Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report an investigation on the advancement of QA to TQM for construction contractors in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach – The investigation is based on a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was answered by 40 respondents working in construction contractors in Hong Kong including project managers, section managers, senior engineers and quality managers. The data obtained from the questionnaire survey were then analysed. Findings – The results of the questionnaire survey are presented in the form of the levels of application of QA and TQM as practised by the contracting organizations in Hong Kong. The findings suggest that contractors are fully familiar with the application of QA but are less familiar with that of TQM. Both QA and TQM items that are mostly practised and seldom practised are discussed. In association with the findings, potential areas for exploratory studies in quality management systems and the quality culture of the Hong Kong construction industry are suggested. Originality/value – The paper explores new directions in the advancement of QA to TQM for construction contractors and offers help to practitioners in providing a direction for construction quality management improvement. © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited