Factors Causing Delay and Methodology of Ranking for Residential Projects

Abstract

One of the most common problems in the construction project presently are delays. Delays of a construction project can be defined as the late completion of works as compared to the planned schedule or contract schedule. Projects can be delayed due to number of reasons that may be due to the client, the contractor, acts of God, or a third party. They may occur early or later in the project development. Delays can be minimized only when their cause are identified. The objective of this study was to identify the major causes of delays, the effects of delays, finding importance of each delay factors by Relative Importance and Importance Index method and methods /recommendations of minimizing delays in Residential Construction project. This study was carried out based on literature review and a questionnaire survey. A total of seventy delay factors with nine major groups were identified. The Importance to each seventy factors and nine major groups were found. The major causes which affected the overall residential projects are: External Factors, Contractor Factors, Material Factors, Owner Factors, Design Factors, Equipment Factors, Consultant Factors, Labor Factors and Project Related Delay Factors. The thesis presents the results of a questionnaire survey conducted to identify and evaluate the relative importance and Importance Index of the significant factors contributing to delay. Respondents of this survey included personnel from owners, consultants and contractors involved in project. Controlling and monitoring should be established to enhance project performance in order to minimize or avoid delay in construction projects. The findings of this study was to help the owners / stakeholders to act on critical causes and further try to reduce those barriers on their projects.