How new regulations are reshaping the construction industry

The construction industry has long been known for its focus on cost. Traditionally, the lowest bidder has nearly always secured the project, leading to concerns about cutting corners and compromising quality. However, a global shift is underway, with new regulations and a growing emphasis on quality taking centre stage writes John Ridgeway.

For decades, the construction industry has operated in a competitive landscape where bidding and tendering processes often favoured the cheapest option, a situation that has incentivised contractors to find ways to reduce expenses, sometimes at the expense of quality materials, workmanship, or adherence to the original specifications.

There is plenty of evidence to support the claim that compromised materials or poor construction practices have led to structural failures, accidents and even injuries during construction or throughout the building's lifespan.

Buildings constructed with lower quality materials or workmanship have experienced premature deterioration, leaking, inefficient energy use, or other performance problems, which in turn has resulted in costly repairs and increased maintenance for building owners.

There have even been cases where buildings constructed with a focus on short-term cost savings have had a shorter than expected lifespan, leading to the need for earlier demolition and reconstruction, creating more waste and environmental impact.

This cost-centric approach is not just a theoretical concern. A 2021 report by McKinsey & Company estimated that the global construction industry wastes 1.2 trillion dollars annually due to rework caused by poor quality. This highlighted the significant economic and environmental costs associated with prioritising price over quality.

Why architects lose control

One of the biggest hurdles in ensuring quality construction is the frequent practice of contractors changing architects' specifications. This is when contractors propose alternative materials or construction methods that they believe will be cheaper or easier to implement. While some value engineering proposals can be beneficial, others may compromise the architect's original design intent or reduce the quality of the final product.

Recent global supply chain disruptions, which have led to material shortages have also exacerbated the problem. In such situations, contractors have felt the need to propose alternative materials that are readily available. However, these alternatives may not meet the original specifications, potentially impacting the building's performance or aesthetics.

Even worse, in some cases, contractors may propose changes due to a lack of understanding of the architect's design intent or the specific requirements of the project. Such spec changes, when not carefully managed, have led to a disconnect between the architect's vision and the final constructed product, resulting in a building that does not meet the desired performance standards, aesthetics, or even safety requirements.

Regulations and legal changes

Fortunately, there is a global movement towards prioritising better quality in construction - and it is gaining momentum. Regulatory bodies and governments worldwide are implementing new measures and legal changes to address these concerns.

The Building Safety Act introduced in the UK in response to the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, focuses on improving fire safety standards in high-rise buildings. It establishes a new building safety regulator, introduces stricter requirements for product testing and certification and mandates the provision of information for building occupants about their building's safety systems. This act alone could have a blog to itself as it also helps architects to protect their original specification and resist contractor pressure.

An EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) sets harmonised standards for the safety, performance, and sustainability of construction products across the European Union. It ensures that products meet specific requirements before they can be placed on the market, contributing to improved building quality across the region.

In the US the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) provides guidelines and best practices for various aspects of building design, construction, and operation. It includes information on quality control, material selection, and sustainable building practices, promoting a holistic approach to building performance.

These regulations, which are far more detailed than I have given space to in this article, along with growing public awareness of the dangers of prioritising cost over quality, are pushing the construction industry towards a new era.

The Benefits of quality-focused construction

This transition towards better quality-focused construction offers a multitude of benefits for all stakeholders. Buildings constructed with higher-quality materials and workmanship are inherently safer for occupants and construction workers alike.

Quality construction also leads to better energy efficiency, durability and overall performance, reducing long-term maintenance costs for building owners. In turn buildings with a longer lifespan and better energy efficiency contribute to a smaller environmental footprint for the construction sector.

To take this a stage further, good quality buildings should also seek proper accreditations that usually only apply when contractors have not taken “shortcuts.”. For example, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system is a globally recognised tool that incentivises sustainable construction practices. Buildings that achieve LEED certification are demonstrably more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly throughout their lifecycle.

Building owners who invest in quality construction can expect fewer problems and a building that performs as intended. This leads to a higher level of satisfaction and potentially a higher return on investment for the client.

A further study by Dodge Data & Analytics found that buildings constructed using Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) methods, which emphasise collaboration and quality throughout the design and construction process, experience lower rework rates and higher client satisfaction compared to traditionally procured projects.

Embracing a quality culture

The shift towards quality construction is not just about regulations and legal changes. It requires a cultural shift within the industry, where all stakeholders – from architects and engineers to contractors and material suppliers – prioritise quality at every stage of the project lifecycle.

Early and continuous communication between architects, engineers, and contractors throughout the design and construction process can minimise the need for spec changes and ensure everyone is working towards the same quality goals. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become a valuable tool in this regard, as it fosters collaboration and facilitates clash detection before construction begins.

Implementing robust quality control measures throughout the construction process is also crucial. This includes regular inspections, material testing and adherence to documented quality standards.

Moving away from a short-term cost-centric approach and considering the entire lifecycle cost of a building can also incentivise investments in quality materials and construction methods that may initially appear more expensive, but will ultimately lead to lower maintenance and operating costs over time.

Without doubt, the construction industry is at a pivotal point. By prioritising quality, embracing new regulations and fostering a culture of collaboration, the sector can create a more sustainable, efficient and responsible future. This will not only benefit building owners and occupants but also enhance the reputation of the industry and attract a new generation of skilled professionals. As the focus shifts from the cheapest price to the best value, we really can build a future where quality reigns supreme – let’s hope so.

Sources:

1. GOV.UK - Building Safety Act 2022: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-building-safety-act
2. EUR-Lex - 32011L0305: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32011R0305
3. National Institute of Building Sciences - Whole Building Design Guide: https://www.nibs.org/wbdg
4. U.S. Green Building Council - LEED: https://www.usgbc.org/
5. Dodge Data & Analytics - Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): https://www.construction.com/

Autodesk - Building Information Modeling (BIM): https://www.autodesk.com/bim-360/