Assessment of rework cost of selected building projects in Nigeria

Purpose – Rework is seen as an unnecessary effort of redoing a process or activity that was incorrectly implemented the first time. It is caused due to so many factors such as architect changing design during construction, or increase in client taste. The aim of this research is to assess the rework cost of selected building projects with a view to improving the project delivery process in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – Historical data for the study were obtained with respect to information regarding rework cost, variation cost and additional work cost and were collected on 22 completed building projects. This was achieved through the convenience sampling method where ease of access to information regarding the projects is a major determinant. Findings – It was concluded that there is a significant relationship between rework cost and initial cost, final cost, cost overrun, initial time, final time and time overrun. It was also observed that sub‐structure has the highest rework cost with 9.4 per cent of the total average project, followed by upper floor with 8.3 per cent, while the least on the rank is roof finishes with 4.8 per cent. Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to historical data of 22 completed public building projects in Ondo state, Nigeria. Practical implications – The results indicate that there is relationship between rework costs, variation cost and additional work cost. The result also indicates that sub‐structure always has the highest percentage of building elements prone to rework with an approximate figure of 9.4 per cent of the total rework cost of building element. Social implications – After giving in‐depth coverage to the concept of rework cost in building projects by examining the effects of rework cost in relation to variation cost and additional work cost, it could be concluded that rework cost is observed in most projects in Nigeria based on the historical data and should be avoided as much as possible. Originality/value – It was observed that rework cannot be totally eliminated; it was then recommended that it should be reduced to a minimum in the construction industry by consulting appropriate professionals at different stages of the project at the right time.