An assessment of the implementation for basic constructability practice at the conceptualization stage of property development

Abstract

Constructability is one of the project management methods to evaluate the whole property development process. During a property development process from the early stage of planning up to delivery and maintenance there are many restrictions to implement constructability. However, partial comprehension of designers of construction and implementation requirements, and resistance of owners to constructability due to extra visible costs in the project, are main difficulties to its implementation. This study assessed the implementation for basic constructability practice at the conceptualization stage of property development process in Rivers State, Nigeria. The data for this study was collected using focus groups and open-ended survey interview questions. A total number of 56 respondents: project managers, employers, consultants, and contractors active in property development representing 93% response rate were drawn for the study. The data was qualitatively analysed using content thematic analysis. The study found that 71.4% of the respondents agree that the benefits of implementing basic constructability practice at the conceptualization stage of property development process is beyond cost saving. Furthermore, majority (64.3%) of the respondents stated that actually put constructability to use: the familiarity with property development process timeline during design, planning, construction and completion would be progressive monitored and task assignment. The study thus recommends that the implementation of constructability should be practiced integrating the design process in the early stages of property development.