THE ROLE OF CONSULTANT BUILDER IN MINIMIZING CHANGE ORDER IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. A CASE STUDY OF PUBLIC BUILDING PROJECT)
ABSTRACT
Changes to original design occur during construction to most projects, such changes leads to increased cost, and delays as it affects time of completions, these changes are due to design errors, omission and discrepancies that are found in construction documents. Such errors, omission and discrepancies sometimes occurred as a result of inconsistent dimensions, improper setting-out, poor coordination and communication lacuna amongst the numerous parties involved in the design process.
Reoccurrence of this errors, omission and discrepancies is on the increase and therefore deserve timely intervention. The objective of the study is to highlight cases of change order and its implication in projects, hence the specific role of consultant’s builders ‘in minimizing change order in construction projects. The objective with which to achieve the aim is to sensitize and create awareness of the dangers of change orders in construction projects and also to create awareness that the engagement of consultant builders is imperative in minimizing change order in projects .This research discovered that change order resulting from errors , omissions and discrepancies in the design , poor coordination, communication lacuna among parties can be minimized or eliminated by the use of new design software , the 3D parametric building software amongst others and this would guarantee flexible and effective design . Minimizing the factors that causes errors , omission and discrepancies should start from inception of the project through the design and construction stage to the end of the project .All parties to the contract : Architects, Civil /structural Engineers ,Mechanical/Electrical Engineers, Quantity surveyors and the Builders as a case study in this project must be involved to alleviate the incessant cases of change orders to ensure that the client gets the best value for his money .
