Lecture Note - Price Analysis

TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS FOR

BUIDING WORKS
Name :
Student ID :
1
1 Course Name Prices Analysis for Building Works

2 Code BTQS2013
3 Status Non - Core
4 Level Degree
5 Semester/Year Offered 01/3
6 Total Credits/Value 3
7 Total Student Learning time (SLT) 125 hours
8 Pre-requisite -
9 Mode of Delivery Lecture/Tutorial/Practical
10 Academic Staff
11 Synopsis This course introduces the principles of estimating and various
cost components involved in the building-up of unit rate for
building works based on material, plant, labour, wastage, profit
and overhead or such other rates.
12 Course Outcomes By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Build up the unit rates from various cost components of
building works. (C4) (CTPS)
2. Apply pricing of building works in a simple construction
project. (C5) (CTPS)
3. Apply computer software for estimate and pricing of Bills of
Quantities for Building works. (P3)
13 Assessment Examination : 60%
Coursework/Assignment/Test/Report : 40%
14 Content Outline of the course/module and the SLT per topic:
SLT
Topic
Face to Face Self Learning
Introduction
 Estimating and tendering
 Roles of estimator
 Types of tender, i.e. open, selective and negotiated tenders
 Tender procedure 2.0 2.0
 Tutorial 1.0 1.0
SLT/Topic 6.0
Principles of Estimating
 All-in rate for labour
 All-in rate for material
 All-in rate for plant
 Wastage
 Profit and overhead 4.0 4.0
SLT/Topic 12.0
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS) SC_2020.05.29

BQSM 3rd Edition
2
Unit Rate Built-up

 Unit rate built-up for major building trades include, but not
limited to, the following:
- concrete work
- reinforcement
- formwork
- brickwork and blockwork
- masonry
- roofing
- woodwork
- structural steel work
- metal work
- floor, wall and ceiling finishes
- door
- window
- painting and decorating
- glazing
 Domestic sub-contractors rates built-up
 Daywork rates 16.0 16.0
SLT/Topic 48.0
Estimating Management
 Information checking procedure
 Establish estimating programme
 Resource enquiries and analysis
 Pricing notes
 Pricing checks 2.0 2.0
SLT/Topic 6.0
Bidding Strategy
 Company’s objectives in tendering
 Competitive tendering environment
 Profit margin or markup
 Factors that influence the selection of projects for bidding
 Decision to bid or not to bid 4.0 4.0
SLT/Topic 12.0
Computer based measurement packages
The application of suitable quantity surveying computer software in Refer Below Refer Below
pricing the Bills of Quantities for the major building trades covered (Assessment – (Assessment –
in the topics for estimating. Practical) Practical)
SLT/Topic –
Assessment
 Lab Practical 14.0 3.0
 Assignment 0.0 12.0
 Progress Test 1.0 3.0
 Final Exam 2.0 6.0
SLT/Topic 41.0
Total SLT 125.0
15 Main references supporting the course
1. Brook, M 2017, Estimating and Tendering for Construction Work, 5th edn, Routledge
2. Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR 2015, Estimating in Building Construction, 8th edn, Pearson
3. Pratt, DJ 2019, Fundamentals of Construction Estimating, 4th edn, Cengage
Additional references supporting the course

1. Greenhalgh, B 2013, Introduction to Estimating for Construction, Routledge
2. Ashworth, A, Hogg, K & Higgs, C 2013, Willis's Practice and Procedure for the Quantity Surveyor, 13th
edn, Wiley-Blackwell
3. CIOB, 1997, Code of Estimating Practice, 6th edn, Addison Wesley Longman Ltd
4. Mudd, DR 1984, Estimating and Tendering for Construction Work, Butterworths
BQSM 3rd Edition
3
5. Smith, NJ 1995, Project Cost Estimating, Thomas Telford Ltd.

6. Spain, B 2010 Spon’s First Stage Estimating Handbook, 3rd edn, Spon Press
7. Dagostino, FR & Peterson, SJ 2011, Estimating in Building Construction, 7th edn,Prentice Hall
8. The Chartered Institute of Building 2009, Code of Estimating Practice, 7th edn, Wiley-Blackwell (out of
print)
9. Peurifoy, RL & Oberlender, GD 2014, Estimating Construction Costs, 6th edn, McGraw Hill
16 Other Additional Information:
Computer Laboratory Practical:

Week Description
1. Briefing on Computer Laboratory Rules and Regulation, coursework requirement
2. Introduction to software; setting up project and BQ summary
3. Prepare the bills of quantities for building up the rates
4. Application of the principles of building up the rates
5. Retrieving the pricing software notes and abstracting the pricing notes based on trade
of works
6. Compilation of the information and report printing
7. Questions and answers section based on understanding of the usage of the software

