Chapter 3: Assessment of Building Defects and Maintenance

The growth and development of emerging economies, amongst other critical factors, is dependent on their political and economic policies. Sound policies contribute to improved economic and social justice of emerging economies. For instance, if an emerging economy wants to prosper, then there is a need to have policies that prioritise infrastructure – either by building new infrastructure and/or maintaining the existing infrastructure. Hence, the importance of building new public infrastructure and more so the maintenance of existing public infrastructure; the latter being the focus of this chapter. The maintenance of government office buildings incorporates refurbishment, upgrading and repairing worn-out building components (Pļaviņa & Geipele, 2013). Building components referred to include but are not limited to foundations, roofs, walls, floors, windows, doors, air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems, water coolers, fire control systems, plumbing, and electrical and sanitary fittings. This chapter investigates the different issues that affect the maintenance of building components, from the design, construction and post-occupancy stages. Imad (2009) and Kportufe (2015) highlight that the only way by which the maintenance of buildings can fulfil its objective and contribute towards a building that performs and meets its organisational goals and targets is if it addresses (i) the safe conditions of the building and its services; (ii) whether the building is fit for use and meets all the statutory requirements; and (iii) the selection and use of appropriate maintenance practices and activities to maintain not only the value of the building but also the quality standard of the building. Infrastructure maintenance is thus a critical component in an organisation’s ability to operate in a manner that is efficient and profitable.