Rework causes classification model with liable parties of the contract in construction projects

Abstract

Rework is an interesting topic in the contract management of construction projects. An effective way of improving performance on construction projects is to manage rework. However, managing rework is challenging because of the dynamic nature of construction activities. A rational starting point is the identification of the root causes of rework then a framework for its management can be developed for improving construction performance. This paper reviews rework-related studies in the construction industry through a critical review of literature to investigate the main causes of rework in the construction contracts. A content analysis of the previously proposed classification methods for rework revealed that all rework causes could be grouped under various project stages. The causes of rework also could be ascribed to different project parties. However, previous studies have suggested various categories of rework, there is no commonly used classification model for rework causes in construction contracts. The current study proposes a model in three levels to address this gap. The developed model categorised rework causes in five constructs linked to three main stages of the project under two liable contract parties. The study findings show that the procurement stage has fewer categories of rework causes than design and construction. The result also reveals that the involvement level of contract parties in rework occurrence can be investigated in contract documents. Thus, this paper suggests further research in procurement stage to address rework causes in the contract conditions.

Mixed-method approach to the evaluation of rework provisions within general contract conditions

“…Overall, the literature shows that research on the general conditions of the contract is the central aspect of attention worldwide, while in New Zealand there very few studies in this field (Wright and Fergusson, 2009;Finnie, 2013;Jelodar, Yiu and Wilkinson, 2016). This paper highlights the importance of further investigating the contract conditions in rework situations as stated in previous studies (Asadi, Rotimi and Wilkinson, 2023a;2023b), and explores the rework provisions in the contract that is used most often in New Zealand construction projects.…”

“…Part of the identified causes heavily depends on the project type, geographical location, and the economic situation of the construction industry. A systematic literature review to identify rework causes in New Zealand construction projects (Asadi, Rotimi and Wilkinson, 2022;2023a) resulted in a comprehensive list of rework causes as combined in Table 1. This table reflects the most common causes of rework in New Zealand construction contracts.…”

“…According to Hansen, Rostiyanti and Rif 'at (2020) using the qualitative approach is helpful as it is datadriven, exploratory by nature and flexible. In the first step, the causes of rework were utilised based on a comprehensive list of rework causes from two previous studies in New Zealand (Asadi, Rotimi and Wilkinson, 2022;2023a). This comprehensive list was achieved based on a systematic literature review on rework studies and it was customised to New Zealand construction contracts.…”

“…As such, the contract clauses related to rework issues must be spelled out in the construction contracts. In this study rework is defined as any activities that require to be redone where they are not in compliance with the construction contract (Asadi, Rotimi and Wilkinson, 2023a).…”