AN APPRAISAL OF METHODS OF APPROXIMATE ESTIMATION FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

At the project's early design stage, the approximate estimate method is the first of the six basic phases
(that are concepts and feasibility studies, start up and implementation operation or utilization, procurement
construction, engineering and design,) of a building project's cycle. In order to determine the approximate
estimated total and final contract sum, this study was conducted. To ascertain the approximate estimated sum
and final contract sum, an oral interview and questionnaire survey were conducted on quantity surveying firms
offering consultancy services in Kaduna state metropolis. On each of the carefully chosen venues visited,
questionnaires were given to the staff. A structured questionnaire was sent to 120 respondents, and 85 of them
completed it and returned it, or 65% of the total. The results of this study show that the factors that determine
the approximate estimated total and final contract sum included the unit method, superficial technique, cubic
method, store enclosure method, approximate quantities method, and elemental method. However,
approximation is one of the most effective methods for reducing construction costs since cost guidance is
crucial and a lack of it has a negative impact on the execution of a building process in line with the client's
requirements. Therefore, Quantity Surveyors should use the approximate quantity method when approximating
the cost of building works, provide clients with a preliminary budget estimate so that they are aware of their
financial commitment to any project, and take into account the effects of design options before beginning any
building project.