Benchmarking Current Perceptions of General Contractors of Return on Investment on Affordable Rehabilitation Housing Projects: A Case Study in the State of Texas

Abstract

This exploratory case study investigates the perception of general contractors of affordable rehabilitation housing projects in the state of Texas. This study was carried out in collaboration with a corporation that is working on affordable rehabilitation housing in the state of Texas. For the purpose of maintaining anonymity, this organization is referred to as “Corporation X”. To evaluate the perceptions of the general contractors involved in affordable rehabilitation housing with Corporation X, face-to-face or Skype interviews were carried out. The results showed positive aspects, as well as attributes to be improved, from the general contractors’ perspective. Although the contractors do not expect a sizable return on investment, their morale is high due to the satisfaction they feel knowing they are helping underprivileged communities. The cost constraint compounded by the poor existing condition of the houses challenge the ability of general contractors to attain quality standards. However, the general contractors claim they maintain work with high standards of safety and so have not experienced accidents on these sites.