ABSTRACT

Construction delay is one of the major problems faced by the construction industry in Zimbabwe. Understanding the causes and effects of construction delay is important to minimize and or avoid the impact of delay in residential construction projects in Zimbabwe. This research seeks to empirically determine the causes and effects of delay in construction projects in Zimbabwe. From the analysis of the questionnaire, causes and effects of delay were ranked using the Relative Importance Index (RII) approach. The overall results analysis indicate that poor financial control on site, ineffective budgeting schedule and ineffective site management are amongst the most factors causing delays. The results also indicate that time overrun and cost overruns are the most important effects of delay in residential construction projects in Zimbabwe. Frequent meetings of all parties, effective planning and proper estimation of initial project cost are amongst the recommended ways of minimizing delays in residential construction projects in Zimbabwe.

Key Words: Construction industry, Delay, Relative Importance Index, Residential Construction, Zimbabwe