Forecasting Labour Cost of Construction Trades for Two-Storey Houses: A Single Rate-Based Approach

With the labour cost contribution of 30%- 50% to total construction a typical building, is recognized as labour-intensive industry. The extant literature evidenced that there exists scarcity in many trades, which has caused several negative effects. Hence, assessment requirements prior commencement building would help mitigate effects due shortages at organization and project level. This research aimed assess for significant trades two-storey houses Sri Lanka. study involved survey thirty-eight (38) collect required data. data were extracted from Bill Quantities (BoQs) those 38 buildings assessed based on norms available schedule rates (BSRs) practised by key companies. analysis identified finishes, situ concrete works, doors windows, services, masonry roof works are respectively descending order their cost. However, requirements, finishing reinforcement, formwork roofing work more labour-based activities, require 0.274 skilled days 0.228 unskilled days, average per unit (sq.ft) gross floor area (GFA) house Further, case houses, contribute around 19% its enable estimating proposed thereby implement appropriate strategies manage projects industry whole.