REDUCING THE EFFECTS AND IMPACT OF CHANGE ORDERS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN A SUBSIDY REMOVED ECONOMY

Abstract

This research investigates the effects and impact of change orders in public building projects in a subsidy removed economy. The study made use of the results of a questionnaire surveying the owners, contractors and consultants on a sample of 100 respondents comprising of the professionals that made up the building team representing the construction industry. The responses to the questionnaire help in identifying the common effects and impact of changes, and the control measures to address the effects and impact of changes. The results of the questionnaire indicate that time overrun, end user’s dissatisfaction, dispute among the parties, contractor’s dissatisfaction were the factors that effects project performance. Decrease in contractor reputation, Dispute among the professionals and loss of opportunity for new Job were the impact of change order in construction projects. The measures to be taken to control the effects and impacts of change order in building construction projects are; Proper site investigations, communication among parties, proper supervision of works, clear statement of work provision, specification within budget, better designs and visualization, completion of drawings at the tender stage, proper planning among parties involved and establishing a change order process up front.