Raising the standard for metal building erection

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Discover how AC478 accreditation strengthens quality, safety and training while helping metal building contractors improve their operations. 

For metal building contractors, quality construction begins long before crews arrive at the jobsite. In this episode of MetalCast™, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Steven Hudgins, president of Rainwater Construction Company, about how AC478 accreditation helps strengthen safety programs, improve quality control and establish consistent installation practices. Supported by the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA), the accreditation provides a framework for continuous improvement while giving building owners, architects and manufacturers greater confidence in project outcomes. Reflecting on how the process has strengthened his company's operations, Steven emphasized, "Without question, it has made us a better company.” 

Administered by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), AC478 is a third-party accreditation program evaluating quality management, safety and training practices for metal building assemblers. The process begins with a review of documented procedures, followed by a field assessment verifying that crews follow established practices. Annual reassessments ensure accountability and encourage ongoing improvements. 

Stephen explained that much of the required work may already be familiar to contractors, noting, "Most metal building contractors are doing the majority of this already." Accreditation helps organizations formalize those practices while identifying opportunities to improve. For Rainwater Construction, that included discovering expired employee certifications, reviewing crew experience levels and assigning dedicated responsibilities for quality, safety and training. 

Beyond internal operations, accreditation is gaining recognition among architects, building owners and specifiers. Stephen confirmed that project specifications increasingly call for AC478 accreditation for erectors alongside AC472 accreditation for manufacturers, providing another way to manage construction risk. 

MBCEA supports contractors pursuing accreditation through training, resources and industry connections. Encouraging greater participation, Stephen explained, "You need to embrace it, you need to live it and it will make you a better organization and it will enhance and advance our industry." 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how AC478 accreditation can strengthen metal building construction practices and support industrywide improvements!