Defects and rework in new build: an analysis of the phenomenon and drivers

The purpose of this paper is to look at the continued media attention surrounding defects, and the resulting “rework”, in new build projects, especially homes.

This paper evaluates the literature on defects and rework in new build projects, with an emphasis on housing, and identifies a number of issues within the underlying research agenda.

Suggestions are put forward as to how predictor models may be focused to drive impetus for the development of a greater number of analytical tools which industry participants can use to characterize, model, evaluate and inform, decisions about defects and rework.

The house‐building segment of the construction industry is important since it is clearly outward facing and monitored by a range of interested stakeholders. The findings of this study will hopefully provide impetus to the search for alternative approaches to be taken to the elimination or reduction in new house defects.

There is a lack of information on defects and rework management models that the industry may utilize when considering how to minimize the occurrence and impact of defects and rework on future developments. As such, there is a need for a model(s) and approach(es) which help to eliminate or mitigate the underlying characteristics of defects and rework. In particular, there is relatively little research on defects and rework that focuses specifically on measurement and modelling and reduction in new housing.