Building Costs in Ireland 2019-2020

The RIAI (The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland) in the middle of each year publishes information about Construction Costs in Ireland to help clients with guidance on building costs. These Building Cost Guidelines are based on standard site conditions, specifications, client requirements etc. There are of course a number of factors which may increase/decrease the cost ranges noted, such as non-standard site access, site conditions, specifications, finishes, etc.

It is strongly advised that you consult your registered Architect / Practice for your project specific costs as early as possible in your project adventure.

The RIAI information is for guidance only using average costs for the building types as set out, current for 2019. A note of caution is issued with them due to continuing inflationary influences and consumers and clients should be aware of the increasing level of cost inflation within the industry which is much higher than general inflation.

The RIAI will issue the 2020 Building Costs in Ireland in the middle of next year; and we will keep you updated when they arrive. But for now let's look at the guidance on Building Costs in Ireland from 2019:

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS

Industrial Development

• Basic “shell” industrial/warehouse unit
• Small area of offices, toilets and other accommodation
• Traditional materials and construction methods
• Basic finishes and services
• “Greenfield” site (excluding fitting out)

Note – Where the extent of office accommodation, alternative methods of construction or high degree of services are required increase the cost by up to 30%

Site Development Business Parks

• Provision of roads, pathways, parking and primary services etc

Note – In a Business Park type development where the standard of finishes and/or services is higher increase the cost by up to 30%

Commercial Office Development

• Speculative office development
• Basic “shell and core”
• Naturally ventilated
• Traditional materials and construction methods
• Basic finishes and services
• Landlord fit-out

Note – For Air Conditioned offices (shell & core) and a requirement for higher standard finishes and services increase the cost range by approx. 35%

Office Fit-out

• Fit out of a "shell and core" office area
• Plasterboard Partitions
• Standard suspended ceilings
• Integrated lighting, wiring
• Fitting of power, telephone and data outlets (using existing ways either in trunking or underfloor)
• Standard doorsets, skirtings, architraves etc
• Minimal fittings and fixtures

Note – Heating, toilers, lifts etc. have already been provided.

Note - Using demountable partitions and/or high quality joinery the cost will increase.

Note - In open plan fit-outs where furniture is used to form work spaces the basic builders work cost will be less but the furniture cost is more.

Note - Costs for office fit-outs vary considerably due to level of quality required.

Note - Increase the cost range by 25/30% if air-conditioning/artificial ventilation is to be provided.

Single or Two-Storey House in a Speculative Development of Eight or more Houses

• Traditional materials and construction methods
• Basic finishes and fittings

Note – For a smaller group of houses, possibly larger in floor area and with higher quality finishes use a cost in the order of €1,500 to €1,900 per m²

Apartment in Development of Over Eight Units

• One or two-bedroom apartments
• Medium to large speculative developments
• Traditional materials and construction methods
• Basic finishes and fittings

Note – Where the unit numbers are small the cost may increase, use a figure in the order of €2,100 to €2,800 per m².

Note – Where the size of the units are large with a high level of finishes and/or fittings, use a cost in the order of €2,500 to €3,000 per m².

DOMESTIC CONSTRUCTION COSTS

Single or Two-Storey House to “One-Off” Design

• Traditional materials and construction methods
• Reasonable level of finishes and fittings

Note – Where construction methods are non-traditional and/or the level of finishes and/or fittings is high, you should use a cost in the order of €2,800 to €3,500 per m²

Note – As is noted in the extension/renovation costs, the architect & the client need to be aware of the cost implications of high quality kitchens, bathroom fittings and tiling which can increase these guideline figures significantly

Basic Single or Two-Storey Extension

• Traditional materials
• Standard construction methods
• Strip concrete foundations
• Insulated cavity walls
• Flat or pitched roof
• Minimum extent of services
• Assumes standard site and access conditions

Note – These figures will increase for small scale works

Single or Two-Storey Extension to House with renovations to Existing House

• Single/two storey extension to rear or side of house
• Traditional materials
• Standard construction methods
• Strip concrete foundations
• Insulated cavity walls
• Flat or pitched roof
• Moderate amount of services
• New kitchen/bathrooms
• Renovations/alterations to the existing house include services
• Assumes standard site and access conditions

Note – These figures will increase for small scale works

Note – Where the new work is to a specific design and/or with high quality finishes use a figure in the order of €2,600 to € 3,400 plus per m²

Note – In providing cost estimates the architect should make the client aware of the cost implications of high quality kitchens, bathroom fittings and tiling which can increase these guideline figures significantly

Works to "Protected Structures"

• Where the project involves work of any type to a "Protected Structure" additional costs will be incurred. The range and complexity of protected structures would impact negatively in giving cost ranges.

Renovations to Existing House Only

This would include the following non-exhaustive list:

• New kitchen/bathrooms
• New finished flooring/tiling etc
• Replacement windows
• Insulation upgrade
• Renovation/Replacement of existing services
• Assumes standard site and access conditions

Note – In providing cost estimates the architect should make the client aware of the cost implications of high quality kitchens, bathroom fittings and tiling which can increase these guideline figures significantly

Note - Costs do not include for upgrading to NZEB/Part L/Passive requirements

EXCLUSIONS AND NOTES

• Vat is excluded
• Profession Fees are excluded
• Planning costs, levies, fees and charges are excluded
• Demolition and disposal of any deleterious materials are excluded
• Abnormal ground conditions are excluded
• Inflation is excluded
• Furniture is excluded
• Fitting-Out is excluded
• Average construction build only costs show above
• Costs are not to be used for insurance valuation purposes
• Information given as a guide only and all clients should get project specific costs from their architect