Setting the Bar with SCAL’s Accredited Builder Scheme

26-Feb-2024


Assessment and auditing, more than simply rewarding or punishing practices, is a collaborative process involving both SCAL and aspiring builders-it is as much about scoring as it is about helping builders build themselves into better organisations at every level.

Change in the industry, however, must occur at both the individual level and the level of the firm. In a bid to raise and mould performance standards among relatively smaller builders-General Builder License Class 1 & 2 and below as well as specialist builders-to map recent advancements to these important and rising businesses as well, SCAL has established the SCAL Accredited Builder Scheme (SABS) to recognise excellence in construction and provide a benchmark for firms to rise to and a lodestar to guide stakeholders on matters of quality.

Kenneth Chew, Operations Manager at Brickford Construction Pte Ltd, a SCAL Accredited Builder, mentioned the vital need for firm-level in the construction industry: "There are many contractors out there but not many are qualified to handle proper, serious building. Sometimes we are called in to clean up the mess left behind by contractors without know-how or experience." 

Without adequate accreditation, several non-negotiable standards are at risk of becoming dangerously fluid or even optional. These might include lax safety measures around scaffolding or ledge and facade installation or even hazardously messy installation of wiring and piping. Apart from the obvious ill effects of such lower-quality work, there is the reputation damage: bad contractors contribute to a bad perception of the construction industry's competence. "SABS is a good move to clean up some of the black sheep," Kenneth noted. 

Brickford transitioned from origins in maintenance and fittings to a GB2 builder focusing on steel structures and wet works with landed houses. It sought to keep its growth momentum going by aiming for a SABS accreditation as well. And in SABS it found a smooth experience with real benefits to its operations. "The whole administrative process was rather quick, and the auditor came down to walk through all the paperwork and regulations," Kenneth said, "He also recommended additional measures before conducting a quality check on site." 

 

The biggest appeal [of SABS] is the improvement in on-site quality. We can sometimes be blinded by quality on site so it's good to have someone like the SABS auditor to check and guide you.

- Kenneth Chew, Operations Manager at Brickford Construction Pte Ltd, a SCAL Accredited Builder
 


Having an auditor that could supply valuable prescriptions for improvement was a key expectation of Kenneth before venturing into the SABS process, and he says this expectation was fulfilled. "The biggest appeal [of SABS] is the improvement in on-site quality. We can sometimes be blinded by quality on site so it's good to have someone like the SABS auditor to check and guide you."

One of the most important recommendations from the SABS auditing process was the need for improved documentation at Brickford, which the firm accepted and put in place. "During the audit, the auditor did mention that we can have a write-up on all materials and their usage to share with people on the ground," Kenneth shared, "We now look into material documentation much more." This has positively affected Brickford's detail­ oriented QC processes, which involve detailed identification of items, materials, components, and so on. As part of continuous improvement plans, Brickford will also be developing detailed work scopes for every individual to ensure that all workers are extremely familiar with the exact work, materials, and tools involved within their particular scope or trade to ensure consistency in delivery.

The practices that contributed to Brickford's successful SABS accreditation both directly and indirectly affected the firm's ability to successfully attract and retain business even in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. "When all these practices are in place, it gives our clients some sort of confidence," Kenneth said, "Despite the down time of COVID, ex-clients keep referring us to friends and family and projects keep coming in. In 2022 so far, our participation in tenders has doubled compared to last year."

Assessment and auditing, more than simply rewarding or punishing practices, is a collaborative process involving both SCAL and aspiring builders-it is as much about scoring as it is about helping builders build themselves into better organisations at every level. As Kenneth mentioned: "There's a lot of skills and knowledge needed to pull off a construction project. Without the right systems and people in place, it's very tough. And it doesn't matter if the project is small or large, this is still true. A single project milestone can involve thousands of tasks and builders must know every single step and sub step very well."


The article is extracted from The SCAL Contractor Newsletter 2022 - issue 2. Read the full issue in the link here or click here to download.

 

Attend the upcoming briefing session happening on 5 March to find out more! 

Learn more about the scheme, its benefits, process, and impact of being a SABS builder. Briefing details as follow:
 
  • 5 March 2024
  • 3.30pm to 4.30pm
  • Online (Zoom)
  • Complimentary - we welcome everyone to attend the briefing
Register HERE for your seat today!