____________________________________________________________________________________ Resolving disputes
( 33 per cent ); both causes were dwarfed only by change in scope , involving 60 per cent of projects .
Making more time for design
Rising complexity ( and its design ramifications ) should be cause for caution , not conflict , with more time invested up-front . Design defects often reflect designs ’ immaturity . Amid pressure to get projects underway and squeeze schedules , there is insufficient time to produce designs that have been adequately coordinated , appropriately reviewed and are free from error . In our experiences , this problem is prevalent across all disciplines , from architecture to civil and structural engineering design , and MEP to fire engineering . Often a shortcoming in one area of design manifests as shortcomings in others , construction projects being the complex entities that they are . Value engineering and design development can be key reasons for design being considered ‘ defective ’: these ultimately result in delays and cost to the project if handled poorly .
Deficient workmanship
The UK ’ s building industry also has an evident ( and growing ) problem with execution . Workmanship deficiencies ranked second as a cause of claims and disputes for building projects overall . In the residential market this was the top factor ( impacting 37 per cent of projects ) and , in healthcare , on a par with defective design ( 40 per cent ).
Projects launched since 2020 are more likely to be impacted by poor-quality workmanship . Rather than the many disruptive effects of the pandemic , acute and worsening skills shortages are the main underlying cause according to our latest CRUX report . ■
For a list of the sources use in this article , please contact the editor .
Helen Collie & Nasir Khan www . HKA . com
Helen Collie , Partner at HKA is a structural engineer with over fifteen years of industry experience . Nasir Khan , Principal , is an engineer , chartered quantity surveyor , chartered procurement specialist , legally qualified and an expert in claims advisory and dispute resolution . HKA is a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation and dispute resolution , using its multidisciplinary expertise to provide a comprehensive set of specialist services . Headquartered in the UK , HKA brings a proud record of excellent service and high achievement to bear on today ’ s challenges .
As well as more than 500 expert witnesses , HKA now has in excess of 500 advisors and consultants – across more than 45 offices in 17 countries .
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