Reimagining procurement for domestic construction clients

Abstract

This study critically examines the impact of procurement systems utilised in domestic housing projects in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to establish the theoretical foundation of standard procurement systems, with particular emphasis on the Traditional and Design and Build (D&B) approaches. Their respective strengths and limitations were analysed in relation to the achievement of time, cost, and quality objectives. A qualitative case study approach was adopted, examining three domestic housing projects across the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key project stakeholders to identify challenges associated with existing procurement practices. The findings reveal significant weaknesses in informal procurement approaches, including inadequate cost planning at the design stage, an over-reliance on architectural drawings for construction execution, and the limited application of competitive tendering. These shortcomings adversely affect cost control, scheduling, and overall project performance. The study concludes that the adoption of a modified procurement framework could enhance the achievement of time, cost, and quality objectives in domestic housing construction projects in Sri Lanka.