Linking structural integrity to financial sustainability: a life-cycle cost analysis of student housing infrastructure in Ghana

Purpose This research examines how managerial decisions and structural characteristics impact the severity of defects in multi-purpose-built student housing (MBSH) in Ghana. It also evaluates the financial implications these defects have on institutional maintenance budgets and the extent of budget overruns. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a quantitative approach, data were gathered through inspections and a structured survey of 271 MBSH facilities spread across five tertiary institutions. Multiple regression models were employed to examine the relationships between defect severity, physical attributes of the buildings and financial metrics including annual maintenance budgets and overrun ratios. Findings Defect severity was significantly influenced by several factors: building age, environmental exposure, construction quality, frequency of maintenance and structural alterations. Severe defects were closely tied to higher maintenance expenditures and frequent budget overruns. Conversely, buildings that received routine maintenance and were constructed with better standards showed fewer defects and lower financial burdens. Interestingly, material type and building height showed minimal predictive value in this analysis. Practical implications The outcomes underline the importance of enforcing construction quality, carrying out regular inspections and discouraging unauthorized modifications. For universities and policymakers, prioritizing preventive maintenance could significantly reduce long-term costs and enhance infrastructure sustainability. Originality/value This study fills a gap in the discourse on African student housing by linking defect severity to budget planning. It introduces the budget overrun ratio as a practical tool for long-term cost forecasting in MBSH management.