Classification of rework root causes in the design stage of projects for contract assessment

Abstract

Rework is one of the leading causes of cost and time overruns that primarily affect project performance. The performance of construction projects can be elevated with the implementation of rework moderation strategies. Identifying rework root causes is the first step of rework management followed by a mitigation approach, reducing or preventing strategy. As the contract is the core connection between clients and contractors, using a rework management approach in the contracting process allows participants to be aware of rework impacts before the project's commencement. Selecting the best approach for rework mitigation depends on rework causes and their classified roots. Thus, the paper classifies rework root causes in the design stage of projects to provide a platform for contract documents assessment. The method used to classify the identified rework causes into five categories was designed on the literature. Results from collecting secondary data indicated all categories in the design stage, consisting of technical, human resources, process, material/equipment, and other general factors. The next step of the study is to assess contract documents through a questionnaire based on these classified factors in search of a connection between rework, contractual claims, and clauses of the contract. The paper recommends that assessing contract documents can be used as a new approach for rework management.