BQSM 3rd Edition
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS FOR BUILDING 6/20/2021
WORKS
WHAT IS MEANT BY COST ESTIMATE?
Is an evaluation of a future cost of the proposed works,

to determine the likely cost of some construction work
before the work is done.
Building construction estimating is the determination of
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS probable construction costs of any given project.
FOR BUILDING WORKS Is very importance at tender stage to ensure:
1) realistic, reasonable, workable
INTRODUCTION TO BUILDING COST ESTIMATES 1
2) tender figure will be competitive
Prepared by Ts Tan Lea Koon 3) maximise profit margin without jeopardies success
of tender
2
DEFINITION OF ESTIMATING TYPES OF ESTIMATE
“Estimating is the process of pricing work based on the There are a number of different types of estimates in the building construction industry.
For example:
information / specification / drawing available in Feasibility Estimate - used to evaluate the numerous technical solutions
developed
preparation of submitting an offer to carry out the work
Preliminary Estimate - is the approximate cost of the project that is calculated at
for a specific sum of money.” the on conceptual stage of project. When the project drawings and specifications
are not available, a preliminary estimate is prepared. It forecasts the total
(Buchan, 2003) budgeted cost of the specific construction project.
Bill of Materials (BOM) - a bill of materials is an extensive list of raw materials,
components, and assemblies required to construct,
“Estimating is the preliminary assessment of the net Detailed Estimate - is a cost of all the activities and materials that would be used
cost of carrying out a specified amount of building work.” in finishing the project.
Budget Estimate – used for financing. Approximation of the cost of an activity,
(Smith, 1986) job, program or project, prepared for budgeting and planning purposes
Cost Control Estimate - monitoring the project during construction
3 4
CONSTRUCTION COST DATA

COST ESTIMATING TECHNIQUES
KL CONSTRUCTION COST TREND 2008-2018
1) Floor area or m2 method

Is a single price rate method based on the cost per
square metre of the building.
2) Functional unit method

Is a single price rate method based on the cost per
functional unit of the building, a functional unit being, for
example cost per students for school or cost per bed
space for hospital projects
5
1
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CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR

KUALA LUMPUR SELECTED ASIAN CITIES
M & E COSTS FOR CONSTRUCTION COST DATA

SELECTED ASIAN CITIES BY FLOOR AREA

BY FUNCTIONAL UNIT
3) Elemental method
Requires the calculation of element unit quantities and
element unit rates using the detailed rules of
measurement.
4) Interpolation
This technique used in the early stages of the design
sequence when information, drawn or otherwise, on the
proposed project is in short supply. Is the process of
using known data values to estimate unknown data
values. 12
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COST ESTIMATING TECHNIQUES COST ESTIMATING TECHNIQUES
5) Approximate quantities 7) Elemental cost planning

Composite rates are built up from the data available The estimate is based on a cost analysis of a previous
relating to a sequence of operations and includes a mix project that is adjusted to suit the new project.
of units of measurement (all measurements are taken
as gross over all).
8) Sources of cost information
Cost analyses published by Quantity Surveyor Online
6) Builder’s quantities https://quantitysurveyoronline.com.my/index.html, cost
Quantities measured and described from the builder’s information from published price books, priced Bills of
viewpoint. Quantities from previous projects, and cost analysis
produced in-house.
13 14
PUBLISHED PRICE BOOK PUBLISHED PRICE BOOK

UNIT PRICE INDEX
9) Price levels
Performed by using index numbers; the differences in
price levels between cost analysis and cost plan data
are adjusted using building cost indices, location
indicates or tender price indices.
17
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PRIMARY SKILLS OF ESTIMATORS PRIMARY SKILLS OF ESTIMATORS
Most estimators begin their career doing quantity takeoff; 2) Commercial awareness skills:
as they develop experience and judgment, they develop
Benchmarking by comparison
into estimators.
Mathematics/calculating rates
Successful estimators are in demand throughout the
construction industry. Their primary skills include: Communication
1) Technical knowledge: Integrity/teamwork
Establishing scope of works Sub-contacting
Evaluating risk Negotiating
Finding and investigating alternatives Managing risk
19 20
PRIMARY SKILLS OF ESTIMATORS DEFINITION OF TENDERING
3) Discipline: “Tender is the final price or offer which is submitted to the

Self-motivation client by the contractor and the sum of money to carry out
the work which include margin for overhead and profit.”
Detail oriented
Time management, e.g. submit on time (Smith, 1986)
Ethical behaviour
Tendering is refers to the process whereby governments
4) Confidence: and clients invite bids for projects that must be submitted
within a finite deadline.
Accuracy
Reliable reporting
21 22
TYPES OF TENDERS OPEN TENDERING
There are three types of tendering methods in Traditional method

construction – by open tendering, selective tendering, or
Based on advertisement
by negotiation.
Returned by stipulated time and date
Usually local authority
There are two purposes in tendering:
Allow new or unknown contractor to bid
 To select a suitable contractor at a suitable time, and
Adequate detail specification/drawing/BQ
 The offer of a price is required from the contractor at
an appropriate time. This offer will be the basis for 3 lowest price will be evaluated
the ensuing contract. Price within the budgeted cost
23 24
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OPEN TENDERING OPEN TENDERING
Advantage of open tendering Disadvantages of open tendering

 Open for all contractors  Higher cost for client to admin work
 Not allow favoritisms  Unknown contractor-no adequate detail
 Maximum competition  Lowest price doesn’t means strong organisation
 Can be poor works with arithmetical errors, poor
workmanships
 Contractor under price may be recoup through claim
or final account
25 26
SELECTIVE TENDERING SELECTIVE TENDERING
Contractors with known reputation are selected Area/points to be considered (cont’d):

Numbers of contractor are listed depend on project,  The firm’s competence and resources in respect of
usually 6 up to maximum 8 contractors statutory health and safety requirements
Area/points to be considered:  The firm’s approach to quality assurance procedures
 The firm’s financial standing and record  Whether the management structure of the firm is
adequate for this type of contract
 The firm’s recent experience of building at the
required rate of completion  Whether the firm will have adequate capacity (e.g.
resources, manpower) at the relevant time
 The firm’s general experience and reputation in this
area  Willingness and team work
27 28
SELECTIVE TENDERING NEGOTIATION TENDERING
Advantage of selective tendering One contractor is approached

