Triggernomic Repair Process Analysis (TRAP): a methodology for better diagnosis of housing defects in the owner-occupier sector

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to espouse Triggernomic Repair Process Analysis (TRAP), a nonlinear theoretical methodology employed to stress the importance of an informed approach to the diagnosis and prognosis of structural building defects at the owner-occupier level.

Design/methodology/approach - TRAP analysis focuses on the diagnosis limitations relating to house repair and maintenance among owner-occupiers in the UK, based on a stratified random survey of owner-occupiers' maintenance decisions. 

Findings - It is concluded that lack of technical skills-knowledge awareness is one of the main deterrents to efficient defect diagnosis. The failing on defect diagnosis is broadly defined as resulting from Chronic Deficiency of Defects Diagnosis (CD³). CD³ is furthermore conceptualised as a theoretical dichotomy construct which persists due to Chronic Diagnosis Failure (CDF) and Chronic Misapplication of Maintenance Remedies (CMMR). 

Originality/value - The constructs identified help to explain why owner-occupier housing disrepair remains high and a source of concern among practitioners in the UK. A pro-maintenance housing regeneration agenda is imminent in order to promote technical skill-knowledge awareness and the effectiveness of the maintenance decision making among owner-occupiers.