DISPUTES DURING WORK EXECUTION IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND THE ROLE OF EFFECTIVE DOCUMENTATION IN DISPUTES RESOLUTION: A CASE STUDY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The construction industry is an essential tool for the development of Pakistan; nevertheless, it is prone to disputes that often occur while carrying out projects. The present study examines the nature and causes of disputes that may take place during the work execution process of construction projects in Karachi, Pakistan, as well as the significance of documentation in preventing and resolving disputes. Adopting a mixed methodology, the data was gathered from 30 individuals in five construction projects in Karachi including clients, consultants, and contractors using surveys and documents analysis. From the findings, it appears that delay in payments, improper documentation of tenders, unclear conditions of contracts, oral instructions without written confirmation, and ineffective design coordination are the major causes of disputes. It can be established that the process of maintenance of the right type of documentation, which comprises variation order, payment certificates, site instruction, and correspondence, is an effective preventive measure against disputes. In light of the results obtained from the data analysis, practical suggestions have been made by this research to include dispute escalation clauses, design freeze procedures, idle plant documentation, and compulsory mediation in PEC standard construction contracts, which will help reduce the large number of disputed construction cases in the industry.

Research on Construction Project Disputes and the Effectiveness of Good Documentation in Resolving Disputes.