Is your company Wkb-proof?

With the arrival of the Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb) on January 1, 2024, a new step will be taken toward better construction quality and a stronger position for clients and consumers. Of course this is positive, but it also brings additional obligations, costs and administration. How are you making sure your company is Wkb-proof?

What is the Quality Assurance Act?

The Quality Assurance Act is intended to structurally improve construction quality and increase the responsibility of construction companies and quality assurance companies. Where previously the municipality did all inspections, this is now partly taken over by independent quality assurance companies. The aim of the law is to detect errors earlier, so that failure costs and risks are reduced for all parties.

What will change with the Wkb?

Initially, the Wkb only applied to simple structures (class 1), such as ground-level homes and simple commercial buildings. Since January 1, 2025, this has been extended to conversions within this class. For the other building classes (2 and 3), the municipality remains the competent authority and carries out supervision for the time being.

With class 1 construction, the responsibility for testing shifts to an independent quality assurance agency. This may be:

• A specialized engineering or consultancy firm

• An inspection or certification organization

• A certified construction consultancy firm

They work under an authorized instrument, such as:

• KiK (KOMO quality assurance instrument)

• WKI (Housing Quality Instrument)

• VKB (Improved Quality Assurance)

When does the Building Quality Assurance Act go into full effect?

The Wkb has been in force since January 1, 2024 for new simple construction works. A full extension to all classes is not yet planned; this will only happen after evaluating the experiences with the current phase. This evaluation will take place no later than January 1, 2027, but introduction of the remaining classes is not expected to take place before 2029.

What are the consequences for professionals and municipalities?

For professionals, the Wkb means more responsibility for the quality and risk file and accurate documentation of the construction process. For municipalities, the supervision of class 1 construction changes: they perform less technical testing beforehand and focus more on supervision during execution.

Scalable solutions for construction companies

The arrival of the Quality Assurance Act has an impact on the way construction companies work. Because other classes of construction may also fall under the Wkb in the future, it is important that solutions are scalable and move with the law.

Many construction companies already use construction software and BIM systems, which monitor and document processes. This makes meeting the requirements of the Wkb much easier. This is because the quality and risk file can be fed directly from the existing project data streams.

Although the new processes initially involve higher costs, in the long run they lead to savings due to fewer failure and claim costs. Especially for smaller companies, it is essential to be fully Wkb-compliant, otherwise it can lead to exclusion from construction projects.

Software and tools that can help

There are several tools available to help companies become Wkb-proof:

• KiK tool from KOMO: free basic platform for starters and smaller projects

• App from DiviD: easy to link to existing software

• Digital files from STA Software and solutions from Ed Controls

In addition, Bouwend Nederland offers an extensive overview of available software solutions.

By anticipating the Quality Assurance Act at an early stage and deploying the right software and processes, your company will remain competitive, comply with legislation and reduce risks.