 Ensure only capable and trusted contractors submit Client needed the contractor skill at design stage
tenders
 Full scope of work is priced in competition with other Not provided adequate detail
selected bidders
 Overall speed of the project
Disadvantage of selective tendering

 Restrict certain contractor
 Favoritism
 Competitive pressure may encourage tenders to
take risk in their pricing
29 30
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NEGOTIATION TENDERING TENDER PRICING
Advantage of negotiation tendering Tender pricing is usually reserved for more complex
 Safe time projects to eliminate risk
 relationship from early stage-design stage The style of pricing is depend on method of tendering
Pricing for selective - design and build tendering
Disadvantage of negotiation tendering  Contractor responsible for designing and
 Too risky if appointed contractor unable to continue constructing
work - very rare  Estimator of contractor is responsible for
measurement and pricing since no BQ and drawing
31 32
TENDER PRICING TENDER PRICING
Pricing for open and selective - traditional tendering Pricing for negotiation tendering
 Adequate detail drawings and specifications  Usually contractor involve in early stage
 Estimator to call quotations based on Bill of  Pricing will be negotiated based on drawing
Quantities proposed by contractor
 Estimator to identify the site condition and which  Give the quotation to selected supplier
work to be subcontracted  Estimator use his/her experience to pricing and give
 Management will determine the profit and overhead the proposal
to mark-up from original price
 The process can be repeated until both parties
 Will receive a clear trade breakdown and be able to satisfied
compare the different tenderers across all of the
different trades 33 34
TENDER PROCEDURE TENDER PROCEDURE
1) The arrival of the tender documents 3) The collection of information - Enquires to suppliers
2) The decision to tender  The specification of the material
 The nature, size and complexity of the work
 The quantity of materials required
 The principal parties involved
 An indication of delivery date
 The value of the main contractor’s own work, PC
sums etc.  The terms upon which the price is required
 The time allowed for tendering  Discounts and pro-forma
 Firm or fluctuating price required  Address and details of access to the site
 Contract details
 The date by which the quotation is required and
 Current workload period for which it is open for acceptance
35 36
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TENDER PROCEDURE TENDER PROCEDURE
3) The collection of information - Enquires to sub- 3) The collection of information - Visit to the site and
contractors architect’s office
 The items to be priced  Details of site ground conditions, spot items, etc.
 The terms and conditions of the main contract  Nearest available tip
 Details of anticipated starting and completion dates  Security

 Location of services – electricity, water, gas,
 The plant, materials, services etc.
telephone etc.
 The date by which the quotation is required and
 Access to the site and possible layouts
period for which it is open for acceptance
 Preliminary meetings
37 38
TENDER PROCEDURE SUMMARY
4) The preparation of the estimate Basic estimating involved analysis of the work to be
performed, including the type and quantity of work, type and
5) The adjudication size of plant to be used during construction, production rates
of labour and plant to install the work and other job site
 The workload condition that are unique to the project and that can impact
the time and cost of construction.
 Market level of competition
Procedures and techniques used for estimating vary from
 The project reports
company to company
 The resources required for the project Costs of materials, labour, plants are various from one
location to another, and over time.
6) The submission of the tender
No book can dependably give costs that can be applied for
bidding purposes.
39 40
RECOMMENDED READINGS NOTE
Brook, M 2017, Estimating and Tendering for Construction

Work, 5th edn, Routledge
Cartlidge,D 2017, Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book, 3rd edn,
Routledge
Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR 2015, Estimating in Building
Construction, 8th edn, Pearson
Pratt, DJ 2019, Fundamentals of Construction Estimating, 4th
edn, Cengage
41 42
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PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING
Estimating the total cost derived from;

 Cost of material
 Cost of labour
 Cost of plant
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS  Profit and Overhead
FOR BUILDING WORKS  Preliminaries
 Provisional & Prime Cost Sums
PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING 43
The task of estimator is to evaluate the cost of the
resources and build-up a unit rate for each finished
Prepared by Ts Tan Lea Koon
work item
44
PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING
In Unit Rate Method Materials, Plant and Labour are the actual net costs
involve in directly and physically producing a building
 Take into account methods of construction and all
circumstances which may affect the execution of team, and form the ESTIMATE.
work. Project overheads are the cost of on-site services
 Consist of a prediction of the cost of the physical should be a separate consideration. The mark-up or
resources and a mark-up by management. margin for general overheads, profit and risk will be
considered by management
 The physical resources of the total cost are material,
labour and plant. General Overheads and Profit are added to the
ESTIMATE to produce the TENDER.
 The rate should be prepared net.
45 46
PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING
In some cases one or more of the five parts may not In Unit Rate method, the cost of each element should
apply. For example as in excavating where no raw be calculated in detail, and in every case is made up of
material has to be furnished and in some cases where two components.
the material or other parts are supplied by the owner.
i) Materials = unit cost x quantity required

