The use of LCC method in running cost analysis of a single-family house

Abstract

Abstract:In the process of making decisions on building a single-family home, many variables of a cost nature should be taken into consideration, which will affect the total level of costs of use of the building in the long-term perspective. Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is a method that can support this process, which is why the main purpose of this article is to analyze the cost of using a single-family home using the LCC method, taking into account environmental aspects that are important in shaping the quality of life of individual households and local communities. In this context, an answer to the following research problem is sought: How to calculate and reduce the costs of using a single-family home in the perspective of its life cycle, taking into account the current and prospective energy and environmental conditions? In order to accomplish the above research objectives, the first part of the article presents the theoretical basis for calculating the costs of maintaining single-family buildings together with a description of use of the LCC method. Next, a case study was presented, within which the longterm costs of maintaining a single-family building were calculated and the pro-ecological possibilities of their reduction were indicated.

Life Cycle Cost Analysis of a Single-Family House in Sweden

“…Operating, maintenance, and refurbishment costs for new and existing buildings cover more than 80% of the total costs and they are predicted at the design stage by Boussabaine et al [20]. In a case study by Ziemski [21], analyzing a single-family house, the results show the largest share of the total cost is attributed to running costs (68-72%), followed by the initial costs (26-30%), and then end-of-life costs (1%), estimating the whole life cycle. The LCC calculations exclude price changes during the life cycle.…”

“…Ziemski stated that in many cases an average consumer emphasizes initial investment costs by underestimating running costs for a single-family home that lasts 40-60 years. However, he claims that choosing energy-saving solutions will decrease the total costs for a single-family house in the future [21]. Findings from a Danish study where LCC data from 21 office buildings were compared show that construction costs amount to half of the total costs and the other half belongs to running costs [29].…”