Quantity Surveyors’ Challenges in Resolving Construction Contract Disputes

Construction projects often experience contract disputes globally. Thus, finding ways to resolve these disputes should be a novel idea to reduce their implications on project outcomes. Quantity surveyors (QS) are vital in dealing with contract disputes. This study sought to identify QS’s challenges in dealing with these disputes. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, using structured, open-ended questions to solicit information from QS in South Africa who have experience dealing with construction contract disputes in their projects. The information was analyzed using Excel statistical tools to determine the frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that, generally, the root causes of disputes in construction contracts are ambiguous contract phrases, payment delays, and variation orders. However, in trying to assist in dealing with these disputes, the QS faces challenges such as knowledge gap, contract complexity, and communication barriers. The paper identifies QS challenges in dealing with contract disputes. Thus, QS professionals need improvement in order to participate effectively in dispute resolution processes. The study also sets the tone for future quantitative studies using the findings of this study.