It is necessary to break down descriptions of work items ii) Plant = hire rate x time required
in Bills of Quantities or schedules of rates into their cost
elements in terms of materials, plant and labour. iii) Labour = cost per hour x time required
47 48
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PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING MATERIAL COST
All calculations should be carefully set down as Is the main cost and is about 40% to 60% from contract
necessary so that: sum
 The calculations can be checked by another person; All-in material rate is a rate which includes the cost
of materials delivered to site, unloading, handling,
 The calculations and assumptions made can be
readily explained to senior management; and conversion, waste, storage, protection and
preparing for use.
 The information may be used by, say, buying or
Material element cost involve an all-in rate for the
production control.
material and the quantities required on site.
Materials = all-in rate x quantity of material required
49 50
MATERIAL COST MATERIAL COST
The material cost should considered subsidiary fixing The factors involved in producing the cost are:
materials. For example
a) The cost/sum quoted by the supplier;
 Nails: for fixing timber, plastered board, roof decking,
etc. b) Discounts (i.e. bulk quantity orders, trade discounts,
 Screws including brass cups: for fixing joinery work, cash discounts) allowed by the supplier;
particularly hardwood c) Transport to site; and
 Adhesives: for fixing floor & wall tiles
d) Site handling and storage.
 Bolts: for fixing steel work, metalwork
The material unit cost should also take into an account
of all appropriate charges and discounts.
51 52
MATERIAL COST MATERIAL COST
Material procurement
Quality
(based on
drawing &
specification)
Time
Quantity
(based on
anticipated
Material (based on
Delivery, handling and storage measurement)
delivery time)
53 54
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MATERIAL COST LABOUR COST
During the unit rate built-up, it is important to account of: All-in labour rate is a compound rate which includes
payments to operatives and associated costs which
 fixed price period, cash discount offered by suppliers
arise directly from the employment of labour
 extra charges i.e. site delivery charges or unloading
costs quoted by supplier
 Labour or plant involved in unloading and handling Labour element cost involve an all-in rate for the labour
the materials and the times required to execute the job
 Site condition and avoid multi-handling Labour = cost per hour x time required
 Quality of materials match with drawing and

specification
55 56
LABOUR COST LABOUR COST
Cost of workmanship in executing the work Direct Cost

Cost for an operative of a gang to complete an item of  Is a basic wage rate for the worker to execute the
work work
Normally expressed as an output of work per hour. E.g.  Include of guaranteed minimum bonus, overtime and
2hr/m3 for mortar tool allowances for their particular trade paid to
Normal working hour is 8 hours per day worker
“All-in’ rate for labour cost is a total cost which covered  Wages are paid according to gender, market,
both direct cost and indirect cost location, working condition, skills or responsibility,
and experiences.
57 58
LABOUR COST LABOUR COST
Indirect Cost Factors that influence labour constant:

 The statutory costs incurred automatically as a 1) Site conditions
consequence of employing labour
2) Attitude of worker toward employer.
 Generally include of EPF contribution, SOCSO,
Employers’ liability insurance and third party 3) Attitude of worker within their team
insurance, CITB levy (for training), sickness pay, and 4) Attitude of worker with another team / trades
holidays with pay scheme
5) Ability of worker – experience
 Also include CIDB levy for foreign worker
6) Willingness to work overtime
 Normally measure in preliminary
7) Financial condition
59 60
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LABOUR COST PLANT COST
Other factors that influence labour constant All-in mechanical plant rate is a compounded rate
Human Variances External Conditions which includes the costs originating from the
ownership or hire of plant together with operating
 Skill of operative  Climate
cost.
 Familiarity with operation  Supervision
 Equipment used  Complexity of design Plant element cost involve an all-in rate for the material
 Motivation  Site layout and and the quantities required;
 Human needs organisation Plant = hire rate x time required
 Security
 Job satisfaction
 Physiology
61 62
PLANT COST PLANT COST
Plant cost is highly capital intensive and very large Types of mechanical plant
sums of money are involved.
 Operated plant such as excavators or cranes
More plant is being used on building site due to: include the cost of an operator and are hired at
RM??? per hour (excluding fuel costs) with a
a) Reduce costs – increased labour costs compared
minimum hire period, usually eight hours
with plant costs.
b) Speed – greater speed of completion required.  Non-operated plant such as compressors, concrete
mixer, pumps and vibrators are hired by the week
c) Increased use of large components.
d) Increased size of contracts
63 64
PLANT COST PLANT COST
Types of non-mechanical plant Only consider mechanical plant in unit rate built-up
 Non-mechanical plant such as site offices, The estimated cost is allocated to
scaffolding, system formwork may be hired by the a) relevant units in the bill of quantities if the plant is
weekly or monthly period and usually charged under used on specific items of work, and where the time
general overhead in preliminary required is directly related to the quantities of works.
E.g. excavating plant
 Small equipment such as wheelbarrows, shovels,
hammers usually charged on an “on and off” basic. b) project overheads if the plant is used on a number of
This method involves charging the contract with the different trades or operation. E.g. a crane being used
cost of the items when sent to the site, and giving a for concrete, formwork and reinforcement
credit when returned distribution
65 66
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PLANT COST (OWNERSHIP VS HIRING) PLANT COST (OWNERSHIP)
Two provisions of mechanical plant: a) Buying

1) owned plant Is the method most widely adopted by large contractor.
2) hired plant Cash-straight forward purchase, high capital cost, no
bank interest
Three (3) methods of owning plant. b) Hire purchase

a) bought outright either new or second hand; Is the method most widely adopted by medium and
b) by hire-purchase agreement; and large contractor. Lower capital cost , involved bank loan
and interest changes of plant
c) by lease or credit terms
67 68
PLANT COST (OWNERSHIP) PLANT COST (OWNERSHIP)
c) Lease Advantages of ownership

