A framework for regulatory bodies to control informal building construction in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Socio financial and environmental affectability due to the construction improvements and its relativity with comprehension of building property advancement leads construction to become trendy activity in the society. In order to obtain the major roles in the economy of country construction conducted in to two segments called formal and informal. When render wider perspective on construction activities, there are highly considerable rate of failing, short coming, quality deficiencies etc. Building regulations facilitates to overcome and guarantee socially adequate levels of well-being, security, welfare and convenience for building tenants. This research undertaken using mixed method approach including pilot survey, questionnaire survey and expert interviews. From fifty (50) respondents to questionnaire survey, thirty eight (38) were identified as informal building constructions. It was employed to investigate the extend of obtaining the permits in building construction projects and discrepancies, deformations, laid significances on professional selection and considerations laid on design and construction stage. From the statistical analysis of the survey conducted identified addressable key areas to minimise informal construction activities, which causes deterioration in building constructions. In order to overcome that, eight (8) expert interviews were conducted among the professionals in relevant subject area. Gathered qualitative data were analysed using content analysis techniques. Consequently, the requirement of regulatory bodies to minimise the informal construction were identified which directly or indirectly influence positively on quality of buildings and defect free environment. Finally, framework demarcates the building informality, causation to building performance due to informal construction and building defects along with the remedial actions.