INCREASE IN THE COST OF BUILDING MATERIALS

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Local materials are those materials that can be readily available in quantity at a particular location or area at a certain time. These materials could be abundant in quantities depending on the geographical location of the area. These materials have some advantages over most imported materials and since they are readily available, makes them cheaper and quite available thus reducing the cost of construction.

1.2 Background to the study
The issue of the cost of construction work is one that is barely far from the minds of the construction clients, design teams, contractors and the quantity surveyors.
Previous studies in the building sector have indicated that building materials account for between 50 to 60% of the total construction input (Adedeji, 2012; Ogunsemi, 2010:2)
Nega (2008), opined that increase in cost of construction is caused by increase in the cost of building materials, an increase which has a significant impact on overall budgeted cost of construction. Construction cost has been the most significant consideration for the execution of any construction project. We can observe that the cost of building materials is dependent on the quality, quantity, time, place, buyer and seller. The ability to attract labour and to source materials in the locality is a key factor in ensuring that irrelevant and unnecessary travelling, importation and transport cost are not incurred in carrying out of construction work.
The more frequent use and patronizing of local producers and manufacturers, which leads to the reduction of importations can also promote the exportation of these local materials, hence, improving the economic development of the nation. The use of these local materials does not only involve in the structural frame work of construction of buildings but also involves in the interior décor and furnishing of these building spaces.
All these will result in more employment, good construction, affordable housing and better economy.

1.3 Problem statement
Cost is undoubtedly the most important concern in any business endeavor, not least in the building construction industry. Poor cost performance in construction projects has become a major concern for both contractors and clients (Xiao & Proverbs, 2002)
The increase in the price of building materials has multiple effects on housing development (Jagboro & Owoeye, 2004).