SCSI Report on Construction Costs for the Defective Concrete Block Scheme

SCSI Report on Construction Costs for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme - UPDATED March 2024 figures

Table of Average Rebuild Rates - Midwest March 2024 (table 1)
Approximate House Size in Sq.MHouse TypeEstimate Re-Build Cost 2024Average Rebuild Cost per SqMAverage Rebuild Cost per SqFT* (Figures Rounded)
882 Bed Terraced - Estate House€185,500€2,107.95€196
983 Bed Semi-Detached Estate House€209,000€2,132.65€198
1134 Bed Semi-Detached Estate House€244,000€2,159.29€201
1134 Bed Detached Estate House€255,000€2,256.64€210
1804 Bed Single Rural Bungalow€395,000€2,194.44€204
1954 Bed Single Rural Dormer€388,000€1,989.74€185
2104 Bed Single Rural 2 Storey€423,000€2,014.29€187
2705+ Bed Single Rural€528,500€1,957.41€182
Table of Average Rebuild Rates - Northwest March 2024 (table 2)
Approximate House Size in Sq.MHouse TypeEstimate Re-Build Cost 2024Average Rebuild Cost per SqMAverage Rebuild Cost per SqFT* (Figures Rounded)
882 Bed Terraced - Estate House€180,500€2,051.14€191
983 Bed Semi-Detached Estate House€201,500€2,056.12€191
1134 Bed Semi-Detached Estate House€235,500€2,084.07€194
1134 Bed Detached Estate House€246,000€2,176.99€202
1804 Bed Single Rural Bungalow€387,500€2,152.78€200
1954 Bed Single Rural Dormer€366,000€1,876.92€174
2104 Bed Single Rural 2 Storey€401,500€1,911.90€178
2705+ Bed Single Rural€505,500€1,872.22€174

 

Above are the SCSI’s reviewed average rebuilding rates for the house types included within the Terms of Reference for Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) Report on Construction Costs for the Defective Concrete Block Scheme for the Mid West and Northwest. The average rebuilding rates are contained in the tables below, which include demolition costs, and are based on the pricing brief as shown within ‘Table 2: SCSI Construction Cost Pricing Brief’ of the SCSI Report on Construction Costs for the Defective Concrete Block Scheme February 2022. The average rates are informed by Chartered Quantity Surveyors operating within the Midwest and Northwest of Ireland regions. The methodology and analysis are consistent with that of our Report on Construction Costs for the Defective Concrete Block Scheme February 2022.

It must be noted that due to the multiplicity of house designs, sizes, choice of building materials, site typology/ground conditions, building finish quality and specification, to name but a few, there can be significant variances within construction costs. Construction costs will vary based on geographic location, availability of labour and materials and the competitive tender process. Therefore, the SCSI average rebuilding rates are based upon approximate house sizes specified within the Terms of Reference using non-complex house design plans sourced from Chartered Surveyors and built to basic specification.

As stated in the Terms of Reference, the Government informed the SCSI that the building regulations to be applied in the context of specification are from pre 2008 on the basis that the scheme allows for ‘like-for-like’ replacement and does not allow for ‘betterment’. The average rebuild costs are produced within the parameters of the scheme, therefore we have provided constructions costs for rebuilding homes at March 2024 material and labour rates, but at pre 2008 Building Regulations. While the parameters of the scheme are outside the scope of the SCSI’s cost report for the defective concrete block scheme, it remains the position of the SCSI that best practice is to build to current regulations or to exceed current regulations.

The average rebuild costs in the table below include the costs for:

  • Demolition and reconstruction costs.
  • Concrete path around the house.
  • Disconnection and reconnection of utilities.
  • Making good to driveway and garden.
  • Professional fees.
  • VAT at 13.5% on building costs and 23% on professional fees.

Costs do NOT include:

  • New foundations.
  • A-rated/NZEB homes – see note above re relevant building standards.
  • Contents such as carpets, curtains, loose furniture, domestic appliances, etc.
  • Outbuildings, garages, boundary walls, driveways (except as relating to item 4 above), septic tanks, etc.

 

Research Brief: Key Information about the Report

In recognition of the construction cost expertise and independence of the SCSI, the Society was asked by the DHLGH to provide construction cost information for the Government’s Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.

SCSI agreed to produce an independent, standalone construction cost report for the demolition and rebuilding of homes affected by defective concrete blocks (option 1), and to propose a cost methodology for the partial remediation (options 2-5)

The report is based on the parameters of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme as announced on November 30, 2021.

SCSI has no role in setting the parameters of the scheme (e.g., which building regulations apply, exclusion of foundations, etc.) and has no role in the setting of the grant.

The SCSI has received no payment for this work, which has been undertaken in the public interest.

The SCSI acknowledges contribution of all stakeholders that provided valuable information regarding the costs and practical considerations for the rebuild and remediation of homes affected by defective concrete blocks in the North West region, including the Mica Action Group, the DHLGH, and local authorities.

The SCSI extends our thanks to the Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Chartered Building Surveyor members who contributed to this report for applying their expertise, and we acknowledge the considerable efforts of the SCSI Defective Concrete Block Working Group for detailed analysis.

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