Misconception in construction

The first topic I have in mind for this first week of the year is about Misconception. A lot of people are making a lot of mistakes because of this. As the owner of Andrew Grace Homebuilders and as a project engineer, I came to face the disadvantages of cracks in the construction industry. So for me, to have a detailed understanding and knowledge about this, this is what I did for my Thesis under Masters in Management Major in Engineering Management.

Hairline crack is common to all concrete walls. This is due to the ratio and proportion of water content, type of cement used, change in temperature, thickness of the concrete mortar and movements of the earth. Concrete wall hairline crack is not a structural defect, nobody could stop the natural movement of the earth. Unless it is a see through crack where you could see the outside from the inside of the wall.

Another client misconception in building construction is the cause of the paint bubbles in the wall or ceiling. When I attended a seminar from Boysen Philippines, I’ve learned the correct process. The homeowners thought that bubbles are from the low quality of paints used. Actually, it is the result of improper procedure. The painter must know that there is a certain period for curing of the concrete in a plastered wall. Usually it would take 14 days before the concrete plastered wall to be neutralized with a chemical. After the application of the chemical, another 14 days must pass for the application of the first paint coating. The bubbles is the result of the water content of the mortar, if the concrete plastered still have a water content and painted already, the water will push the paint that could result to bubbles.


Misconception is an opinion, false idea, mistaken belief, wrong impression or delusion. When we say opinion, it’s personal view. It is ones own perception that could be resolved by communication, asking question or research. It is a wrong judgment because of the insufficient or incomplete knowledge.


As a contractor, I build residential house, renovate buildings, coordinated the paint colors, doing the interior designs, check the electrical and plumbing if they are in accordance with the set of building plans, purchase and deliver the materials needed in the project and everything that anyone could do in construction, even landscaping. Another common misconception of a client is that they thought all contractors are only for the licensed Civil Engineers.

In all parts of the world and in this business, everyone could be a contractor. A contractor is the one overseeing the whole project; they are hired to give service even with the help of different sub contractors to finish the project and usually the contractor is the project engineer or project manager.

From wikipedia, “A contractor must first assess the project-specific documents (referred to as tender documents). In the case of renovations, a site visit is required to get a better understanding of the project. The contractor will then calculate a price, also called an estimate. The contractor considers the cost of materials and equipment as well as the cost of labor to provide the owner with an approximate price for the project.
Contract documents include a budget, any general and special conditions, and blueprints and specifications prepared by a design professional such as an architect. In many instances the general contractor is the project engineer or project manager for construction projects.
A general contractor is responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment (engineering vehicles and tools) and services necessary for the construction of the project. The general contractor hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or portions of the construction work.
Responsibilities may include applying for building permits, securing the property, providing temporary utilities on site, managing personnel on site, providing site surveying and engineering, disposing of or recycling construction waste, monitoring schedules and cash flows, and maintaining accurate records.”- Wikipedia


FILIPINO CONSTRUCTORS’ CODE OF ETHICS

1. A constructor should be fair and honest in his business dealings, his practices and activities guided by principles of justice and equity.

2. A constructor should conduct himself with honor and dignity in his relations with his fellow constructors, fully aware that to speak maliciously of the work reputation or ability of a fellow constructor is highly unethical, and should cooperate with them for the protection and advancement of the construction industry

3. A constructor should carry his construction contracting on a high ethical level and deliver quality service and faithful performance of the undertaking to which owner-clients are entitled.

4. A constructor should not advertise his firm’s business in misleading terms and false representations, which is not only improper but also immoral.

5. A constructor should refrain from unfair competition, which is a disservice to the construction industry.

6. A constructor should be fair and just to his employees, considering their welfare with sympathy and understanding.

7. A constructor should not attempt to supplant a fellow constructor who is in the employ or to prevent a constructor from undertaking that which the owner has engaged him to do, as it is a practice inconsistent with the honor and dignity of the construction industry.

8. A constructor should hold himself dedicated to the proposition that the construction industry should be rid of participants whose reputation.