Assessing the “clerk of works” role in delivering quality affordable housing: a UK case study

Bradley Hughes, David J. Edwards, Igor Martek, Nicholas Chileshe, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: A mixed philosophies epistemological design with inductive reasoning was adopted to develop new theoretical insights into the phenomena under investigation. First, interpretivism was employed to contextualise the prevailing body of knowledge and source questions (and prompts) to be posed to practitioners. Second, a case study strategy (augmented by participant action research) was adopted to measure construction industry professionals' perceptions of the clerk of work's role and their impact upon both quality and safety of construction. Design/methodology/approach: This research conducts a case study investigation of affordable and/or social home construction and examine industry's perception of the clerk of works (CoW) and their powers and responsibilities within existing legislation to impact quality of construction. Findings: The findings illustrate that while the clerk of work's role positively impacts quality and safety of construction, it is hindered by cost and time constraints that are often prioritised. An analogy to “yield points” in materials science is then adapted to develop new theory to conceptualise the pivotal position that the CoW has in upholding quality construction. The research concludes with pragmatic recommendations (such as industry centric codes of practice) to mitigate quality and safety issues arising and signpost future academic research in this area. Originality/value: UK construction has been criticised for prioritising costs and profits vis-à-vis quality and safety issues, as exemplified by the Grenfell fire. This study demonstrates the need for reinstatement of the CoW role in mitigating residential housing quality decline.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)996-1016
Number of pages21
JournalSmart and Sustainable Built Environment
Volume11
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Affordable housing
  • Clerk of works
  • Construction quality
  • Construction safety
  • Residential housing
  • Social housing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Cultural Studies
  • Architecture
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Building and Construction
  • Urban Studies

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