Ezinne Jane Oha (AUTHOR)
Department of Quantity Surveying, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria Corresponding Author’s Email: ezinneezejane@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: The growing emphasis on sustainable construction has shifted attention from minimizing initial construction costs to optimizing total costs incurred over the service life of buildings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of life cycle costing (LCC) as a decision-making tool for construction product design by examining how design decisions influence the cost-in-use of construction products. A comparative case study approach was adopted using roofing materials as representative building components. Data were obtained from market surveys, published literature, construction professionals, and quantity surveying firms. Comparative life cycle cost analysis was employed to evaluate initial costs, maintenance requirements, replacement frequency, service life, and overall life cycle costs over a 60-year study period. The findings indicate that construction products with relatively higher initial acquisition costs often produce lower maintenance and replacement costs throughout their service life, resulting in superior long-term economic performance. The study further demonstrates that integrating Life Cycle Costing, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating design alternatives and improving investment decisions. It concludes that design decisions made during the conceptual stage substantially determine the whole-life cost performance of construction projects. The study therefore recommends the institutionalization of life cycle costing principles in project planning and procurement, together with greater integration of BIM-supported cost planning to enhance value for money and sustainable construction practices.
Keywords: Life cycle; Cost-in-use; Construction products; Design decisions; Whole-life costing; Sustainability