August 29th, 2025
Rework in UK construction is costing the industry £21 billion every year — equivalent to 21% of total sector output.
These avoidable errors don’t just waste money. They delay critical projects, undermine public trust, and expose organisations to growing legal and reputational risks.
At a time when the UK urgently needs to deliver major infrastructure programmes, housing, and net-zero construction, reducing rework is no longer optional — it’s essential.
According to the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI), avoidable errors cost the UK construction sector an estimated £21 billion every year — the equivalent of 21% of the industry’s total output (GIRI). These errors range from design clashes and fragmented supply chain handoffs to cultural behaviours that prioritise speed over quality.
The consequences ripple far beyond budgets:
Financial impact: wasted labour, materials, and penalties.
Safety risks: compromised quality can lead to structural failures.
Reputation damage: one poor project can affect long-term credibility.
The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) estimates that the cost of poor quality in UK construction ranges from 5% to 12% of project budgets (CQI). For a large infrastructure project, this could mean tens of millions of pounds in preventable costs.
Meanwhile, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) projects that an additional 225,000 workers will be needed by 2027. Without investment in training and skills, quality risks — and rework — will only increase.
Bourton Group has seen first hand how tackling rework requires systemic change. Our work with National Highways is a strong example.
Through refreshing the Highways England Lean Maturity Assessment, developing a Quality Maturity Model, and enhancing the Supplier Development System, we helped strengthen quality and Lean adoption across their supply chain.
The result? More consistent standards, better alignment with strategic goals, and a culture where suppliers focus on preventing errors before they happen.
Our new whitepaper, The Impact of Rework and Poor Quality in the UK Construction Industry, explores:
The root causes of rework, from design deficiencies to workforce skills gaps.
The financial, legal, and reputational risks organisations face.
Practical strategies to reduce rework through Lean, robust quality management, and cultural change.
How regulatory shifts like the Building Safety Act 2022 are reshaping accountability across the industry.
The role of leadership commitment in transforming outcomes across complex programmes.
Rework and poor quality are systemic challenges, but they are not insurmountable. With the right approach, organisations can protect margins, enhance safety, and deliver infrastructure that stands the test of time.
Download your copy of the whitepaper here
Or explore more insights on our Whitepapers & Insights hub.
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