SUMMARY
The quality costs are a quality management tool to measure the continual improvement. It was made a bibliographical revision and discussion of present publications on the generic models of quality costs. It was observed that the most frequently used generic model, continues being traditional approach PAF (prevention, appraisal and failures). So, this model was established in a construction firm context as a quality management tool, pointing out the form in that the effective management of these can be reflected in the utilities and productivity of a construction firm. Also, is suggested that quality costs can be calculated and be recorded in a countable form, providing a parameter to decide on the benefits that its control brings. The objective of a quality costs system is to find the level of quality that minimizes total quality costs; this will give the security that the construction firm is working efficiently in relation to its processes and products. Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2007, vol.22, n.1, pp. 43-56. ISSN 0718-5073. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732007000100005.