Assessment of design change sub-factors using AHP relative importance for construction projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Recently, design change comes to the fore as main cause of delay in construction projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In this study, in-depth analysis of design change as a cause of delay was investigated in both design and procurement and construction phases of the project. Twenty-five design change factors were collected from literature and classified under two categories (during procurement phase and during construction phases). Structured survey was sent to construction project parties (clients, designers and consultants, and contractors) who are involved in the construction industry in KSA and Gulf area. Based on valid responses, these factors were analysed and weighed by using AHP technique. Errors in original design, unforeseen site conditions, change in client's design requirement, and poor communication between project parties gained the highest weights as main causes of design change. Some recommendations were provided to minimise the impact of these factors on project construction.