Construction Quality Assurance Act (Wkb): How to keep your records in order

From July 1, 2022, the Quality Assurance in Construction Act (Wkb) will be implemented in stages. This new law impacts the current work processes of construction companies and installers. For instance, as a contractor or installer, you are responsible for quality. You must record construction and installation phases from start to finish in your administration to demonstrate that quality requirements have been met. We would be happy to explain the impact of the Wkb and how the right software assists with the administration of installations within construction processes.

What is the Construction Quality Assurance Act (Wkb)?

Residents and users want high-quality buildings with, for example, low energy consumption and good fire safety. The government wants greater oversight and control in the construction industry to ensure that installers and construction companies adhere to applicable quality standards and that consumers encounter fewer structural errors and defects. For this reason, the Quality Assurance in Construction Act has been drafted, and this act entails five changes:

1. Independent quality inspectors check during the design phase and on the construction site whether a building meets statutory technical requirements. These inspectors are called quality assurance officers.
2. The contractor is responsible for the consequences of all defects he causes during construction. If there are defects, the client may compel the contractor to repair them, even if the client discovers them only after completion.
3. The contractor must inform the client whether and how he has insured himself against bankruptcy and risks of damage and defects.
4. Clients may deposit 5% of the construction amount (the contract sum) with the notary. Since January 1, 2021, the notary only pays the money to the contractor when the client indicates that there are no defects or that the defects have been remedied.
5. If the quality assurance officer or the municipality identifies a problem, the municipality may halt construction.

When does the Quality Assurance in Construction Act (Wkb) come into effect?

The Quality Assurance in Construction Act was passed by the Senate on May 14, 2019. The Wkb is expected to enter into force in stages starting July 1, 2022. This means that from then until 2024, the Quality Assurance Act will apply to simple construction works, such as single-family homes and smaller commercial buildings. In this way, construction companies, installers, municipalities, and other involved parties can gain experience with the new requirements and construction supervision during simpler projects. It is expected that the Wkb will apply to all construction works from 2025 onwards.

What will change for me as an installation company?

The biggest change is that contractors are responsible for the quality requirements of the construction project. To meet these requirements, contractors must build a file during the construction project. This file contains all information about the various construction phases from start to finish. If a contractor hires you as an installation company, the contractor expects you, as an installer, to work in the same way. For instance, many contractors already require you to take several photos before and after the job, so that you can account for how you found the work and how you left it. Upon completion, the client receives the complete file of the construction work. This allows construction companies and installers to demonstrate that all quality requirements have been met.

Preparation in your administration for the Wkb

By using the right service and maintenance software, you can keep installation documentation for construction projects as simple as possible. Bluace’s Technical Management solution is one such software. With this cloud-based software, all employees work with the same system anytime, anywhere, following a consistent workflow. Installers work on-site using the Field Service App, easily taking photos or making notes before and after the job, which are saved immediately at the object level. Thanks to the cloud, all necessary information is immediately available in the system, ensuring a real-time overview for monitoring progress, tasks, and profitability.