A stakeholder-based review of the building inspection system in Turkey: The case of Yalova

Abstract

Due to the recent natural disasters and the rapidly increasing need for construction, the concept of building inspection has gained considerable importance in Turkey. However, the literature lacks a stakeholder-based review of the building inspection system despite the fact that its success depends largely on the performance of the actors involved. In order to fill this gap, a survey was conducted with 110 participants representing six stakeholder groups that take an active role in the inspection process. The results of the study revealed that the system has problems in terms of overall performance and employee satisfaction, the stakeholders, especially the contractors and construction managers, do not fulfill their responsibilities, and the sanctions stipulated in the law are insufficient. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between the performance of the stakeholders and the sanctions imposed on them. Based on the research findings and synthesis of best practices, it has been suggested to strengthen the penal provisions in the law, increase the qualification and competence of the stakeholders, standardize the inspection procedures, improve communication, and use innovative technologies. Policymakers and practitioners can benefit from the findings of this study to enhance the building inspection system in Turkey.

Impact of COVID-19 on inspection of Turkish public construction works and recommendations for the post-pandemic era

“…Many also believed the site inspections conducted were inadequate. The results largely coincide with the findings of the previous studies on the building inspection system in Turkey, such as Erol and Dede [5], and reveal the established problems of the system, independent of the pandemic period.…”

“…Thus, the legal provisions need to be strengthened to ensure accountability, fairness, and adherence to quality standards by all stakeholders, even during turbulent times. The penalties could be enhanced by incorporating additional liabilities for rework, infrastructure failures, and time/cost overruns arising due to violations, as pointed out by Erol and Dede [5]. On the other hand, recent legislative amendments allowing compensation for pandemic impacts appear to have facilitated construction progress in Turkey based on the findings of this study.…”

“…Studies on improving building inspection practices Although building inspection plays a vital role in ensuring construction quality, safety, compliance, and performance over a facility's lifespan, several studies reveal gaps and limitations in current inspection practices. For example, Erol and Dede [5] critically reviewed the building inspection system in Turkey and suggested remedies, such as strengthening the penal provisions stipulated in the law. Regarding building codes and regulations, Bortolini and Forcada [3] highlighted the variability in technical building inspection requirements across different countries and devised a standardized building inspection system to improve accuracy and reliability.…”

“…Building inspection activities play an indispensable governance role in this regard by verifying that contractor work complies with the standards dictated by codes or the owner requirements stipulated in contract documents [2]. However, despite the importance of building surveillance, studies have revealed specific problems in inspection mechanisms worldwide [3][4][5].…”