Construction technology specialist XYZ Reality has released a new white paper: ‘Rethinking Rework: Exploring the causes of and solutions to construction’s most expensive problem’.
With some studies suggesting that as much as 30% of construction work is actually rework, this research document takes a deep dive into the fundamental issues caused by rework in construction and how the industry can eliminate them.
Consolidating and analysing existing industry research from groups like Get It Right Initiative, the report sheds light on the impact of rework. Importantly, it also highlights the scale of the industry’s rework problem and potential solutions to combat it.
Lack of data
One of the document’s most significant findings is the actual scarcity of coherent data to measure the full cost implications of rework on construction projects.
The piece found that, due to factors like a lack of processes and tools to effectively measure rework costs, the true scale of rework’s deleterious effect likely exceeds existing, estimated values.
Multiple factors
‘Rethinking Rework’ also indicated that to prevent rework, it is necessary to acknowledge where and why the root causes arise, an exercise rarely undertaken in the industry.
The report revealed poor ‘planning’, ‘management’ and ‘communication’ failures to be the primary factors leading to errors and, in turn, costly rework. This was closely followed by ‘poor design’, ‘low quality of work’, ‘inadequate skills’ and ‘bad material specification’.
Solutions Exist
However, the report reveals there are also reasons to be optimistic, with existing and emerging systems and processes reducing the margin for error during design and build.
For example, the document highlighted current industry-wide investments in collaboration and training programs, proving themselves as effective prevention methods. In fact, the research shows that training programmes can reduce rework costs by 11-22%.
It also highlights the important role digital tools, such as advanced technology like Engineering-Grade Augmented Reality (AR), will play in limiting rework by providing real-time validation, allowing workers to collaborate more efficiently and build with greater accuracy.
David Mitchell, CEO and founder of XYZ Reality, says “Rework is a very real issue for the construction industry. Our recent poll revealed that 70% of construction stakeholders reported being either ‘concerned’ or ‘very concerned’ about project delays and costs linked to rework. There must be a consolidated push to implement preventative measures if we are to boost low-profit margins hampered by costly errors. This means making the most of the different practical tools at our disposal and learning from past mistakes by implementing best-practice processes to foster a quality-based culture.
“Construction today is about building with speed, efficiency and accuracy. AR-enabled tools undoubtedly provide more effective ways to work, and further investments in ventures like this will be crucial to facilitating predicted industry growth. We must look to the future and lay the groundwork for technological advancements to help us all build it right, first time, and remove rework from construction, once and for all.”