A new study by PlanRadar, the global leader in digital documentation, communication, and reporting for construction, facility management, and real estate, has revealed a striking contradiction within the industry’s approach to quality management.
Although more than seven in ten construction companies worldwide — including those in the GCC — initiate quality assurance and control (QA/QC) processes from the very first day of a project, 77% of respondents still reported inconsistencies between sites and teams. These discrepancies often lead to reduced profit margins, increased disputes, and heightened warranty risks.
Ibrahim Imam, Co-Founder and CEO of PlanRadar, commented: “QA/QC is a top priority in construction, but consistency remains the key challenge. Our research shows that when each site follows its own system, quality outcomes become uncertain and costs spiral. The solution lies in unified, enforceable QA/QC standards that create transparency, minimize disputes, and protect profitability.”
Key Findings
-
77% of respondents report inconsistent QA/QC documentation across projects.
-
Companies with consistent QA/QC processes are 28% more likely to achieve profit margins above 3%.
-
67% of firms link QA/QC failures to project delays.
-
Firms without defined QA/QC standards are 50% more likely to face warranty exposure and 23% more likely to encounter subcontractor disputes.
-
In the GCC, Saudi Arabia companies prioritize regulatory compliance, while UAE firms focus on documentation quality and subcontractor management.
The GCC Perspective
Across the Gulf Cooperation Council, the findings reflect real industry conditions. In Saudi Arabia, adherence to the Saudi Building Code continues to drive reform, with respondents identifying compliance as their top QA/QC priority. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, where complex urban projects require tight coordination between multiple trades, documentation quality and subcontractor oversight emerged as the most pressing issues.
Despite progress in regulations, inconsistency still costs the region millions in lost value. Firms without structured QA/QC frameworks are over 50% more likely to face warranty claims and 23% more likely to have disputes with subcontractors. The report highlights that improving QA/QC consistency could significantly boost both profitability and accountability across GCC construction projects.
Profitability Through Consistency
Data from the report clearly links standardization with financial performance. Companies implementing consistent QA/QC practices are 28% more likely to achieve higher profit margins and nearly twice as likely to keep rework below 5% of total budgets.
By capturing approvals, documentation, and execution evidence consistently across sites, leaders gain a unified view of project progress, allowing early intervention before minor issues escalate into major delays.
However, poor QA/QC remains a costly disruptor. Two in three companies report project delays due to quality issues — with 60% saying those delays exceed two weeks and one in four facing more than a month of disruption. The knock-on effects include higher labor costs (76%), strained client relations (50%), and contractual penalties (30%).
From Compliance to Competitive Strategy
PlanRadar’s study concludes that QA/QC consistency is no longer a compliance task — it’s a profit driver. Standardized, enforceable processes give firms greater cost visibility, reduce rework, and ensure more predictable results. Yet, over half of respondents admit lacking a clear QA/QC framework for subcontractors, and the use of a single integrated digital solution remains rare.
PlanRadar: Enabling Consistency Through Technology
PlanRadar bridges this gap by embedding QA/QC workflows directly into daily construction operations. Its SiteView 360° feature allows teams to conduct site walks using helmet-mounted cameras that capture panoramic visuals while logging QA/QC data in real time — producing a synchronized record of documentation and visual evidence.
This innovative integration provides GCC project leaders with a scalable, technology-driven approach to reducing rework, accelerating approvals, and improving transparency across every phase of construction.
