The approaches to the formation of the cost of construction have been updated. In particular, the rules by which the level of wages is determined in the estimates have been changed. These are projects that are implemented for public funds or loans provided under state guarantees. Previously, the level of wages in the estimates was limited to minimum indicators that did not correspond to market ones. At the same time, when calculating for the work performed, wages were not taken into account at the level of actual costs.
New approaches developed by the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine were enshrined by the Government through amendments to Resolution No. 1512 “Some Features of Determining the Cost of Construction under Martial Law”. The decision is part of a broader reform and improvement of legislation in the field of urban development.
Now, when calculating the cost of construction, the level of wages in the estimate will be brought closer to market conditions. It is determined by the customer at the stage of project preparation. This level cannot be lower than the average salary in construction in a specific region for the previous year – according to official data from the Main Statistics Department.
An additional coefficient is applied to this figure, which is determined annually by the Government. In 2026, it will be:
– 3 – if the average salary in the industry was less than 13 thousand hryvnias;
– 2 – if from 13 to 30 thousand hryvnias;
– 1.5 – if more than 30 thousand hryvnias.
That is, in most cases, the estimated salary will now be in the range of approximately 30,000-60,000 hryvnias, which is much closer to real market salaries in construction.
Also, so that the salary of construction workers remains not just a figure in the estimate, it must be confirmed by the funds actually paid to employees. The contractor receives compensation for labor only within the limits of the salaries actually paid to builders and other workers at the site. Now, when drawing up acts of work performed, it is necessary to show not only the calculation, but also to provide a certificate of the real level of salaries. That is, the following logic applies: how much was actually paid to employees – that much is taken into account in the payment for work. This will avoid situations where the documents contain one number, and the builders receive completely different money.
It is expected that thanks to the changes in salaries, both in the estimates and those actually paid will correspond to reality. This will make it possible to make the remuneration of builders closer to the market, reduce the space for informal practices and bring the rules into line with real conditions. (Development Ministry)