Direktoratet for byggkvalitet (DiBK) (the Directorate for Building Quality) is analysing how the regulation changes in the planning and building field affect the construction costs.

The background for the work is assignments from Kommunal- og moderniseringsdepartementet (the Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation). The starting point for the order was the government declaration (the Jeløya platform), which states, amongst other things: The government would like houses, infrastructure, and commercial areas to be built quicker and cheaper. One of the measures the government will implement is to review the cost effects of regulation changes in the planning and building field every fourth year.

This project consists of two parts:

— periodic calculations of the cost effects of regulation changes,

— maintenance and further development of the calculation model for analysing the cost effects of regulation changes,

— calculation model for analysing the cost effects of regulation changes.

In 2020 a calculation model was developed in the project, based on modelling of buildings (see the attached report). I.e., an analysis of the cost effects of rule changes is made by modelling different types of buildings and the costs of constructing them before and after the rule changes.

There are currently four reference buildings developed that will be used in the calculations:

— detached house,

— quadraplex,

— block of flats and

— office buildings.

The design of the reference buildings mainly focuses on requirements that affect the solution principle and geometry. The analysis models are generally designed with the intention of ensuring flexibility when cost calculations of specific regulation changes will be implemented. For example, is there sufficient space for turning circles and escape routes, and there are sufficient construction areas set aside to satisfy requirements concerning load-bearing structures, energy, fire and day-light. Further detail design of the buildings will be implemented in connection with the individual cost calculations.

The calculation model consists of a cost calculation of the four buildings. The cost calculation of the reference buildings has been carried out according to NS3453:2016, giving a standardised office plan with a clear placement of the costs. Cost data has primarily been collected from Norsk Prisbok, but also supplemented with supplier information and experience data as needed. The cost calculations have been carried out in the calculation software ISY Calcus. If tenderers plan another method to carry out cost calculations this must be accounted for in the tender.

The reference buildings must be built according to specifications in accordance with current requirements in technical building regulations so that they comply with the regulations and so that over time it is possible to follow changes in construction costs as a result of regulation changes. Furthermore, the models must be updated with any production requirements, such as working environment.

Specifications for the reference buildings developed will be available in IFC4 format.

In addition to keeping the reference buildings up to date, the supplier must provide a sufficient data basis that can be used as input values in cost calculations. Tenders must include an account of how tenderers will obtain such data.

DiBK has established a reference group for the project, with representatives from relevant actors in the trade. Tenderers are asked to give an account of how they would make use of the above-mentioned reference group.

Periodic calculations and maintenance of the model.

Calculations of the cost effects of rule changes by using the developed model are to be made ad-hoc, based on the contracting authority's needs. There can be a need to set fixed intervals for the calculations if the contracting authority finds it appropriate. In 2020, a cost calculation was made for changes in the energy rules in 2016 (see attached report). It is planned to calculate the cost of two regulatory changes in 2021.

The calculation results must be documented in writing in reports that are suitable for publication to a broad target group of interested persons in the BAE industry, authorities and media. In addition the basic data for the calculations must be digitally available for the contracting authority.

The contracting authority will continually maintain the model and update the necessary data basis for the calculations.