Design Flaws Drive Construction Disputes Worldwide
HKA's ninth annual CRUX Insight report examines 2,410 projects across 122 countries and finds design problems behind most disputes.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Construction
HKA published its ninth annual CRUX Insight report, analyzing 2,410 construction projects across 122 countries with a combined investment of US$2.56 trillion. Design-related problems contributed to disputes on 40.5% of the projects analyzed.
Why it matters
The findings point to design quality and timing as recurring sources of cost and schedule conflict in large construction programs. HKA also linked pressure to begin nuclear construction before planning and design work was complete to the disputes it reviewed.
Cumulative sums in dispute across the analyzed projects reached US$100 billion, with claimed time extensions equal to 65.8% of planned schedules. These are amounts claimed or disputed, not confirmed overruns or awards.
The players
HKA
HKA is a global construction consultancy whose consultants investigate claims and disputes on large capital projects and publish its annual CRUX Insight research.
The details
The study examined projects involving claims or disputes investigated by HKA's consultants, and scope changes affected 33.4% of them. Late or incomplete design information featured heavily among the causes cited in the disputes.
Timeline
2020 onwards: Projects scheduled to complete from this year showed improved outcomes, according to the report.
November 2, 2026: HKA published the CRUX Insight report.
Market Landscape
The ninth edition of HKA's CRUX Insight series extends a multi-year record of dispute analysis across large capital projects. Its findings continue to point to design quality and early-stage planning as persistent drivers of claims in global construction.
Project owners and contractors can reduce exposure to costly claims by insisting on complete, timely design information before construction begins. Schedule extensions and added costs often trace back to decisions made during planning, not on site.
The takeaway
Investing in complete design information before construction starts is one of the most effective ways to limit disputes, delays and cost growth. Early planning discipline is where much of the financial risk can be managed.
Further reading
For more on how project planning shapes outcomes, explore Construction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Construction Briefing.
