Effects of Increase in the Cost of Building Materials on the Delivery of Affordable Housing in South Africa

Abstract

Adequate provision of affordable human settlements is a huge challenge in South Africa since its independence. This paper investigates the effects of the cost increase of building materials on affordable housing delivery in South Africa. With potential solutions for cost minimisation of building materials, with the aim of achieving affordable housing delivery in South Africa are provided. This study uses a sequential mixed methods approach, wherein surveys were conducted among the construction professionals (project managers, site managers architects, site engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, building materials suppliers, and government workers) in the construction industry within Cape Town, South Africa, who were considered as the research participants. The qualitative data obtained from the survey exercise were analysed using content analysis, while the quantitative data were analysed using a descriptive statistical technique on SPSS. The findings attained show fluctuation in construction cost and a rise in maintenance cost (caused by poor workmanship) as significant effects in the cost increase of building materials for affordable housing delivery. Adequate application of the recommendations given in this study will minimise the effects of high cost of building materials and enhance affordable housing delivery. Appropriate handling of the findings given in this study will reduce the effects of the high cost of building materials and augment timely delivery of affordable housing and stakeholders’ satisfaction.

Investigation of the Critical Factors Influencing Low-Cost Green Sustainable Housing Projects in Iraq

“…A poorly erected structure financially drains the client for the entirety of its existence, and while the architects have no vested interest in the structure and are not liable for its occupant's related performance, the client has an interest in minimizing long-term costs. The majority of materials perform more than one function in the construction and selection should be very practical so the single material can use for multipurpose to reduce the cost of the building [22]. The material should produce less waste as the building material is the key contributors of waste generation [18].…”

“…The material should produce less waste as the building material is the key contributors of waste generation [18]. According to the Ashby & Johnson [22] architecture specifically will choose the material which function is more to the appearance and sensory appeal. The architecture or design engineer must have chosen the construction material locally available otherwise the cost of the building increased.…”

“…New materials replaced traditional materials (M=4.35) is rated the third most important obstacle of the facing by the housing construction in Iraq. In the process towards low cost building the materials information of supply chain and management is very essential [22]. Concrete (RCC) construction has replaced traditional building material of wooden structure or clay housing, the new construction materials costing much higher increase overall budget of the housing are one of the obstacles highly rated.…”

“…Vrijhoef & Koskela [38] suggested an effective measurement and government policies can maintain the supply chain and cost to affordably available. In the process towards low cost building the materials information of supply chain and management is very essential [22]. Therefore, this section is specifically discussing the supply chain of the materials majorly contributing in the housing.…”

Application of machine learning in cement price prediction through a web-based system

“…Because of the critical role of building materials in their availability, volume needed high cost, quality, and crucial participation in erecting or constructing structure. Overall, construction materials' costs account for up to 50 percent of the total construction sum [12], [13]. For individuals aspiring to own houses and the construction industry, the rising cost of building materials continuously poses a significant threat [14], [15].…”