Development of a construction quality assessment tool for houses in South Africa

Abstract

Housing is a critical socio-economic driver in the vast majority of developing countries, including South Africa. It involves many aspects such as construction quality, affordability, geographic location, long-term financing, and the environment. A key research concern is the quantification of the construction quality of houses and how this may be used to assist in the delivery of better quality houses. This article is based on studies undertaken on housing construction sites in South Africa. A construction assessment tool is developed using principles similar to those used by CONQUAS in Singapore and Malaysia. The tool thus developed is capable of measuring the quality of 'as-built' construction elements of a house against national technical standards and specifications, within reasonable time and cost. Studies on the quality of houses were then conducted on 700 houses (two low-income projects and one middle-income project). The results showed that the two low-income projects had average quality scores of 58% and 64%, while the middle-income project scored 80%. Details of the sub-elements of the scores indicated the developmental needs of the contractors involved in the projects. Using the construction quality assessment tool, the government and other authorities can make better informed decisions when awarding contracts. If introduced and implemented correctly, the quality of the houses delivered across the entire housing spectrum can be measured and monitored, and improvement measures put in place. The data collected through this quality assessment tool will be invaluable for national authorities, regulators, and Statistics South Africa to evaluate and report if the housing stock being delivered is consistently improving. Risk assessment studies will assist the regulators in developing proper quality management strategies.

Breaking New Ground: Perceptions of RDP house beneficiaries of the Mavuso settlement in Alice, South Africa

“…According to Lefuwa (2016), lack of monitoring and evaluation resulted to the Department of Humand Settmenet awarding the building contract to contractors that do not have the capacity, appropriate skills and workmanship to undertake the housing projects, hence the issues encountered regarding the quality of houses provided. Mahachi (2021) made similar observations related to poor building material and ineffective monitoring of contractors, on contractors operating in government-subsidised houses, thereby resulting in poor-quality construction work and loss of building materials and with hundreds of houses left incomplete. Huchzermeyer (2011) states that the lack of monitoring and evaluation led to some government employees getting involved in corrupt activities which lead to people not on housing waiting lists or people who do not qualify for government houses, like foreigners to be granted preference in the allocation of houses.…”

Factors influencing the quality of low-income housing in Polokwane Municipality South Africa

“…Limited information is available on frameworks and tools that measure housing construction quality (Tunji-Olayeni, Mosaku, Fagbenle, Omuh & Joshua, 2016: 6). Mahachi (2021) examined the development of a tool that can be used to measure and quantify the construction quality of low-income houses in South Africa. External monitors and authorities should be appointed to evaluate and account on the construction process carried out by contractors towards achieving the quality of low-income housing projects.…”

Smart and Resilient Infrastructure For Emerging Economies: Perspectives on Building Better

“…Sustainable development, which emphasizes the integration of economic, social, and environmental considerations, has gained widespread acceptance since the 1980s (Brundtland 1987). Real estate developers are increasingly adopting sustainability practices, such as green building standards, to reduce their environmental footprint and enhance their reputation (Jones Lang LaSalle 2019;Mahachi 2021).…”