The Relationship between Rework and Construction Management: A Case Study

Abstract

Rework refers to the repeated effort required to correct tasks that were not properly completed at the first attempt. In construction projects, rework mainly results from field management problems such as inadequate information, insufficient supervision, and poor workmanship. It is widely recognized as one of the major causes of time delays, cost overruns, quality deficiencies, and dissatisfaction among project stakeholders. This study aims to evaluate rework from a construction management perspective through the case of a cultural heritage small wooden house reconstruction project. The selection of a reconstruction project enables the exclusion of rework caused by design changes and allows a focus on implementation-related factors. The study examines the time and cost impacts of rework, quality problems, and the underlying causes leading to rework through both literature review and field research. Data were collected from project documents, site observations, meeting notes, and semi-structured interviews with project participants. The findings reveal that rework negatively affects contractors, subcontractors, and employers in terms of motivation, quality, project duration, and overall project performance.