Warfel’s Proven Approach to Quality Management

Foundation for Success: Warfel’s Approach to Quality Management

In the ever-evolving world of construction, a commitment to quality is more than just a requirement—it’s the foundation for long-term success. At Warfel, we believe that quality control isn’t just about fixing problems when they arise; it’s about embedding proactive, strategic quality measures throughout every phase of the design and construction process. Our Quality Management approach is designed to ensure that every project we deliver meets the highest standards.

Lay the Foundations

We know that quality starts with our people. From day one, we hire individuals who align with our mission of “Clients for Life®” and share our core values: honesty, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and initiative. These values create a culture that prioritizes excellence, where everyone takes pride in the work they do and the projects they contribute to.

Build Durable Relationships

Successful quality control involves more than just internal efforts; it requires collaboration with all stakeholders. We work closely with clients and design partners to foster transparent, trust-based relationships, ensuring clear communication and alignment of expectations throughout the design and construction process. Strong partnering relationships enhance the effectiveness of project delivery and guarantee a superior final product.

This strategy remains just as true for our internal project teams. From preconstruction to trade partners, every team member plays a critical role in upholding our quality standards. Mutual respect, open communication, and teamwork ensure everyone’s contribution is valued and that we meet our collective goals.

Promote a Proactive Approach

Construction projects are complex, involving multiple parties and intricate processes. A proactive approach to quality control is essential for anticipating risks, preventing deficiencies, and ensuring projects stay on schedule and on budget. By prioritizing early risk detection and strategic controls, we can reduce rework, mitigate surprises, and strengthen relationships across the board.

Key Areas of Focus for Quality Management

Our quality management strategy focuses on several key initiatives:

  1. Inspire Excellence in Our People
    Technology and tools are important, but our people remain our greatest asset. We invest in their development, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to uphold our quality standards. We continually inspire our teams to pursue the highest quality by fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
  2. Leverage Technology to Enhance Quality
    Technology plays a crucial role in modernizing and enhancing our quality control efforts. From surveying and reality capture to modeling and coordination tools, we maximize the use of current technology. At the same time, we stay on the lookout for new innovations that can take our quality management to the next level.
  3. Streamline and Standardize Processes
    Consistent and reliable processes are essential to successful project outcomes. At Warfel, we ensure that every project follows clear, efficient, well-established procedures with tools and templates that are properly maintained and understood. We create an accountability structure to support our teams. This helps ensure quality is built into every step of the process.
  4. Be Proactive in Preconstruction
    Quality control begins with knowing the project before construction starts. Risks to construction quality can come in all forms – site conditions, design documentation, client constraints, market conditions, etc.  We strive to systematically identify, communicate, collaborate, and develop strategies to mitigate project risks prior to the start of construction. Warfel takes the initiative with constructability reviews, working closely with design and engineering partners. This ensures that drawings and specifications are clear and achievable. We also equip every project with timely trade and operational expertise, planning for the complex realities of construction.
  5. Continuously Improve
    Quality management isn’t static—it’s an ongoing process. We regularly conduct audits, track data, and learn from past projects to improve our methods. By gathering feedback from our teams, partners, and clients, we refine our approach and stay at the forefront of construction quality.

Conclusion

In construction, challenges are inevitable. But with Warfel’s proactive and strategic approach to quality management, we’re able to anticipate challenges before they arise and be ready with solutions. This commitment to quality reflects our core values and dedication to the highest standards of quality construction. As we continue to listen, build, and learn, Warfel is proud to remain leaders in quality management—ensuring that we deliver nothing less than excellence in every project.

Transforming Spaces and Empowering Students

At Warfel Construction, we believe learning environments should inspire and empower students, providing a space where they feel comfortable and motivated. Recently, we partnered with Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to update a classroom, transforming it into a modern space for future professionals.

Collaborative Effort Led by RISE

Members of our RISE (Redefining Industry Standards for Equality) group, which empowers individuals who consider themselves minorities in construction and advocates for equality in the industry, were excited to participate in this work.

Construction Services team members, including Facilities Manager Lauren Carter, Apprentice and Thaddeus Stevens alumnus Jordan Wingeron, Apprentice Emma Moore, Carpenter Emily Schnettler, and our Foreman Rick Petta, worked together on this project. Work included the demolition of an outdated ceiling and installing new Axiom trim, ACT grid and tile, and Tectum wall panels—generously donated by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions.

Working Around the Academic Schedule

Understanding the importance of minimizing disruptions to students’ academic experience, the project was completed during the students’ winter break (12/16-1/10).

Building Partnerships for Lasting Impact

This project highlights the impact of strong, community-focused partnerships. We are incredibly grateful for Armstrong’s generous support, including a complimentary workshop to help our team understand the installation process. This collaboration enhanced our skills and strengthened our teams’ bond, all working toward the shared goal of updating the learning space for Thaddeus Stevens students.

“Clients for Life is our mission, and this goes without saying. Being able to give back to a local school and provide them with an upgraded space has been rewarding. A small facelift can transform an entire space,” said Lauren Carter, Facilities Manager.

Supporting Education and Local Communities

At Warfel, our commitment to education extends beyond construction. We are passionate about creating spaces that nurture growth, innovation, and development. This project at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a testament to our dedication to providing students with the best possible learning environments to help them succeed.

Casi Babinchak, Senior Facilities Manager, shared, “I have always appreciated the opportunities we’ve had to partner with Thaddeus Stevens. From hosting students for job shadowing to having a class follow the progress of a project from design to completion, it’s important to us to share what we do with the next generation of design and construction professionals.

Our ongoing relationship with Thaddeus Stevens extends past the completion of projects. We’re proud to offer career opportunities to their graduates, many of whom now work with us in the field, join our Apprenticeship Program, or transition to roles in our Virtual Design and Construction department. The Apprenticeship Program combines paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, preparing workers for skilled careers. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a respected two-year college focused on workforce readiness, offering a range of degree programs that equip students with the skills for successful careers.

Thank you to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology for allowing us to contribute to this project and Armstrong for your continued support. We are proud to be a part of this transformative effort and look forward to future collaboration opportunities that positively impact education and our community.