Causes of Delay in Construction Industry: Perception of Consultants in Palestine

Delay in construction industry is a common problem in construction sector. Previous researchers have identified key performance indicators related to contractors, consultants, or owners that contribute to projects time overrun. This study aims to identify the major causes leading to project delays in the Gaza Strip's construction industry according to consultants view. The study have involved questionnaires that covered nineteen delay factors related to construction projects in Gaza, which were distributed to a population of sixty engineering offices, with a 90% response rate. The research reveals that poor communication of the consultant with other parties in the project, ineffective quality control by the consultant, the existence of disputes because of previous work between consultant the contractor, consultant’s delay in approving the contractor’s requests, and giving the consultant verbal instructions to the contractor are the most significant indicators of delay in construction projects. The study results suggest that consultants must have professional management experience, good technical control and financial capability to execute the project effectively.