Investigating the client-related rework in building projects: The case of Singapore

•To identify the most contributing project players to rework•To investigate the status of client-related rework (CRR) in building projects•To analyze the frequency and contribution of the causes of CRR•To capture the perceived impact of the causes of CRR on project performance

Rework has become one of the most common concerns in construction projects. This study aims to investigate the client-related rework (CRR) in Singapore-based building projects. To achieve the objectives, a literature review and questionnaire survey was conducted and data were collected from 381 projects performed by 51 companies. The results confirmed that the client contributed most to rework. 41 of the 51 companies (80.4%) experienced CRR, and 226 of the 381 projects (59.3%) experienced CRR, which increased project cost by 7.1% and caused 3.3 weeks' delay on the average. Additionally, “replacement of materials by the client” was the cause with the highest frequency of occurrence, while “change of plans or scope by the client” contributed most to CRR and exerted most impact on project cost, schedule and quality performance. This study expands the literature and provides an in-depth understanding of the CRR in Singapore for both practitioners and researchers.