Leasing from manufacturers or bankers. It enables a 1) Convenience - Convenience of having it on hand
contractor to acquire the use of costly items of plant by 2) Plant can be purchased for particular purposes - Most
making payments out of revenue. The contractor is only suitable and efficient plant was purchased without need for
compromise
bound to make payments for the term/duration of the
lease. 3) Flexibility of pricing - Enjoy the flexibility in pricing policy
The lessee (the contractor) has full possession and use 4) Flexibility of operation - Fully usage by contractor for
different project and can be rented out to collect the rental.
of the specific asset (item of plant) on payment of
specified amounts over a period, while the lessor 5) Tax allowances, grants and subsidies - As an incentives to
encourage the contractor to embark on capital expenditure
retains ownership
6) Good company profile - Enhanced company image
69 70
Disadvantages of ownership The estimator must also recover the cost of the plant
1) Difficulties in keeping up to date with equipment - over its expected useful life, and allow for the cost of the
Advances in design and technology results the plant become capital invested.
out of date
The lost value of plant and equipment over a period
2) Capital ties up - Committing a large sums of money for the
purchase time is called depreciation.
3) The costs of maintaining plant - Depreciation and There are many possible depreciation methods i.e.
maintenance costs are high straight line method, sum-of-years digits, double-
4) The cost of plant when not in use - Not fully utilise will declining balance, accelerated depreciation method etc.
results lost in full cost of operating the machine
5) The cost of transporting plant to and from site - Need
hauling to and from the site on suitable vehicles 71 72
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Straight line method is the most commonly Written down value method is also known as
used method to calculate depreciation. It allows diminishing balance method, reducing balance method,
economics life-cycle and scrap value at end of life-cycle. or declining balance method. This method unchanged
Example: percentage value until end of life-cycle.
Assuming cost of plant is RM 20,000.00, life-cycle 5 years
and scrap value after 5 years is RM5,000.00 Example:
Assuming cost of plant is RM 20,000.00, life cycle 5 years
Cost of plant = RM 20,000.00 and depreciation percentage is 20%
Ddt scrap value = RM 5,000.00
Depreciation per year = RM 15,000.00/ 5 years
= RM 3,000.00
73 74
Calculation of written down value method The built-up of an hourly all-in rate must take into the
1st year, 20% x RM 20,000.00 = RM 4,000.00 full costs of ownership and operating costs.
RM 20,000.00 - RM 4,000.00 = RM 16,000.00 The owning cost include initial capital costs/purchase
price, depreciation, interest and service charges on the
2nd year, 20% x RM 16,000.00 = RM 3,200.00 investment, taxation allowances, plant department
RM 16,000.00 - RM 3,200.00 = RM 12,800.00 overhead, insurance premium, standing time and
maintenance and repair costs.
3rd year = RM 10,240.00
4th year = RM 8,192.00 Operating cost include operator’s cost, fuel, lubrication
5th year = RM 6,553.60 and other consumable items.
75 76
Example 1: Assumptions:
Calculate the all-in working cost per hour of a 20-tonne Cost of insurance = RM 2500.00 per annum
mobile crane, inclusive of operator's wages, fuel and oil. Cost of license = RM 300.00 per annum
Cost of diesel = RM 2.30 per litre
Assumptions: Cost of lubricating oil = RM 3.20 per litre
Cost of mobile crane = RM 600,000.00 Quantity of diesel consume = 30 litres per day
Life time limit of the mobile crane = 15 years Quantity of lubricating oil consume = 5 litres per day
Depreciation on average life condition = 3,000 hours per year Wage of an operator = RM 3,000.00 per month
Taxes = 5 % of basic plant cost Working days = 26 days per month
Repair and maintenance = 15 % of basic plant cost Working hours = 8 hours per day
77 78
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PLANT COST (OWNERSHIP) PLANT COST (HIRING)
RM/hr RM/hr
OWNING COST
Hired Plant
i) Mobile crane = (RM600,000/ 15 years/ 3000 hrs) = 13.33 Hiring from a specialist hire company
ii) Insurance = (RM2500 per annum/ 3000hrs) = 0.83
iii) License = (RM300 per annum/ 3000hrs) = 0.10 Normally apply when variation occurs.
iv) Taxes = (5% x RM13.33/hr) = 0.67
v) Repairs and maintenance = (15% x RM13.33/hr) = 2.00
Variation means alteration of the design, quality or
Total machine cost per hour = 16.93 quantity of works throughout the works. When variation
OPERATING COST occurs, original cost will be deducted and new work is
i) Operator = (RM3,000/ 26 days / 8 hrs) = 14.42 measured
ii) Diesel = (RM2.30/ litre) x (30 litre/ 8 hrs) = 8.63
iii) Lubricating oil = (RM3.20/ litre) x (5 litre/ 8 hrs) = 2.00
Total operating cost per hour = 25.05
Total Unit Rate (RM) / hour = 41.98
80
PLANT COST (HIRING) PLANT COST (HIRING)
Advantages of hiring Disadvantages of hiring

1) Keeping up to date with equipment - Plant hire company 1) Inconvenience - When the industry is busy, there will be
keep up to date with the latest models problems of availability
2) No costly borrowing from bank - Capital can be used to 2) Inflexibility of pricing - Depend on current value and the
finance a greater volume of construction and meet the hire rates always include hire company’s overhead and profit
project demands
3) Notice of termination - The owner required notice from the
3) Efficient used of plant - Is free of running with all its contractor of the termination of hire
attendant problems, finding and training plant operators and
allowing for the cost of plant standing idle waiting for work.
4) Best method for short term usage
81 82
PLANT COST (HIRING) PLANT COST (HIRING)
Whether the plant hirer charges by the hour, day or Example 2:

