Contractors’ Views of the Potential Causes of Inconsistencies between Design and Construction in Saudi Arabia

Design–construction interface problems in large building construction projects

“…Many researchers suggested that getting the contractor involved in the design can reduce the interface problems between him and the designer (Arain, et al, 2006). However, in Palestine, the conventional practice in the construction industry, which is the one commonly used, does not imply such contribution and clients try to avoid it as it increase the design cost (Pilot study, 2014).…”

“…The effective collaboration and interaction between these two parties in addition to the owner could be considered as the key factor for the successful completion of construction projects (Arain et al, 2006). Thus, a kind of harmony as well as compatibility should be existed between individuals in the same organization in the one hand and also between different organizations on the other hand, otherwise many barriers and obstacles would be created in both design and construction phase.…”

“…However, this practice may lead to problems as the construction supervisor in this situation tries to put the blame for design errors on the constructor and evade the responsibilities for design issues (Arain et al, 2006). Such behavior increases the level of rivalry between the two parties and initiate problems at the project interface.…”

“…However, in Palestine, the conventional practice in the construction industry, which is the one commonly used, does not imply such contribution and clients try to avoid it as it increase the design cost (Pilot study, 2014). Project progress in the construction phase will be affected by not accommodating the contractor's practical ideas during the design phase, and this impact will be of more severity than in the design phase (Arain et al, 2006). Thus, not involving the contractor in the design phase may cause inconsistences between design and construction.…”

“…16 This research was conducted to identify the causes of design-construction interface problems in large building construction projects in Palestine. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire survey was carried out to collect information on these causes.…”