Plan quality and plan delivery: Selection effects of contract types and the plan delivery method on plan quality in the construction industry

The quality of construction plans is a key success factor for the smooth execution of construction projects – from tendering to execution. High plan quality contributes significantly to successful project implementation and helps avoid performance disruptions and supplementary work. This paper comprehensively examines the topic of plan quality and plan delivery in the construction industry, paying particular attention to the effects of different contract types and plan delivery methods. This paper comprehensively explains both traditional contract models such as ÖNORM B 2110:2023, ÖNORM B 2118:2023, and the German Civil Code (ABGB), as well as modern contract forms such as partnering, alliance contracts, and design-build. It examines how these contracts influence plan quality and what consequences for the construction industry can arise from poor plan quality or delayed plan delivery. To complement the theoretical analyses, an expert survey was conducted, the results of which are compared with current specialist literature.