Design error: Its effects on building projects delivery period

Abstract

Within the construction industry, design errors are an inevitable occurrence stemming from misapplied or inaccessible information. This study assessed the effects of design error on building projects delivery period. To achieve this goal, the study scrutinized literature from various authors and gathered primary data through a structured questionnaire. Out of the ninety-three questionnaires distributed among contractors, skilled labours, unskilled labours and industry professionals, eighty were returned, coded, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentiles, and mean item scores. The study concludes that design errors greatly extend construction timelines, disrupt workflows, cause procurement delays, hinder commissioning and testing, and adversely affect the execution of future projects. These disruptions result in higher costs and reduce the overall quality and efficiency of construction activities, emphasizing the crucial need for better design accuracy and management within the construction industry. The study recommends enhancing design review processes, leveraging collaborative project management tools, establishing clear change management protocols, strengthening supplier relationships, implementing rigorous quality assurance measures, and prioritizing team training. These actions are proposed to mitigate the impact of design errors on construction projects, aiming to reduce delays, enhance communication, and improve overall project efficiency.