Spec → Submittal → Site: A 20-Point Stone QA Protocol for Dubai Projects
- Plus One Stone Consultancy
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
High-end interiors in Dubai demand stone that looks exceptional and performs flawlessly. That doesn’t happen by accident it’s the outcome of a disciplined QA journey that starts at specification, runs through submittals/approvals, and is safeguarded on site. At Plus One Stone Consultancy, we partner with clients, designers, and contractors to protect the design vision, budget, and timeline with independent expertise not product sales.
The QA Journey (Spec → Submittal → Site)
We work as an extension of your project team across every stage from material selection and supplier coordination to on-site quality checks anticipating issues and solving them before they surface. That collaborative, detail-focused approach is how we ensure the installed result matches intent.
The 20-Point Stone QA Protocol
Phase 1 — SPEC (Design & Pre-Tender)
Align to design intent, performance & budget
Confirm aesthetic goals (tone, movement, texture), functional needs (traffic, maintenance), and cost envelope before any sourcing begins.
Shortlist materials with pre-purchase evaluation
Screen candidate stones early; review for color consistency, structural soundness, and suitability for the intended space.
Verify trusted supply routes
Engage only with vetted suppliers/processors, prioritizing transparency and proven delivery performance.
Technical review of drawings & details
Audit layouts, shop drawings, and interfaces (joints, edges, terminations) to translate vision into buildable solutions.
Pre-tender advisory & cutting-list strategy
Plan workable slab formats and panelization early to minimize waste and preserve vein flow; this saves cost and prevents rework later.
Define the QA plan & inspection hold points
Set the checkpoints (factory, dry-lay, site) and documentation required (reports, photos, approvals) before procurement begins.
Sustainability & long-term care considerations
Where relevant, prefer responsible sources and define maintenance needs up front so the finish looks good for years.
Phase 2 — SUBMITTAL (Samples, Approvals & Factory Control)
Primary samples & slab range approval
Approve physical control samples and representative range so field deliveries match the agreed aesthetic.
Supplier credentials & timelines
Confirm processing capability, communication practices, and delivery schedules; align expectations across client–designer–supplier.
Detail checks on shop drawings
Re-review anchoring, movement joints, tolerances, edge treatments, and transitions before sign-off.
Dry-lay methodology & acceptance criteria
Establish how panels/slabs will be dry-laid, photographed, marked, and approved to maintain continuity (especially in feature areas).
Factory inspections
Inspect factories, processors, and dry-lays; confirm slab orientation, book-matching, numbering, and protection prior to packing.
Cutting-list reconciliation
Cross-check cutting lists against approved drawings so delivered pieces fit first time on site.
Testing, assessment & documentation
Where appropriate, record test results and evaluations; compile photo logs and approval records for traceability.
Phase 3 — SITE (Execution, Handover & Aftercare)
Pre-installation readiness checks
Verify substrates, levels, ambient conditions, and sequencing before stone is released to install.
First-piece / on-site dry-lay approval
Mock up critical zones; confirm joints, alignment, finish sheen, and protection measures before full roll-out.
In-process QC & tolerance control
Monitor alignment, lippage, joint width, and finish uniformity “from the first cut to the final polish.”
Issue resolution & repair guidance
When damage or mismatch occurs, provide technical advice and corrective actions to protect the programme.
Progress inspections & reporting
Audit installation against the inspection plan; issue clear reports with actions and closures.
Handover package & maintenance manuals
Deliver final records (approvals, photos, as-built notes) and review maintenance manuals so the client team knows how to care for the stone.
Why Choose Plus One as Your QA Partner (Not a Vendor)
We’re independent. Our only goal is to protect yours, bringing clarity, precision, and discipline to luxury villas, hotels, and towers across the region. We coordinate suppliers, review drawings, inspect factories and dry-lays, and provide on-site QA so the installed stone matches the approved design on time and to the required standard.
Conclusion: Raising the Bar for Dubai Stone Projects
A structured, end-to-end QA protocol is the difference between “acceptable” and “exceptional.” If you’re preparing a new specification, reviewing submittals, or readying site works, Plus One can embed this 20-point process into your project so every slab, joint, and transition delivers as intended. We are not a vendor; we are your stone partner.
Ready to discuss your project? Get in touch with our team in Business Bay, Dubai.
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