The construction REWORK – The main causes and how to MINIMIZE its effects?

Imagine having the work done, and suddenly you realize that something just does not click and needs to be redone. Sound exhausting, right? We are sure this happened to all of us at some point. But, what is to be done when that happens in the construction industry, on a vast project, a significant one?

Well, a construction rework happens.

WHAT IS A CONSTRUCTION REWORK?

First of all, let’s start with defining what construction rework is.

It is any activity that must be repeated or completed again after the work is done. Why? The main reason is that some project parts were not done correctly during the execution phase and should be corrected. 

The construction rework refers to any unplanned and unnecessary process of redoing an action – not performed satisfactorily from the beginning, becoming an impending correction because it doesn’t meet customer requirements or does not comply with the actual contract.

Unfortunately, in the construction industry – rework is not rare at all. As a matter of fact, almost 30% of the overall construction work is actually a rework. 

THE SOURCES AND CAUSES OF REWORK IN CONSTRUCTION

The cause for rework is either external or internal.

For example, an external factor could be an additional client’s requirement. On the other hand, poor communication between the project stakeholders is an example of the internal cause of the rework. Did you know that, in US construction sites, almost 50% of all the rework was caused by miscommunication? Whatever the reason is, the bottom line is that a rework in construction can impact a project in terms of productivity, time, and cost.

What are the primary sources and causes of rework?

Simply put, the primary sources of the rework are errors, changes, and omissions.

Also, planning and scheduling problems can lead to rework. In fact, approximately 25% of all rework is related to this issue. The scenario of weather-related rework is pretty standard, as well as design-related rework issues, inexperience or inadequate training of the workers, insufficient supervision, bad quality management, budget constraints, material and equipment defects, and fabrication Issues that can also add to delays and potentially require rework.

Impact of Rework

The rework harms project performance, no doubt about it. To be plastic, the gross implications of the rework could be equal to or more than the estimated mark-up or profit margin levels! In addition, the additional material used for rework, subsequent wastage handling, covering rework occurrences, and extra labor to rectify activities can all lead to a significant cost increase.

It does not end there.

A rework can also drive an inter-organizational conflict, decreasing supervision and demotivating workers. Finally, let us not forget that the rework requires additional time, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and reduced profit for contractors!

So, what can be done?

Before everything, quality control checks should be done in order to ensure that the project meets all the client’s requirements and standards.

Quality control checks help improve the client’s satisfaction and the company’s excellent reputation for offering quality projects. In the long run, this will win more bids in the future. 

Cost of Rework in Construction

Rework usually takes around 5% of the total cost in construction projects. However, the overruns build approximately 7.1% of overall work hours!

Being such an event, the rework requires a particular preparation for its cost overrun. As much as 52% of projects’ overruns are due to design errors and changes. So the essential thing for a company to do is to get so-called rework insurance to cover the extra costs.

It’s not the money that gets lost on the rework road. It’s time, as well.

Did you know that the rework can cause a delay of around 9.8% of the planned project time? 

Ways to Reduce Rework in Construction

Adopt digital, connected solutions!

Of course, we recommend Teodesk – an intuitive tool for all your communication and planning. You can organize your processes to flow seamlessly and save time by eliminating operational work.

Also, Teodesk will help you integrate your communication with your planning. Receiving emails directly through the application saves time and has all the needed information, external and internal, in one place. All communication within a board is transparent. When a team can communicate easily, they make a more informed decisions quickly. This creates a healthy flow of communication between managers and their team, with no need for micromanagement.

Sharing documents between coworkers is an everyday occurrence that can steal time from more important work. With Teodesk, your records are accessible to all team members when needed.

Regarding such an essential issue as the cost, Teodesk is your great helper. We all know how actual prices can significantly differ from planned ones. So keep an eye on all your resources directly on the tasks of every board within your company.

Align project teams early on

Do not let the atmosphere where each stakeholder or trade contractors on a project treat their spheres as independent of others. Instead, consider implementing a more cohesive approach, treating everyone on the project as part of one team.

Improve field communications

Did you know that, according to a McGraw-Hill study, 76% of contractors are using cloud technology and have reported that team collaboration was very much improved? Once again – consider Teodesk.

Set quality standards

Organizations should adopt systematic standards for processes, workflows, tools, and equipment. Plus, you can establish a system of checks and balances to ensure your company’s quality assurance and control are enough to reduce the potential of construction rework.

And never forget: Reducing construction rework is an ongoing process!