Sources of workflow uncertainty and variation in residential construction projects

Abstract EN

Recent growth in the US residential construction has created increased pressures to homebuilders and trades.

According to previous research, this has resulted in longer cycle times and more quality problems.

This paper presents an in-depth investigation into the cycle time performance of a large residential construction project in order to identify problems (and patterns of problems) that lead to delays.

The researchers collected detailed data on nine single-family houses in a large residential development in the Phoenix area, built by one of the largest homebuilders in the US.

The paper first presents the schedule performance of the nine units which reveals significant delays.

To better understand the reasons for delays, we then examine the planned and actual work performed on a weekly basis, and identify the reasons for activities not completed as planned.

The analysis indicates that limited labor availability and quality problems caused extensive workflow disruptions and increased cycle time.

Then we examine why the production control system failed to manage effectively the workload and quality issues.

Finally, the paper discusses how the use of the Last Planner System can benefit homebuilders by reducing defects, increasing labor availability and reducing construction cycle time.