Cost overruns remain a persistent challenge in the Nigerian construction industry, particularly in the South-East region. This study explores the professional perception of critical cost overrun factors and ranks them based on responses from architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, and project managers operating in the region. A total of 80 structured questionnaires were distributed and analyzed using descriptive statistics and ranking methods. Respondents rated the impact of 20 cost overrun factors on a 5-point Likert scale. The top-ranked issues across all professions were “Delayed Fund Disbursement,” “Inadequate Cost Estimation,” and “Design Changes.” However, the ranking order varied based on professional discipline: architects prioritized design changes, while quantity surveyors and engineers emphasized estimation accuracy and funding. Project managers rated contractor incompetence and resource delays higher than others. A comparative ranking table was used to visually analyze perceptual differences, revealing that macroeconomic and managerial issues such as inflation and fund flow were universally acknowledged, while execution-related challenges were more profession-specific. The findings suggest a fragmented understanding of cost drivers among construction professionals, which can impede collaborative planning and effective cost control. To mitigate this, the study recommends early-stage interdisciplinary risk analysis and integrated planning frameworks. Aligning professional insights during project formulation stages will reduce inefficiencies and support cost discipline across the construction value chain in South-East Nigeria.
Ajaelu et al. (Tue,) studied this question.