Abstract:
A building defect can be defined as a material, component or finish which does not meet its
accepted performance criterion. The main objective of this study was to assess the
construction defects of multistory commercial buildings in Jimma town.
Data was collected using observational checklist and questionnaire. Currently, there are a
total of 64 multistory commercial buildings that are fully operational; from which 18
buildings are taken for the study by using purposive sampling method. Structured
questionnaires were developed and distributed to randomly selected consultants, contractors
and clients currently engaged on building construction. The questionnaire was utilized by
involving 36 respondents from which, 22% (8) clients, 44% (16) contractors and 34% (12)
consultants.
According to the observational analysis result, the most common construction defect on
commercial buildings, which was observed on 83.3% of the buildings, was plastering crack.
The next frequent construction defects were peeling off paint (72.2%), broken/cracked floor
tiles (66.7%), defective water supply system (61.1%) and exposed electrical wiring (55.6%).
As the causes of the construction defects were assessed by the computed weighted average in
the questionnaire analysis, workmanship problem is found to be the first cause of
construction defects in multistory commercial buildings. The second and third causes of
construction defects were using defective construction material and non-conformance with
specifications, respectively.
A questionnaire analysis was also used to investigate the impacts of construction defects on
multistory commercial buildings. According to the weighted average of the responses, high
maintenance and rework cost is found to be the first impact of construction defects. The
second impact of construction defects is the decrement of building functionality.
Dissatisfaction of property owners is found to be the third impact of construction defects.
According to respondents’ weighted average applying an effective quality control mechanism
is believed to be the first defect reducing measure. The second defect reducing measure is
regular site supervision during construction work. Creating the necessary awareness for
low-skilled laborers is the third recommended defect reducing measure.
Since commercial buildings accommodate many people, the safety, serviceability and
aesthetics value of the buildings should be monitored by the concerning governmental body,
that is, Jimma town construction office.
