ANALYSIS OF DETRACTING FACTORS AFFECTING CONSTRUCTION COSTS IN ENUGU, ENUGU STATE.

ANALYSIS OF DETRACTING FACTORS AFFECTING CONSTRUCTION COSTS IN ENUGU, ENUGU STATE.

ABSTRACT

One of the characteristics of construction projects is that they entail huge capital outlay. These investments have alternatives; in effect it must be assured that the decision to take up a construction work is the best. In carrying out such works cognizance has to be taken about such factors like environmental, social, technical and administrative that affects construction costs. This work therefore is a bold attempt, aim at analyzing these factors to see the various intensities on changes in construction costs. This study analysed factors affecting construction costs in Enugu state. The study was carried out with a view to identify some factors affecting construction costs in building industry. The importance of this research was to benefit the stakeholders in the construction industry in determining the factors which can affect construction costs. To facilitate this study both primary and secondary data collections were used. Furthermore, the population sample was chosen randomly. Fifty questionnaires received from field survey of relevant professionals were analysed using mean scores while four hypotheses were tested using spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and student t-test. The result showed that project resources factors scored 4.46, contract arrangement factors scored 2.80, construction management factors scored 2.41 while environmental factors scored 1.47. The major identified reasons for factors affecting construction costs are project resources, contract arrangement and construction management factors. In conclusion, there is a need for clear allocation of responsibility for monitoring and controlling factors affecting construction to qualified individuals who can handle project effectively. Finally, factors affecting construction costs should be an issue or yardstick for measuring project performance.