Data Sample 

To facilitate the public’s understanding of the cost of building rehabilitation works, the Building Rehabilitation Platform has commissioned a quantity surveying consultant to study and analyze the cost data sampled from the contracts of building rehabilitation works projects, which were awarded from 2009 to 2019, under various assistance schemes (hereafter “Assistance Schemes”) (Note 1) administered by the Urban Renewal Authority. As a result, 25 typical items in building rehabilitation works for common area (hereafter “Typical Works Items”) are drawn up. The category and details of Typical Works Items are subject to regular reviews and revisions, having regard to the change in the basis of data.

The key ranges of reference unit rates (hereafter “Reference Unit Rate”) of the Typical Works Items are derived with the approach of regression analysis based on the awarded contracts and returned tenders of the building rehabilitation projects participating in Assistance Schemes.
 
Since the Reference Unit Rate of each Typical Works Items is based on the analysis of project samples obtained within a particular period of time, the Reference Unit Rate will be affected by different factors of the project samples during that period, such as type, size and design of the buildings. Hence the Reference Unit Rate should only be used for reference in preparing the preliminary estimate for building rehabilitation works.

(Note 1)

Building rehabilitation works projects under Assistance Schemes are for buildings eligible to join Assistance Schemes. The average annual rateable value of the domestic units of each building rehabilitation works project shall not exceed the limit set at the time for application of the respective scheme, which is generally at the lower level of the market. Such current limit capped for the eligibility of Assistance Schemes is stated in item 2(b) of Appendix I to the Integrated Building Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (“IBRAS”).

Information application

The coverage and requirements of the Typical Works Items are based on the practice and standards generally adopted in the market. If the user of Reference Unit Rate intends to adopt the requirements for work that are deviated from the prevailing standards or requirements, the user should make relevant adjustments in the application of Reference Unit Rate.

To reflect the market situation and price movement, the unit rates of Typical Works Items will be gathered periodically from the awarded contracts and returned tenders of the building rehabilitation properties participating in Assistance Schemes for analysis. Subject to the availability of samples, it is intended to publish the Reference Unit Rate on the web-site twice a year for the reference of the public.
 

Disclaimer

The above information is for general reference only. No express or implied warranty is given to the accuracy or completeness of the above information or its appropriateness for use in any particular circumstances. URA is not responsible for any loss or damages whatsoever arising from any cause whatsoever in connection with the above information or with this web site. URA reserves the right to make any amendment to the above information.
 
The Owners' Corporation (OC) / owners should bear in mind that the building rehabilitation cost is affected by various factors including but not limited to the scope of works and the scale of repair items, building size, building conditions and its state of maintenance and repair, choice of building materials used, and the prevailing market conditions of the trade, etc. In appointing suitable registered contractors, OCs / owners should obtain tender quotations from different registered contractors in an open tender for cost reference and analysis under proper professional cost advice and guidance from Authorized Person and / or other Building Professionals.
 

Reference Unit Rate of Typical Works Items    (As of Q1, 2023)

#1 The unit rate is estimated based on the assumption that the dilapidated portion is about 10% of the building’s external wall area.

#2 The unit rate is estimated based on the assumption that the dilapidated portion is about 5% of the building’s external and internal wall area.

#3 The buildings providing unit rates of Fire Safety Elements are of different sizes and have different specifications of their fire service installation. This gives rise to considerable variances among the unit rates. Meanwhile, the number of samples of Fire Safety Elements is fewer than those of other Typical Works Items and there is a large variance between the unit rates of the same item in the samples. Thus, the price difference between the Reference Unit Rate of Fire Safety Elements published at different times is considerably larger than that of other Typical Works Items. 

For example, the required power of a new fire pump and capacity of a new fire service water tank for a building will depend on the size of the building and their specifications. If the size of buildings and the specifications of the samples collected for a particular period are generally not quite similar, the Reference Unit Rate of Fire Safety Elements of that period would have significant difference with those published earlier.

#4 The unit rate is estimated based on the assumption that the dilapidated portion is about 10% of the building’s internal wall area.

For more details on Typical Works Items, please refer to the information sheet below:

• Building Rehabilitation Works - Typical Work Items - Reference Unit Rate - Item Details and Measurement Method

Example

1) Formulating Budgets
The Owners' Corporation (OC) A has received a Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS) statutory notice. Though appearing in fair conditions, the building has never undergone any rehabilitation work. To discharge the notice, it is expected that completion of prescribed repair works will be required.

After defining the preliminary scope of works and reaching a rough estimation on the quantity of works with reference to the MBIS materials, OC A then makes use of the Reference Unit Rate of Typical Works Items to formulate a budget which is comprehensible to all owners.

(As of Q1, 2023)

There are various factors affecting the cost of rehabilitation works, in addition, OC A is applying a general knowledge in defining preliminary scope of works and its quantity, which may not accurately reflect the genuine needs. Therefore, the indicative budget should not be seen as the sole indicator in assessing future cost plans produced by professional and returned tender prices.

For example, work contractors are experienced in different scope of works, and therefore tender submissions often reflect their relevant expertise, business focus, specific project designs and implementation, as well as current market condition. As a result, the returned tender prices of certain items from some contractors may deviate from the market price. In view of this, when the indicative budget is adopted as a benchmark during tender assessment, it is advisable to compare the "Grand Total" and avoid focusing on the price of individual items.

It is also worth noting that when producing cost plans and assessing returned tenders, advice and assistance from qualified consultants / building professionals should always be sought.

2) Understanding tender Assessment

While reviewing the tender assessment report submitted by works consultant, owners may refer to the cost reference provided by this webpage, to examine whether the returned tender prices are deviated from prevailing market price, and making enquiries to works consultant for the possible causes, in order to get a thorough understanding of the returned bids and market condition.

More details about the Reference Unit Rate of Typical works items and their application are available in the information sheet below:
 

• Reference Cost of Typical works items in Building Rehabilitation