Factors Influencing the Use of Substandard Materials in the Construction of Residential Buildings

Abstract

The use of substandard materials for the construction of residential buildings within Lagos metropolis is experiencing a growing concern for both the government and the residents. The construction of half-lived and substandard buildings contributes to negative consequences ranging from rapid deterioration of building elements, premature failures of key building components, and sometimes building collapse. This study attempts to investigate the factors influencing the use of substandard construction materials for the construction of residential buildings in Lagos State. This research collected primary data through a cross-sectional survey of professionals engaged in the construction of buildings and building owners within the study area. Two sets of structured questionnaires were developed and administered to each of the groups of respondents, respectively. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results show that factors influencing the use of substandard construction materials for the construction of residential buildings include corruption, use of quacks, contractor's greed and selfish interests, and client's financial constraints. The results suggested no significant difference in the perception of contractors and building owners on the factors influencing the use of substandard materials for the construction of residential buildings. The study concludes that the use of substandard building materials for the construction of buildings could cause structural failure, high maintenance costs, incessant building defects, and accelerate deterioration of building elements and components. Building clients suggest to engage professionals and refrain from patronizing quacks.

Evaluating the quality of electrical wires used for residential building wiring in Delta State, Nigeria

“…Therefore fraudulent actions of many building contractors are contributing to the utilization of substandard wires in residential building wiring. This affirmed the earlier report of Faremi et al (2020) which stated that sharp practices, on part of the building contractors, are one of the major causes for the utilization of substandard materials in buildings constructed in Nigeria. Similarly, Hawkins et al (2013) reported that corrupt practices of many contractors have long-term disadvantages, as poor quality materials used by the contractors tend to deteriorate fasters and incur higher maintenance costs when compared to higher quality materials.…”

“…Therefore, financial constraint is one of the major factors that contributed to the utilization of substandard wires in residential building wiring. According to Agbi et al (2020) and Faremi et al (2020), due to the high cost of highquality building materials, many people tend to use cheaper and lower-quality materials for the construction of their buildings.…”

“…Calebella (2021) reported the quality of building materials is a vital factor that contributes to the integrity of buildings, and the safety of the occupants. Faremi et al (2020) and Calebella (2021) further linked the persistent building failures in Nigeria to the poor quality of construction materials, such as; reinforcement rods, bricks, sand, concrete blocks, coarse aggregates, wooden planks, and cement. The materials used in any building construction are dependent on the intended use of the buildings; hence, appropriate materials selection is of great significance, regardless of the materials cost.…”

An analysis of the trend in cost of building materials on property development in Owerri urban, Imo state, Nigeria

“…The term building material is referring to any materials which is used for construction purposes; e.g. cement, wood, concrete, bricks, zincs, nails, sand and gravel (Faremi, Ajayi and Faremi, 2020) [10] . Many naturally occurring, substances such as clay, rocks, sand and wood, even twigs and leaves, have been used to construct buildings.…”

“…These building materials are the main constituents or substances of which a building or structure can be made (Nurul and Azree, 2014). Faremi, et al, 2020) [22,10] further stress that building materials are those materials which account for 50% to 80% of the total value of property development. Ugochukwu, Ogbuagu and Okechukwu (2014) [28] acknowledged building materials as one of the principal factors affecting the effective performance of the Nigerian construction industry.…”