector's role is very important, relying heavily on their knowledge and good judgment, which are critical to obtaining a structurally sound and functional project. Traditionally, the inspector and the contractor have been adversaries, however times are changing. In a time where other competitive building materials are at their strongest, the mason contractor needs to ensure that the project is of highest quality and is cost effective in the long run. Quality inspection can help achieve this goal.
A large piece of the quality puzzle is the inspection process. Because contractors recognize quality construction, it is in their best interest to make sure that their inspectors are equally educated in masonry. One group working to educate inspectors is The Masonry Society (TMS) which has formed a subcommittee to develop a training program that can be adopted at the local level to perpetuate the education of building inspectors. How does this affect the contractor? As more qualified building inspectors are educated in masonry, the easier the inspection process will go, and ultimately result in the highest quality masonry construction project. To ensure that masonry will maintain its status as the premier building material, efforts must be made to bridge the gap between the building inspector and the mason contractor.
In an interview with Chicago based home inspector Steve Hier, Masonry Magazine explores some common issues in masonry inspection from a private inspector's view, and how some of these everyday problems can be avoided.
The GOOD, the BAD, & the UGLY
How quality inspection can promote the industry's imag
22 MASONRY-JANUARY, 2001