Prioritizing Delay Causes in the Egyptian Building Construction Projects

Abstract

Delay is considered one of the most common problems in construction projects. Therefore, this study investigates the main causes of delay in the Egyptian building construction projects from the perception of contractors, consultants, and owners. The delay causes are identified based on an extensive literature review. These factors are categorized into owner-related, consultant-related, contractor-related, material-related, labour and equipment-related, and external-related categories. Questionnaire surveys are conducted and distributed among twenty-two experts to determine the relative importance of each cause. The study reveals that the top five causes of delay in building projects are financial problems by contractors, fluctuation in prices, delay in preparing and approving shop drawings, shortage of labours, and errors in soil investigation. Finally, the possible ways of reducing project delays are recommended. Proper communication and coordination between project parties as well as clear identification of the roles and responsibilities of project stakeholders are listed as the key actions that could be undertaken to mitigate the delay causes. This study serves as an assistance tool for construction professionals and academicians to avoid causes of delay in building projects in Egypt.