Influence of Building Type on Post-Handover Defects in Housing

Abstract

Clients' lack of involvement in defining quality requirements for dwellings built by developers leads to a perception of poor quality at the time of purchase. The research presented in this paper aims to broaden previous research on defects by analyzing the defects that remain in the post-handover stage, which usually lasts 12 months after the handover period, and identifying the factors that influence the appearance of these defects, determining whether a significant difference exists in the quality of the two main residential building types built by developers: flats and detached houses. It also analyzes and discusses the areas and elements in which the defects were detected. The data were obtained from client complaint forms completed after the handover of 95 dwellings in Spain. The data were then statistically analyzed using a t-test analysis, a 2 Pearson's parametric correlation, and a chi-square test. The research reveals that clients detect more defects in flats than in detached houses. The lower quality of the materials used in flats and the tighter schedule to which flats are subject may cause these differences.

Assessment of construction defects in residential buildings in Spain

“…Further complications arise because most subcontractors involved in housing construction in Spain are small (Asociación de empresas constructoras de ámbito nacional, 2011). Emphasis on quality supervision of subcontract trades during execution and assurance of skills of subcontractor trades is critical to ensure defects are reduced (Forcada et al, 2012, Love et al, 2010, Mills et al, 2009). …”

“…Quality management in the residential sector has received considerable attention (Farrington 1987, Forcada et al, 2012, Hall & Tomkins 2001, Ilozor et al, 2004, Josephson 1999, Josephson et al 2002, Karim et al 2006, Love & Sohal 2003, Mills et al, 2009, Porteous 1992). In fact, numerous studies have been carried out highlighting the factors affecting the quality of housing (e.g., Chong & Low, 2006, Johnsson, 2009.…”

“…These requirements cover both the functional and safety aspects of the buildings as well as those referring to habitability (Jefatura del Estado, 1999). Despite the introduction of this act, defects in housing remain common (Forcada et al, 2012).…”

Handover defects: comparison of construction and post-handover housing defects

“…In Spain, research on housing defects has been confined to the studies undertaken by Forcada et al (2012Forcada et al ( , 2013aForcada et al ( , 2013bForcada et al ( , 2014.…”

“…Forcada et al (2012Forcada et al ( , 2013a analyzed the defects that remain after handover from four Spanish builders' databases. The most common defects identified after handover by customers were predominately functional rather than technical in nature (Forcada et al, 2013a).…”