Assessing the influence of using traditional methods of construction on cost and quality of building construction.

Abstract

The construction trend is characterized by increased use of modern methods yet traditional methods are cheaper in terms of costs, in addition to the benefits it offers to the construction sector, like providing more jobs that could have been worked with the intensive machines. The purpose of this research was to assess the influence of using TMC on the costs and quality of building structures, and determine the different ways TMC can be applicable and integrated into the construction trend and propose ways how this can be a success. The study adopted a quantitative method approach targeting various construction professionals like Architects, Quantity surveyors and Engineers and Construction Managers. Questionnaires and analysis of literature was used to obtain research data and findings. Simple random sampling was used to select 40 construction professionals to which questionnaires were administered. The data was then analyzed using Microsoft excel. The findings of the research indicate that TMC’s in Uganda are cheaper in terms of costs but the quality is still low. This is attributed to lack of skilled labour and efficient supervision while undertaking tasks leading to low quality. The study identifies strategies that would improve TMC’s which include employment of skilled manpower and effective supervision. It also identifies the need by stake-holders like the government, clients, professionals to appreciate TMC’s and allow for a levelled ground for Traditional Methods of Construction’s and MMC’s.