Evaluation of the effects of consultants’ design and supervision practices in the performance of building projects

This study was carried out to evaluate effects of consultants’ design and supervision practices in performance of building projects in Tanzania. It involved looking into the consultants’ design and supervision practices, investigating effects of consultants’ design and supervision practices, and finding ways of improving design and supervision practices to enable better performance of building projects in Tanzania. The study employed qualitative method and used questionnaire as a main tool to gather information from respondents. As a result, the study revealed that apart from consultants’ practices being well documented, shortfalls still persist. There were: cost overruns and time overrun emanated from additional works and delays on approval. The current practices had not brought expected changes in performance of projects, as a result contractors and clients had faced various problems such as claim disputes, change orders from consultants, contractor’s claims, abandonment of projects and sub-standard quality of work. The study, therefore, recommends the following; firstly, consultants should have enough time in order to produce complete and accurate design information. Secondly, consultants need to have coordination meetings between themselves in order to audit and review all information before submitting to client for review and tendering. Thirdly, consultants are required to visit sites regularly and lastly, consultants should be liable by paying clients for any additional cost caused by missing of information to contractor during construction.