CONSTRUCTION DEFECT JOURNAL

"News and Information for Construction Defect and Claims Professionals"

CONSTRUCTION DEFECT JOURNAL - ISSUE 242749 - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Reducing Rework on Construction Projects Benefits Budget, Schedule and Financial Loss

Construction plans hardhat pencil

Typically, when discussing rework, one thinks of the labor and material costs, but there are other costs associated with rework that are less easily quantified.

February 10, 2026
Brian Clarke - Construction Executive

The costs of not building it right the first time is statistically staggering—some research suggests up to 20% of the total project costs. This article highlights the costs of re-work, provides a financial worksheet to track the costs of re-work, and a trusted tool to help reduce the impact of re-work.

Typically, when discussing rework, one thinks of the labor and material costs, but there are other costs associated with rework that are less easily quantified:

  • Liquidated damages and related legal costs
  • Potential for increasing safety incidents associated with rework
  • Morale loss due to performing rework
  • Loss of previously trained workers due to delays caused by rework
  • Reputational loss and the inability to bid on future work
  • Challenges of future work to be performed due to schedule delays on a current project

Reprinted courtesy of Brian Clarke, Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved.

Mr. Clarke may be contacted at brianclarke1121@aol.com


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