ABSTRACT

It is apparent that the accuracy of building maintenance cost estimates is a problem in constructions industry, when it comes to building maintenance projects; cost variance has a lot of consequences. This research focuses on the assessment of the accuracy of cost estimation of building maintenance projects in Edo State, to enhance building maintenance projects delivery. The objectives are to: identify and assess the accuracy of techniques used in estimating building maintenance projects costs, identify the factors affecting the accuracy of cost estimate in building maintenance projects, and identify the factors that can improve the accuracy of building maintenance projects cost estimates. Using the descriptive method, data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire. Seventy-three (73) questionnaires were distributed and forty-six (46) questionnaires were retrieved from practicing Quantity surveyors and analyzed using mean score, percentiles and relative importance index. The findings revealed that the detailed method is the most used and also the most accurate method of estimation. The study also established that quality planning is the most important factor affecting the accuracy of cost estimates, also the most effective factor for improving accuracy cost estimates is by ensuring availability of sufficient details in architectural and engineering designs and proper project planning. It is recommended that; both the client and the contractor should make proper planning in terms of the resources required for the execution of the projects, Quantity surveyors should be active as cost experts making sure that they make use of the most suitable and more accurate estimating technique and also others professionals should give sufficient, completed, and adequate details to assist the estimators to have well and proper understanding of the project's requirement.