Critical delay factors in housing construction projects in Saudi Arabia: Assessment and solutions

Given the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) current housing shortage, the government recently made substantial investments in public-sector housing projects across the country. To maximise the efficiency of these investments, the problem of construction projects delay must be overcome. Therefore, this research project identified delay factors in public-sector housing construction projects in the KSA, and proposed solutions for mitigating or avoiding the construction delays. The main aim of the study is to assess housing projects in the KSA, in terms of delays in the construction phase, and to develop a comprehensive framework based on the analysis of the delay factors (such as client-related, consultantrelated, etc.) to mitigate or prevent their occurrence. The study highlights the importance of delays in construction and provides a complete review of issues of importance in terms of concepts, principles and challenges. In addition, the literature was reviewed through an effective survey to find out the causes of delays in order to build general knowledge of delayed construction projects. A mixed-method research design was adopted involving a literature review, surveys, interviews and case studies. The primary data focused on the delay factors contributing to housing projects delay in the KSA's construction industry, as well as viable solutions. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, and the participants were clients, consultants and contractors in the KSA's construction industry. Consequently, more than 80 delay factors were identified, then classified into 10 groups and ranked in terms of their severity. A conceptual framework has been developed to advise on the processes that stakeholders should embrace in housing construction projects. Whereas, the solutions identified were used to generate an evidence-based framework, which practitioners can use to mitigate or avoid delays in housing projects. Key aspects of the solution may include the use of building information modelling (BIM), review and assess the government's role in housing projects. Furthermore, all stakeholders should take measures to prevent and reduce delay in housing projects, by promoting FIDIC contracts, establishing an independent planning board, integrating training and awareness initiatives, and eventually implementing the proposed conceptual framework.