Hecht, Melanie

Diploma Thesis:
2019

Topic:
Analysis of construction cost and price developments in a historical-political context

Editor:
Melanie Hecht

University Professor Responsible:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Jens Otto

Supervisor:
University Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Jan Kortmann

Editing Period:
05.12.2024 until 07.05.2025

Abstract:
The thesis analyses the development of construction costs and construction prices in building construction since 1990, with special consideration of the historical and political context. The aim is to analyse key influencing factors and interactions between political measures and cost developments and to derive recommendations for dealing with rising construction costs. The analysis is based on an evaluation of statistical data, political initiatives and economic framework conditions. It is shown that the structure of construction costs has changed, in particular due to the increase in ancillary construction costs and technical equipment.
Political measures, such as subsidy programmes and legal requirements, often only resulted in short-term relief and were unable to stabilise construction costs in the long term. Crisis events, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, have accelerated price trends and driven the decoupling of market prices and real production costs. In addition, the potential of digital innovations such as BIM has been underutilised. The report concludes with recommendations for managing construction costs, including the promotion of integrative planning approaches and the simplification of regulatory frameworks.