An evaluation of production outputs in key building trades in Nigeria

Construction planners and estimators in Nigeria often guess the outputs of building tradesmen. Since it is difficult to draw reliable construction programmes or make accurate cost estimates without an adequate knowledge of production output, it is suggested that outputs should be determined scientifically. The time study technique was adopted to evaluate production outputs in bricklaying, steel fixing and joinery trades. The tradesmen were also approached to estimate their outputs in selected tasks. From the operatives’ estimates and output measured through time study, it was found that there are varying degrees of excess production capacities yet untapped in the trades.