THE EFFECTS OF FAULTY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ON BUILDING MAINTENANCE IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Building defects arising from design and construction are recognized to have ample effects on the level of maintenance of buildings which often lead to increased costs causing dissatisfaction. Minimizing these defects will reduce building maintenance problems and increase the lifespan of structures. This study examined the effects of faulty design and construction on building maintenance in Nigeria. The objectives are to identify and investigate building defects due to design and construction errors and to determine the effects of faulty design and construction on building maintenance. Conclusively, recommendations were made on ways of improving design and construction work on building maintenance. A field survey involving a sample size of 55 respondents, mainly the professionals in the built environment managing housing projects awarded to different contractors using structured questionnaires was carried out. The research concludes that there is a great potential for improvement in the production of quality designs and construction processes in the construction industry. Designs should be drafted with consideration for changes in soil condition and properly reviewed before approval for construction. There should be a standard practice of working with complete detailed drawing so that defects due to specification will be eliminated. Construction workers should provide adequate soil compaction, curing procedures, concrete vibration; even mixture of aggregates and use suitable materials appropriate to climatic conditions. Also, they should avoid differential settlement, overloading, cracking in plastering, holes in plaster walls, plaster falling off from ceiling, loss of bond between coats and importantly, necessary maintenance should be carried out.