week for mechanical plant on hire, the estimator must Calculate the all-in working cost per hour of an excavator
convert the charges to a cost per productive hour on based on rental basis per month inclusive of operator's
site. wages, fuel and oil.
Assumptions:
When calculating the cost of productive per hour, the
Hire charges = RM 20,000.00 per month
estimator must consider the hire charges and operating
Wage of an operator = RM 3,000.00 per month
cost.
Fuel consumption = 10 litres per hour @ RM 2.30 per litre
Operating cost include operator’s cost, fuel, oil, Lubrication cost = 5% of basic plant cost
lubrication, standing time, maintenance and other Maintenance cost = 10% of basic plant cost
consumable items. Working days = 26 days per month
83 Working hours = 8 hours per day 84
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PLANT COST (HIRING) WASTAGE
RM/ hr RM/ hr The source of the amount of material will be the finished
a) Machinery Cost
work measurements in the Bills of Quantities. The
i) Rental cost = (RM 20,000.00 / 26 days / 8 hrs) = 96.15
measured amounts given are those as fixed in position.
Total Excavator Cost per hour = 96.15
Wastage of materials shall be allowed.
b) Running Cost
i) Operator's cost = (RM 3,000 / 26 days / 8 hrs) = 14.42 The allowance for waste varies from firm to firm and it’s
ii) Fuel consomption = (RM 2.30/ litre x 10 litres/hr) = 23.00 depend on the skill of the buyer, the efficiency of site
iii) Lubrication Cost = (5% x RM 96.15) = 4.81 foremen and the firm in general.
iv) Maintenance Cost = (10% x RM 96.15) = 9.62
Total Running Cost per hour 51.85
Total Unit Rate (RM) / hour = 148.00
85 86
WASTAGE WASTAGE
Material waste is an allowance for additional quantity of Waste can be classified as:
material which is wasted during construction. 1) Stockpile waste;
Allowance for damages and protection should are 2) Deterioration;
applied to all stages of building process. 3) Transit waste / breakages;
Waste allowances can only be assessed from past 4) Cutting waste;
experience and observations an of waste should be 5) Residue waste;
constantly noted be the estimator. 6) Theft and vandalism;
7) Subsidiary fixing materials; and
8) Conversion.
87 88
(1) STOCKPILE WASTE (2) DETERIORATION
Happened during unloading of materials from lorries. Results from the effect of dampness, rain, and etc. on
unprotected materials.
Includes loss of materials into the ground,
contamination of materials by soil, and surplus materials Applies to materials such as cement, plaster,
‘lost’. plasterboard and pre-finished component.
Applies to materials as aggregates and sand.
89 90
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(3) TRANSIT WASTE / BREAKAGES (4) CUTTING WASTE
Physical loss of material due to breakage and damages Many materials are not supplied to exact requirements
either at delivery stage or handling stage. or when sheet materials have to be cut as specified.
Is an effect of mishandling materials when they are E.g. some cutting on bricks is normal to maintain the
unloaded, being fixed, or when finally in position. bond. If a special bond is required or if the design does
not take into account the size of the bricks, then extra
Results from careless due fixing, dropping or transit.
cutting may required.
Applies to brittle materials such as sanitary ware, glass
Offcuts; e.g. plywood, board, timber, steel wire mesh,
and tiles.
bar reinforcement, etc.
91 92
(5) RESIDUE WASTE (6) THEFT AND VANDALISM
A small amount of materials that remains after the main Theft of material form site.
part has been taken or used.
Some aspects of projects cannot be fully controlled by
Consists of materials that are surplus to requirements the contractors.
which are normally delivered in containers and never
completely used. The costs of theft and vandalism on a project are
difficult to predict as they are somewhat random
E.g. 4-litres of paint of a special colour used when the
occurrences, but projects that fall victim to such losses
container holds 5-litres. Such surplus materials may be
salvaged for use on future contract, the cost of can face major losses.
collection and removing to store must be taken into
account.
93 94
(7) SUBSIDIARY FIXING MATERIALS (8) CONVERSION
To secure the principal material in position. Happen during converting imperial (feet, inch) of matrix
system in large quantity of small decimals e.g.
Should be treated as main materials as they often form
(conversion from 1000 ft3 into m3)
an important proportion of the total cost of an item.
For example:
Needs of identify the waste factor involved per unit.
(i) 1000.00 x 0.283 = 283.00 m3
Examples of subsidiary fixing materials would be
mortar required for brickwork, nails for fixing woodwork, (ii) 1000.00 x 0.283168 = 283.168 m3
and bolts for fixing structural timber or metal works. Therefore, different = 0.168 m3
95 96
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ALLOWANCE FOR LAPS OVERHEAD COST
Allowance for laps should always be included in the unit Defined as an additional costs over and above the
rates for many building materials, but such allowances basic cost of carrying out each individual operation
cannot be described as waste. described in the bill of quantities.
For example laps in damp-proof courses, roof tiles, Also know as cost of operating/managing the business.
BRC.
May be classified as ‘Direct’ or ‘Indirect’ costs.
97 98
OVERHEAD COST OVERHEAD COST
Direct costs are directly associated with carrying out of Indirect (head office) costs involved in running the site
the builder’s contractual obligations on site. For and in producing the actual building itself. For example:-
example:-  Directors salaries and expense, staff salaries
 Cost of supervision
 Stationary, postage
 Temporary electricity, telephone, water supply
 Temporary workers accommodation  Company cars
 Tools, hammer, nails  Repayment on loans
These expenses providing site ‘back-up’ facilities and  Office space-rent
services to the particular project and usually priced in
 maintenance & renewal of defective items
‘Preliminaries’.
99 100
OVERHEAD COST OVERHEAD COST
Calculation for overhead:- Example of calculation

