Study of Cost Implications of Building Code Non-Compliance in Residential Construction in Benin City

Non-compliance with building codes and regulations imposes significant costs on residential building owners, occupants, and the built environment through structural failures, enforcement actions, and retrofitting requirements. This study examines the cost implications of building code non-compliance in residential construction in Benin City, Edo State. A quantitative survey design was used, with 86 respondents comprising quantity surveyors, building control officers, and building owners. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and review of enforcement records from the Edo State Urban and Regional Planning Board. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings show that non-compliant buildings in Benin City incur average remediation costs of 22% of original construction value when enforcement actions are enforced, and face higher insurance premiums. Common non-compliance issues include inadequate structural sizing, inappropriate material substitutions, and failure to observe minimum room size requirements. The study finds that lack of professional involvement during construction, cost-cutting pressures, and inadequate enforcement capacity by regulatory authorities are the root causes of non-compliance. Recommendations include establishment of a mandatory site inspection programme tied to progressive payment of building permits, public education campaigns on the long-term costs of code non-compliance, and strengthening of technical capacity in the Edo State planning authority. This research contributes to regulatory cost management knowledge in South South Nigeria. Keywords: building code, non-compliance, residential construction, Benin City, regulatory costs