Ukrainian Construction and Estimation Regulation System

The Ukrainian construction regulation and estimation system underwent cardinal changes in 2021, when most State Standards of Ukraine (DSTU) lost their force and were replaced by a new system of Ukrainian Estimation Norms (SNU). This reform created a modern, flexible regulatory framework adapted to European standards.

The Cardinal Reform of 2021 Changed the Entire System

Order No. 281 of the Ministry of Regional Development of Ukraine dated November 1, 2021, approved a new system of Ukrainian estimation norms, which completely replaced most previous DSTU in the field of pricing. This transition marked the end of a 30-year era of Soviet standards and the implementation of modern Ukrainian standards.

Repealed DSTU include all main standards of estimation: DSTU B D.1.1-1:2013 “Rules for determining construction costs”, DSTU-N B D.1.1-2:2013 regarding direct costs, DSTU-N B D.1.1-3:2013 on general production expenses, and other key pricing documents.

New SNU System as the Foundation of Pricing

Structure of Ukrainian Estimation Norms

The pricing system is now based on two main provisions:

1. SNU “Provision for determining construction costs”
2. SNU “Provision for determining the cost of design, scientific-design, survey work and project documentation expertise”

These documents have undergone four amendments from 2022 to 2024, demonstrating the system’s adaptability to changing conditions.

Resource Element Estimation Norms Remain the Foundation

RESN continue to function as primary estimation standards for determining the regulatory quantity of resources. The system includes five main types:

SNU RESN cover construction work, equipment installation, repair and construction work (20 collections from earthwork to landscaping), restoration work (25 collections), and commissioning work.

RESN collections are structured according to technological logic: from preparatory earthwork through foundations, walls, floors to finishing painting and electrical installation work.

State Building Norms Maintain a Systematic Approach

DBN Classification by Five Series

DBN A establishes organizational and methodological standards, including the standardization system and document development procedures. DBN B regulates urban planning norms and planning. DBN V defines technical requirements for buildings and structures. DBN G contains recommended norms and guidelines. DBN D covers estimation norms and rules.

DBN A.2.2-3:2014 as the Foundation of Project Documentation

This key document establishes the composition and content of project documentation for new construction, reconstruction, and major repairs. The norm defines six design stages from feasibility study to working documentation and introduced Building Information Modeling (BIM).

The document has undergone significant updates regarding energy efficiency and sustainable development, reflecting modern priorities of the construction industry.

Duration Norms Reflect Practical Needs

DSTU B A.3.1-22:2013 replaced Soviet SNiP and established modern principles for determining construction duration. The norm provides for 10-20% of time for the preparatory period and operation of main machines in two shifts, which corresponds to real construction conditions.

Technical Specifications Form Quality Requirements

Technical specifications in construction perform four key functions in estimation: they determine the scope of work through technological requirements, influence the selection and cost of materials, regulate work execution methods, and establish special conditions requiring additional costs.

According to the current Provision, technical quality requirements and special technological processes are mandatory considerations when determining estimated costs.

New Standards Adapt to Military Challenges

Changes of 2023-2025 Reflect Military Realities

DBN V.2.2-5:2023 “Civil Protection Structures” replaced the Soviet document from 1997, establishing new requirements for shelters and bunkers. This standard received its first amendment in 2024, demonstrating its active improvement.

In 2024, four new DBN were approved: for greenhouse farming, steel bridge structures, livestock, and agrochemical storage, showing continued development of the regulatory framework even during wartime.

Ministry of Regional Development Orders Ensure Operational Regulation

Chronology of key orders demonstrates consistent system development:

1. 2021: basic order No. 281 on SNU
2. 2022: two amendments with adaptation to military conditions
3. 2023: order No. 854 with expansion of international integration opportunities
4. 2024: order No. 243 with further actualization

Practical Application and Document Interaction

Mandatory for the Public Sector

Estimation norms are mandatory for facilities constructed with budget funds, funds of state and municipal enterprises, and loans under state guarantees. The private sector may use its own pricing methodologies.

Summary Estimation Calculation Structured in 12 Chapters

From construction site preparation through main and auxiliary facilities to design work and author’s supervision. This structure ensures comprehensive coverage of all construction costs.

Three Methods for Determining Design Work Costs

Percentage method applies averaged indicators to construction work costs. Normative method uses approved standards. Calculation method is based on actual man-days spent with a rate of 1996-2315 hryvnias per man-day depending on work complexity.

Digitization and Future Prospects

Unified Electronic System Transforms Processes

Implementation of e-construction.gov.ua provided 24/7 online access to the entire regulatory framework. Regular updates of software products “Estimate 8”, “Inproject – Estimate Release”, and “Financial Documents” support modern estimation standards.

Adaptation to Post-War Recovery

The system considers recovery specifics of damaged facilities, cost determination for current repairs based on survey reports, and simplified procedures for critical infrastructure.

Inflation coefficients are established until 2026: 2024 — 111.4%, 2025 — 109.7%, 2026 — 108.2%, ensuring pricing predictability.

Conclusion

The Ukrainian regulatory framework for construction and estimation has undergone historic transformation with the transition from Soviet standards to the modern SNU system. The new system is characterized by flexibility, adaptability to military challenges, integration with European standards, and process digitization.

The system ensures complete regulation of construction activities from planning to operation through comprehensive interaction of DSTU, DBN, SNU, RESN, and technical specifications, creating a reliable foundation for the recovery and development of Ukraine’s construction industry.