Determinants of rework in building construction projects

Rework represents the unnecessary effort of redoing a process or activity that is incorrectly implemented the first time. Using a structured questionnaire survey, the causes and costs of rework in 161 Australian construction projects were identified. Respondents were invited to indicate direct and indirect rework costs that would be subsequently combined to produce a total rework cost (TRC) figure. Stepwise linear multiple regression analysis was then used to determine a model that included an optimum mixture of significant variables that contributed or lead to a reduction in TRC for the projects sampled. The research revealed that rework per se can negatively influence project safety. Client initiated changes and ineffective use of information technology by the design professionals were identified as being significant variables contributing to rework occurrence. Contrary to an earlier presupposition, design scope freezing was also identified as being a significant factor that can contribute to rework.