Want cheaper buildings with less hassle??

Recently I came across a document that supported what I, and I suspect may other architects, have known for a long time. That there has been a long term decline in design and documentation (drawings and specifications) quality which corresponds to a decrease in construction process efficiency, ie more cost, more time and more hassles with your builder. The reason for this decline was clearly shown to be due to clients and developers applying pressure for the reduction of design fees to minimise cost. The irony, shown in the report, is that overall the project is costing more and taking longer to complete with more likelihood of legal disputes caused by contractual problems.

The report prepared by the CSIRO in Australia, while prepared in 2001, is as valid, if not more, today as it was then. The report based on a survey in Australia of 327 construction companies and 491 design firms noted,

The decline in design and documentation quality standards was shown to be directly related to reduced … fee levels ….

It would appear, therefore, that the levels of fees being obtained may well be significantly below those required to provide good quality design and documentation services.

The survey concluded that the decline in design and documentation standards also corresponded to a decline in construction process efficiency. This can be gauged by the extent of the occurrence on non-desireable events in construction, such as rework, variations, cost overruns, extensions of time, delays, disputes and further requests for information.

The results showed that where design and documentation quality was shown to be very poor, there was an average increase of building cost of 11%, where the design and documentation quality was shown to be average, the increase was 2.5%, but where the design and documentation quality was shown to be excellent there was a decrease of over 1%.

The report concluded,

Once clients and developers fully understand the value of quality design and documentation, it is hoped they would then ensure that project briefs are clear, concise and consistent, and that sufficent time and fees are available to allow designers to do their jobs properly. The benefit would be more projects completed on time, within budget and with a reduced likelihood of legal action caused by contractual disputes.