SCSI hopes new report will contribute to resolution of defective block issue

Thursday March 3 2022: The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland has published an independent cost report for the rebuilding and remediation of homes affected by defective concrete blocks in the North West of the country.

The report provides average construction costs on a per square metre for eight different house types, including estate type houses as well as one-off rural homes. The report is based on the parameters of the Government’s Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme announced on November 30 2021 and the terms of reference of the report, which building regulations apply, exclusion of foundations.

The CEO of the SCSI, Shirley Coulter, said the report reflects up to date construction costs for the North West and that these will be reviewed on an annual basis.

“We have prepared this independent report to assist and inform Government and homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks in their work towards a resolution of this difficult issue. We  understand the Department’s Expert Group will now consider how to operationalise our findings. The SCSI has no role in setting the parameters of the scheme and has no role in the setting of the grant.”

“The SCSI acknowledges the contribution of all stakeholders who provided valuable information for the report including the Mica Action Group, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and local authorities.”

“My sincere thanks to the Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Chartered Building Surveyor members who contributed to this report as well as the members of the SCSI Defective Concrete Block Working Group who collated and analysed the data.”

Ends.

For further information

Contact Kieran Garry

GPR Comms

087/2368366

kierangarry@gprcomms.com

Note to Editor

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

Report available (from 11.30am): https://scsi.ie/DCB-Construction-Costs

Full terms of reference are available: https://scsi.ie/terms-of-reference-for-scsi-report-on-construction-costs-for-the-defective-concrete-block-scheme/

Points to note when viewing the report: 

Costs do NOT include:

• New foundations.
• A-rated/NZEB homes
• Contents such as carpets, curtains, loose furniture, domestic appliances, etc.
• Outbuildings, garages, boundary walls, driveways, septic tanks, etc.

Includes 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.