Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about quality plans, QA/QC requirements, inspection and test plans (ITPs), and how contractors typically use these documents for submittals.
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Choosing the right document
What’s the difference between a Project Quality Plan and a Company Quality Manual?
A Project Quality Plan explains how you will control quality on one specific project (scope, specs, roles, inspections, records).
A Company Quality Manual explains your company-wide quality management system (how you run quality across all projects).
Many contractors use both: a company manual as the foundation and project plans that plug into it.
A Company Quality Manual explains your company-wide quality management system (how you run quality across all projects).
Many contractors use both: a company manual as the foundation and project plans that plug into it.
Should I purchase an Essentials plan or a Comprehensive plan?
Choose Essentials when the requirement is simple (“submit a quality plan”) and expectations are basic.
Choose Comprehensive when the client is demanding, the project is higher risk/complexity, or the submittal will be formally reviewed.
If you have written requirements (spec/checklist), matching those requirements matters more than the plan “length.”
Choose Comprehensive when the client is demanding, the project is higher risk/complexity, or the submittal will be formally reviewed.
If you have written requirements (spec/checklist), matching those requirements matters more than the plan “length.”
When do I need an ISO 9001 / QMS package instead of a project plan?
If a customer, prequalification, or certification body is asking for a documented quality management system, you are typically in company QMS territory (ISO 9001 concepts, manual + procedures + records).
If your requirement is only for a specific job, a project plan is usually sufficient.
If your requirement is only for a specific job, a project plan is usually sufficient.
I have written requirements (spec section/checklist). What should I do?
Use the written requirements as the “source of truth.” The fastest path to acceptance is selecting a plan that aligns to that checklist/spec and then customizing it to your company and project.
If you want, send the requirement language and we’ll point you to the closest match.
If you want, send the requirement language and we’ll point you to the closest match.
Definitions and expectations
What’s the difference between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)?
QA is your system: how you plan work, train people, control documents, qualify suppliers, and improve processes.
QC is project execution: inspections, tests, checklists, approvals, and documenting results.
Many clients use “QA/QC plan” to mean they want to see both the system and the project controls.
QC is project execution: inspections, tests, checklists, approvals, and documenting results.
Many clients use “QA/QC plan” to mean they want to see both the system and the project controls.
What is an Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) in construction?
An ITP is a structured list of inspections and tests tied to a scope of work. It typically identifies responsibilities, acceptance criteria, and required records.
Owners/CMs like ITPs because they show how you’ll verify requirements before work is covered or accepted.
Owners/CMs like ITPs because they show how you’ll verify requirements before work is covered or accepted.
What do owners/GCs usually look for in a “QC Plan” submittal?
Most reviewers look for: clear roles and authority, how inspections/testing will be performed, what records will be kept, how deficiencies/nonconformances are handled, and how you will meet their spec sections and submittal requirements.
Do owners/GCs mind if a plan started from a template?
Typically, they care less about where you started and more about whether your final plan is complete, understandable, and clearly customized to your company, scope, and the project requirements.
Why is copying a plan from the internet risky?
Copied plans often contain outdated standards, mismatched scope requirements, contradictions, and hidden company/project references.
That can lead to rejection, credibility issues during review, and problems defending your plan during claims, audits, or incidents.
That can lead to rejection, credibility issues during review, and problems defending your plan during claims, audits, or incidents.
Using the documents on real projects
Do I need a separate Quality Plan for every project?
Most owners/GCs expect a project plan tailored to the job (scope/specs/site conditions). After you customize your first plan, updating it for future projects is much faster than starting from scratch.
Can I combine Quality, Safety, and Environmental into one plan?
Sometimes—if the customer allows it. Other owners/GCs require separate submittals (e.g., QC Plan + Safety Program/SSHP + Environmental Plan/SWPPP).
The right approach is whichever format the contract requires.
The right approach is whichever format the contract requires.
How long does it take to customize the documents?
Most contractors can complete initial customization in a few hours, depending on complexity.
Typical steps include adding company/project info, confirming roles/responsibilities, and completing project-specific logs (subcontractors, ITP, checklists, etc.).
Typical steps include adding company/project info, confirming roles/responsibilities, and completing project-specific logs (subcontractors, ITP, checklists, etc.).
What information should I have ready before I start customizing?
At minimum: company name/address, project name/number/location, key personnel names/titles, scope summary, and any written QC requirements/spec references.
If you have submittal registers or client checklists, those are helpful too.
If you have submittal registers or client checklists, those are helpful too.
Pricing, licensing, and updates
Do you charge a subscription fee?
No. Most customers prefer a one-time purchase instead of an annual subscription.
How do annual updates work?
There are no forced annual fees. If you want updates, you can decide when it makes sense for your company to purchase an updated version.
Can I reuse the documents for multiple projects?
Yes—within your license terms (one license per company location). Contractors commonly reuse the structure and company-specific content, then tailor project-specific details for each job.
Where can I see what the documents look like before buying?
You can view samples here:
Browse Samples.
Browse Samples.
Didn’t see your question? Contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.