 Based on previous financial year’s account
Previous year’s turnover (contract sum)= RM 10,000,000
 Express as a % of the total project cost for that year Ddt Profit (previous) = RM 500,000
i.e. annual turnover Ddt Overhead (previous) = RM 700,000
Nett annual turnover = RM 8,800,000
% overhead = RM700,000 x 100%

RM 8,800,000
= 7.95%
101 102
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OVERHEAD COST PROFIT
 If overhead increase 10% to RM770,000 and estimate Defined as being that amount of income which
net turnover RM9,800,000. Then, overhead % to be remains after all production and other costs have
charged been deduction
= RM 770,000 x 100% Why profit must be earned?
RM 9,800,000 1) Investment-profit/return for shareholders
= 7.86% 2) Expand the business and increase its turnover
 If overhead % can be reduced that mean company is 3) To cushion the effects of a recession (maintain the
more competitive business intact when the workload declines)
4) Maintain confidence for future projects
5) Attract external capital for new projects
103 104
PROFIT PROFIT
The most arbitrary item and is dependent on number of Management will determined the percentage of profit
different factors: according proposal from estimator/QS
1) Workload in hand - lower % of profit when there is Percentage of profit is depend on the experience &
no project in hand to ensure competitive tender, previous project
vice-versa
Therefore, management just not be too greedy to make
2) Market price - level of competition in that area
sure the price is still competitive
3) Risk - site condition, serious lack of info, so higher
profit
4) Resources - fully utilised
105 106
DAYWORK RATE DAYWORK RATE
Where the work cannot be valued by measurement, it Normally apply when variation occurs
may be valued on a day work basis
Variation means alteration of the design, quality or
Day works is given in items/lump sum cost consist of quantity of works throughout the works
labour, material, plant, overhead & profit
When variation occurs, original cost will be deducted
Day work is different from provisional sum because it and new work is measured
occurs when construction is begin while provisional sum
is predicted at tender stage
107 108
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ANALOGUE RATE RECOMMENDED READINGS
Analogue defines as similar, parallel in function but not Brook, M 2017, Estimating and Tendering for Construction
necessary in structure or position e.g. same material but Work, 5th edn, Routledge
different thickness-premix Cartlidge,D 2017, Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book, 3rd edn,
Routledge
Known as pro rata rate (proportionally)
Mudd, DR 1984, Estimating and Tendering for Construction
The rate is based on original rate because certain Work, Butterworths
element will be the same as original rates and others Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR 2015, Estimating in Building
will differ Construction, 8th edn, Pearson
For example change of cost for a 25mm thick cement Pratt, DJ 2019, Fundamentals of Construction Estimating, 4th
edn, Cengage
and sand (1:3) render to 20mm thick
109 110
NOTE NOTE
111 112
NOTE NOTE
113 114
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CONCRETE WORK
Production method can be classified into:

1) Precast concrete
2) In-situ concrete
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS If the concrete is cast-in-place, the estimator must

consider cost of installing formwork, reinforcing steel,
FOR BUILDING WORKS concrete, finishing, curing, protecting concrete, and
CONCRETE WORKS 115 removal and cleaning.
If precast items are specified, the estimator determines
Prepared by Ts Tan Lea Koon the cost of the specific item and then considers the cost
of placing in into its final position.
116
CONCRETE WORK CONCRETE WORK
The concrete work section of the Bill of Quantities falls into 4) Precast concrete (i.e. lintels, copping, sills, etc.)
6 categories for the purpose of pricing:
5) Prestressed concrete (including both precast and in-situ
1) In-situ concrete (covering both plain and reinforced work)
concrete)
6) In-situ and precast flooring (including composite
2) Reinforcement (covering various types of bar construction of in-situ and precast work and contractor-
reinforcement which is priced by weight, and fabric designed construction)
reinforcement measured and priced by area)
3) Formwork (to surface of the various types of in-situ
concrete)
117 118
IN-SITU CONCRETE IN-SITU CONCRETE

(READY-MIXED CONCRETE) (READY-MIXED CONCRETE)
Approximately 90% of all in-situ concrete work RMC is the most common form … (Cont’d):
performed on site is produced by the specialist ready-
2) Manufacture of the concrete can carried out on a
mixed concrete companies.
large scale, ideal conditions, and carefully controlled
quality of the finished product.
Ready-mixed concrete (RMC) is the most common form
3) Greater efficiency due to the convenience of being
of concrete production method because:
able to obtain any quantity of high quality ready-
1) No site space required for storage of aggregates, mixed concrete which well worth the small extra cost
concrete plant, and mixing operations. involved (deliveries can be timed to meet planned
production schedules).
119 120
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Transporting operation and placing of ready-mix
concrete:
1) RMC truck is able to manoeuvre (tipping with care)

concrete directly into foundation
2) Tipping into a wheelbarrow or dumper and carried

across site
3) Loading concrete into a skip and lift up several floors

by crane or hoist
4) Pumping for certain contracts

121 122

The price per cubic metre quoted by a ready-mix Additional quote may be added if:
company will depend on:
1) quantities less than 3.5m3
1) The specification of the concrete
2) long distance
2) The approximate total quantity to be ordered
3) delivered after business hours
3) The distance which must be travelled by the delivery
trucks from the ready-mix depot to the site 4) admixtures i.e. waterproofing and chipping mix
Placing of RMC allowed as “in addition“. Cost of manual 5) pumping-quality concrete

assistance should be included in the price of each item 6) site waiting time
but in most instances any mechanical plant would be
included in the preliminaries
123 124

