INVESTIGATING THE OCCURRENCE OF CONSTRUCTION CLAIMS IN BUILDING PROJECTS IN TERTITARY INSTITUTIONS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Procurement of building in institutions of higher learning like any other construction project is usually fraught with the endemic problem of claims with its attendant effects particularly on cost and time. This thesis therefore investigates the occurrence of construction claims in building projects with the aim of formulating a guideline for mitigating its occurrence in tertiary institutions in Ekiti state. Questionnaires were administered to respondents who are, the clients, that is, Director of Physical Planning, client representatives, consultant architect and quantity surveyor, and the contractor. The data collected were analyzed using mean item score, correlation and regression analysis. The research established that factors such as procurement method, inadequate site investigation and low price of contract due to high competition are some of the major factors responsible for claims. It was also established that construction claims such as contractual claim; delay claims and acceleration of work claims occur frequently in building projects in the study area. The research also shows that project characteristics such as contract sum, gross floor area, project complexity and number of sub-contractors correlate with construction claims like contractual claim. Furthermore, it was established that construction claim has effect on building project delivery. In this premise, the study formulated a guideline which precludes the factors responsible for occurrence of claims. It also inhibits claim-induced project characteristics on building project delivery. Consequently, claim-free construction projects become achievable. Hence, the study recommended that it is necessary to harness all resources identified as components of the formulated guideline to preclude occurrence of claims in any of the future construction projects. The components of the guideline formulated are all features of both the preliminary/planning and execution management (monitoring and control) stages of construction process, which are mitigating strategies against construction claims in building projects. As such, good time should be spent to scrupulously follow the guideline in order to achieve the seemingly unattainable claim-free construction project