Materials Management: an important Tool for Reducing Construction Cost
Iroegbu I. O & Ihenketu Christopher
Department of Building Technology
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana
E-mail: xtopherihe@gmail.com
Corresponding Author: Ihenketu Christopher
ABSTRACT
The paper identified materials management as an ingredient to reducing total construction cost since cost of materials account between 40% to 70% of the total cost of construction. Materials cost control activities are therefore, directed mostly towards selection, purchase, storage, and consumption of materials. It can also be very effective if it involves the cooperation of various departments such as: Purchasing, receiving and inspection, and stores, production and stock control department. The research also discussed storing procedure and materials cost price. Therefore, materials management is a function responsible for coordination of planning, sourcing, purchasing, moving, storing, and controlling materials in an optimum manner so as to provide predetermined services to the client at a minimum cost. Store keeper should be appointed on any construction site, the location and layout of stores should be decided very carefully to minimize multiple materials handling, materials brought to site should be accounted for on a daily basis.
Keyword: Material management, material cost and material cost control.
