89 Construction Fails So Bad They Look Like Someone Gave Up Halfway Through

These photos might make you wonder how construction professionals could botch these important jobs. 

While there are several possible reasons, engineers and construction experts who spoke at the ASCE 10th Forensic Engineering Congress in 2025 stated one overarching cause: poor communication.

“For projects with minimally effective communication, only 37% finish on time, 48% are completed within budget, and 52% meet their set goal," an excerpt from their findings read. 

The experts were a panel of engineers and construction consultants who have since advocated for “establishing robust communication channels” to ensure everyone is aligned and informed about potential issues.

The bigger question here is how much these botched construction jobs cost. According to recent industry insights, the price tag can reach $177 billion annually. 

The same findings point to a common cause behind 48% of all rework: poor communication and bad project data.

Further insights reveal that 22% of the work comes from “bad or inaccessible project information.” But how do these communication breakdowns happen? Over the phone, apparently. 

According to the data, only 10% of phone-based decisions typically get formally documented. That means 90% of those critical conversations can't be revisited when needed.

Every successful construction project requires meticulous planning, proper supervision, and effective communication, along with technical knowledge. And when any one of these elements is overlooked, you can expect undesirable results. These photos are proof of that. 

Which of the following images concerned you most? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.