Assessment of Risks in Building Inspection Services during and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The building industry has been deeply affected by the Covid-19 pandemic due to the cessation of many businesses and the changes in working methods. Building inspection is of great importance for ensuring safety and well-functioning steps in the building life cycle. This study aimed to determine the potential dangers threatening building inspection services during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Accordingly, a risk assessment method based on a three-stage survey conducted with mainly construction inspection experts working in the Turkish construction industry was applied. Within this scope, both quantitative and qualitative data were utilized. An analysis of all findings concluded that careless inspection due to the shortening of site visits, unreliable remote inspection ways, and the everlasting paper-based bureaucratic steps of the system are the most threatening risk factors for building inspection mechanisms. All these risks have potential consequences, such as loss of life, crucial defects in building services, and the spread of the pandemic. Indirect risks are mainly caused by financial difficulties. In order to avoid all potential risks, standards should be introduced and technology-based precise remote control mechanisms should be improved through online tools and applications. Moreover, public bodies should provide adequate financial support. This study suggested immediate actions to be taken by the relevant parties against the impacts of Covid-19 by highlighting potential cases and their risks with regard to building inspection services. The implementation of such actions may enable practitioners to conduct more reliable inspections during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.