dc.description.abstract | Due to special circumstances of production operation model for building construction, the construction costs usually are not well controlled within budgets as predicted. There are numerous factors affecting the construction costs, such as fierce industrial competition, long construction duration, weather and natural environment, performance of subcontractors, and subjective judgment of construction quality, etc. Also due to the trends for large-scale construction, skyscrapers, deep-foundation projects with huge construction budgets, it becomes much more difficult to control quality, progress, cost, and safety of the projects. Building construction projects adopt the popular top-down construction method are often seen examples. Because of the complexity of construction interface, shorter duration, and limitations at construction site, completing such project within budget has become a serious challenge to project managers.
From the perspective of general contractor of the building project, this study aims to investigate the possible construction expenses that are not shown on the construction diagrams, specifications, or tender documents during construction of the project which adopt top-down construction method. This study examines such building project to investigate causes and relevant expenses of hidden costs during the process of construction in temporary facility, foundation, and structural system. Factors of the relevant costs and measures to handle the situation are also investigated. Two actual construction projects were examined to show all possible hidden costs. It was found that “construction planning and method” was one of the major causes of hidden costs and the rick could be reduced by transferring to subcontractors. The results of this research can serve as useful references to personnel who are involved in such construction project to achieve a successful project management. | en_US |