Title: Factors affecting the accuracy of detailed construction cost estimation in Ghana

Authors: Jerry Junior Gyimah; Ernest Kissi; Theophilus Adjei-Kumi; Richard Oduro Asamoah; Seth Bampo Addo; Kofi Offei-Nyako; Philip Bannor

Addresses: Built Environment Division, CSIR – Building and Road Research Institute, U.P.O. Box 40, KNUST, Ashanti Region, Ghana ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana ' Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana ' Built Environment Division, CSIR – Building and Road Research Institute, U.P.O. Box 40, KNUST, Ashanti Region, Ghana ' Built Environment Division, CSIR – Building and Road Research Institute, U.P.O. Box 40, KNUST, Ashanti Region, Ghana ' Built Environment Division, CSIR – Building and Road Research Institute, U.P.O. Box 40, KNUST, Ashanti Region, Ghana ' Built Environment Division, CSIR – Building and Road Research Institute, U.P.O. Box 40, KNUST, Ashanti Region, Ghana

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the critical factors that affect the accuracy of detailed cost estimates. Using a questionnaire survey, respondents were invited to rate factors affecting the accuracy of detailed cost estimates identified from literature and interviews. The target population were quantity surveyors/cost estimators in Accra and Kumasi. The sampling technique utilised were purposive and snowballing techniques. The data collected were analysed using mean score ranking and factor analysis based on principal component analysis. Reliability test was further conducted on the five components identified. Based on factor analysis, accuracy of design and cost information, estimator's capacity, resource availability or pricing, project composition and site conditions were the components that affect the accuracy of a detailed cost estimate in Ghana. The findings offer industry players like clients, consultants and contractors to appreciate the key factors that influence the accuracy of detailed cost estimate, cost planning and control.

Keywords: detailed cost estimate; quality; accuracy; factors; Ghana.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEME.2022.129127

International Journal of Engineering Management and Economics, 2022 Vol.7 No.1, pp.59 - 78

Received: 02 Mar 2022
Accepted: 19 Jul 2022
Published online: 21 Feb 2023 *

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