Defects Management in Commercial Construction

Gillies, Andrew (2023) Defects Management in Commercial Construction. [USQ Project]

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Abstract

This research addresses the problem of construction defects and their impact on the construction sector and economy. It explores the types of defects, including design deficiencies, poor workmanship, material defects, and distinguishes between apparent and latent defects. The study emphasizes the need for effective defect management throughout the construction process, examines barriers to implementation, and investigates the role of modern technologies and workmanship-related issues.

The research objectives are to analyze the type and severity of defects in commercial construction projects, compare different approaches to defect management, and explore obstacles to adopting modern approaches in the commercial construction sector. The significance of this study lies in providing insights for construction professionals, addressing the pressing issue of defects, and recommending new approaches to defect management. The literature review examines the nature and phases of construction defects, highlighting the role of workmanship, design, and maintenance. It also explores various methods and systems proposed for defect management currently used in the industry.

The research methodology employs an ethnographic research design to understand the cultural context and develop a narrative account of the construction sector. This design allows direct access to practices and culture, facilitating a deeper understanding of behavior within the specific context. Additionally, a case study research design is used, incorporating interviews with managers and workers from selected construction firms to gain diverse perspectives on defect management. Data is collected from over 14 sites using 21 professionals in Brisbane which includes primary data from 21 interviews and secondary data from reliable sources such as Google Scholar and industry reports. Thematic data analysis is conducted to identify major themes in the collected data, providing a mixed and nuanced account. Ethical considerations are strictly adhered to throughout the research process. The study acknowledges limitations, including the subjective nature of the data, potential sample size constraints, and the absence of software tools for analysis.

The research aims to emphasize the importance of defect management in construction and provide practical insights for construction firms to enhance their practices and effectively address common defects.


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Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -)
Supervisors: Ullah, Fahim
Qualification: Bachelor of Construction (Honours)
Date Deposited: 24 Sep 2025 05:12
Last Modified: 24 Sep 2025 05:13
Uncontrolled Keywords: commercial construction; defects
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52946

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