Construction Rework: What are the different causes behind?

Construction rework is done when a construction element doesn’t meet customer requirements or if the completed work does not adhere to the actual contract. The need for rework on construction may not be seen beforehand until a quality control check is performed so that the kind of rework required can be ascertained. Here are different causes behind the construction rework: 

• Design-related issues: Design-related rework issues include errors and omissions initiated by the owner, designer or contractor design plans, as well as agreed-upon design changes. These issues may occur because of the scope changes or new information obtained after the start of construction. A lack of coordination and integration in the design team can also lead to design deficiencies and causes construction rework statistics. To avoid such errors designers and constructors have to team up front, as in design-build contracts, so that the constructors can have more opportunities to identify design issues before construction begins. 
• Material and equipment defects: Sometimes even when the work is constructed properly, materials, the condition and performance of equipment and machinery do not meet specifications, triggering rework. Which means they should also be checked well in advance for reducing construction rework Equipment defects may include mechanical or electrical components that do not work properly after installation, or construction machinery that breakdowns and damages work previously completed. 
• Site management issues: A lack of proper management and supervision, poor employee coordination, unclear instructions to workers, and excessive overtime can lead to construction error. Workers should receive appropriate training and instructions for the task they have been assigned. To avoid such mistakes and conflicts of interest every employee must understand their role at the site.
• Client change orders related issues: Clients changing the orders can contribute to rework including a lack of experience and knowledge of design, a lack of client involvement in the project, a lack of budget, inadequate briefing and communication with design consultants, and deficiencies within the contract documentation. To ensure the project to properly complete on time and to avoid construction rework clients should communicate and coordinate with their project team members.
• Subcontractor-related issues: The most influential factor in the construction process is the use of substandard materials. These issues can be avoided by procuring good quality materials while also considering their prices and availability. Late delivery and unavailability of materials can cause delays in the construction project.

Different ways to reduce construction rework.

Here are some of the ways on how to avoid rework on the construction process: 

1. Providing continued training: Thoroughly trained employees will reduce the cost of construction rework and will keep them accountable for how a job should be completed. The right training will decrease the likelihood of mistakes and errors, while also improving productivity. Training sessions must be held regularly to reinforce standards. 

2. Prioritize planning out work: Work that has to be completed must be planned out thoroughly on a daily and weekly basis. Construction planning is a comprehensive and fundamental procedure that is crucial not only for reducing construction rework but also for executing the whole project. Planning out the work ahead helps to reduce jumping back and forth between unrelated things, which tends to make the work less productive.

3. Digitally document the process: Documenting the process is a key preventive measure that reduces reworks and prevents other errors in construction. By documenting each action provides a guide on what needs to be done before moving forward, and any reworks can be fixed sooner. When it comes to construction documentation it can be inefficient to stick to traditional processes but with numerous digital tools available, they can make construction monitoring easier.

4. Task assignments: It’s essential to prioritize assignments to reduce any avoidable error to occur. To avoid any errors, giving complicated tasks to more experienced people and having less experienced techs will work together. Works that are required to be completed must be given a clear level of priority so that they are addressed first.