In Hungary, it is extremely important to consider that numerous archaeological finds may be present beneath construction sites. Therefore, it is crucial to employ experienced project management companies that are familiar with local regulations to prevent drastic cost escalations compared to the initial plans.
Just one example of the abundance of such finds is from an investment project in Óbuda, where a vast Eastern cemetery of a 10-15 thousand-person Roman civilian settlement was unearthed. This discovery revealed more than 1,500 Roman-era burials.
Archaeological excavations should be regarded as an integral part of construction projects, especially for larger investments. As per a legal amendment in 2018, it is now mandatory to conduct Preliminary Archaeological Documentation during the planning process for projects exceeding 500 million HUF (Hungarian Forints), rather than just those exceeding one billion HUF.
The cost of preventive excavation should not exceed 0.35% of the total investment value, while complete excavation should not exceed 1% of the total cost. Therefore, it is crucial to plan ahead for the duration and expenses of archaeological excavation during the design phase. This way, unexpected surprises can be avoided during construction, and buildings can always be delivered on time.