Causes of defects in the South African housing construction industry: Perceptions of built-environment stakeholders

Authors

  • Fanie Buys Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • Martyn le Roux Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38140/as.v20i2.141

Keywords:

Defects, Rework, Quality management

Abstract

This article emanates from research investigating the biggest cause that leads to defects in houses; the most common type of defect, and why projects fail in project-management terms (due to defects). Results of quantitative research among architects, consulting engineers and building contractors within the construction industry in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, as well as a literature review, form the basis of this study. Architects, consulting engineers, and general building contractors are randomly selected and surveyed using an online questionnaire. The study reveals that inadequate artisan skills are the biggest cause leading to defects in houses, and that cracks are the most frequent type of defect occurring. Projects fail in project management terms because of defects as the construction time of the projects is prolonged. The study also reveals that construction-related causes of defects dominate over design-related causes. The results should be of value to both construction industry professionals and their clients.

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Published

2013-12-31

How to Cite

Buys, F. and le Roux, M. (2013) “Causes of defects in the South African housing construction industry: Perceptions of built-environment stakeholders”, Acta Structilia, 20(2), pp. 78–99. doi: 10.38140/as.v20i2.141.

Issue

Section

Review articles