Example 1 SOLUTION 1 RM RM/m3
Build-up the cost per cubic metre of reinforced concrete Grade C25 Material Cost
in beam. Assume the labour gang is able to dispose of 4m3 per i) Cost of RMC delivered to site = 204.00
hour. Add 5% waste = 10.20
Material Cost per m3 = 214.20
Assumptions:
Labour Cost
Ready-mixed concrete delivered to site = RM 204.00 /m3
i) Hourly cost of operation
Waste of materials = 5%
1 hoist operator= (1 x RM 10.00 / hour) = 10.00
Labour operation (1 hoist operator, 1 vibrator 1 vibrator poker operator= (1 x RM 8.75 / hour) = 8.75
poker operator, 1 spreader and 2 wheelers) = 5 persons 1 spreader= (1 x RM 7.50 / hour) = 7.50
Wage of operator of hoist = RM 10.00 /hour 2 wheelers = (2 x RM 7.50 / hour) = 15.00
Wage of vibrator operator = RM 8.75 /hour = 41.25
Wage of spreader and wheelers = RM 7.50 /hour The gang is able to dispose 4m 3 per hour
Labour cost per m3 = (RM41.25 /4m3) = 10.31
Cost of concrete vibrating poker = RM 6.50 /hour 125
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IN-SITU CONCRETE
IN-SITU CONCRETE (SITE-MIXED)
(READY-MIXED CONCRETE)
RM RM/m3
When pricing for site-mixed concrete, the rate
Plant Cost
calculation involved:
i) Cost of concrete vibrating poker per hour 6.00
Cost of plant per m3 = (RM6.00 / 4 m3) = 1.50 1) Cost of the materials required to make the concrete
2) Cost of mixing involving both plant and labour
Cost per m3 of RMC Grade C25 = 226.01
3) Cost of transporting, placing and any surface
treatments which may be specified
127 128
IN-SITU CONCRETE (SITE-MIXED) IN-SITU CONCRETE (SITE-MIXED)
The cost of materials
The materials required for concrete are Portland

cement, sand, coarse aggregate, and water
The Code of Practice CP 110 sets out a table of

prescribed mixes to shows the relationship between the
various grades of concrete, strength and proportions of
cement, sand and coarse aggregate.
129 130
CP110 expresses the proportions of the constituent Portland Cement

parts in terms of the number of kilogrammes of dry
 sold and delivered to site in 50 kg per bag, or
material needed to produce 1m3 of fully compacted purchased in bulk for subsequent storage in silos
mixed concrete. until required.
When dry materials are mixed together with water, loss  the density varies between 1250kg/m3 and 1420
of volume occurs due to shrinkage and waste of kg/m3 (say an average of 28 bags of cement per m3)
materials when mixing and placing.
 cost of unloading bagged cement will vary
Consolidated when it’s compacted where the finer depending on the method of unloading and the
material filling the voids caused by the coarse distance from the point of unloading to the storage
aggregate particles. shed
131 132
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Sand Water
 purchased by weight (tonne) or volume (m3) and  clean water is required for the mixing process
delivered to site in tipper lorries.
 normally priced in the Preliminary section of the bill.
 the density may be taken as 1600kg/m3
Coarse Aggregate
 purchased by weight (tonne) or volume (m3) and
delivered to site in tipper lorries.
 the density may be taken as 1400kg/m3 vary
according to the particular material and moisture
content
133 134
The cost of mixing b) Mechanical mixers

Estimator to make a decision on how the concrete will  Cost would be based on the all-in rate for the plant
be mixed as this obviously affects the unit rate and the production output
The main choices available are:  The size of mixer chosen will depend on the
a) Hand mixing, available of disposing of the mixed concrete
 For very small quantities
1) The total amount of concrete required
 Average output to mix the concrete 2.0 hours per
m3 2) The maximum required at any one time
3) The means of transport available
135 136
Mechanical mixers
 The number of men employed in the mixing
operation will vary according to the size of mixer
used. Mixer 5 / 3½ Mixer 7 / 5
Mixer Workers Output/hr Diesel/hr Lubricator/hr

Size (m3) (litre) (litre)
5 / 3½ 1 operator, 1 general 1.25 1.10 0.04
7/5 1 operator, 3 general 2.25 1.60 0.06
10 / 7 1 operator, 4 general 3.25 1.80 0.07 Mixer 10 / 7 Mixer 14 /10
14 / 10 1 operator, 4 general 4.50 2.10 0.08
18 / 12 1 operator, 6 general 5.50 2.40 0.10
137 138
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Labour output for hoisting & placing concrete by hand

Cost of transporting and placing
Description Unit General workers (hr)
The size and output of the mixer will determine the Pad foundation M3 6.00
number of men and barrows/dumpers needed to Ground slab not exceeding 150mm M3 7.75
dispose of the concrete. Ditto exceeding 150mm b.n.e 300mm M3 6.50
A concreting gang will consist of: Ditto exceeding 300mm M3 5.00
a) 1 or 2 operators/ fillers (depend on size of mixer) Suspended slab not exceeding 150mm M3 9.25
b) Wheelers (depends on distance and rate of Ditto exceeding 150mm b.n.e 300mm M3 7.50
discharge) Ditto exceeding 300mm M3 6.50
c) Spreaders (depends on final location) Wall not exceeding 150mm M3 10.00
Ditto exceeding 150mm b.n.e 300mm M3 8.50
Allow 1 hour per m3 per 100m round trip for wheeling
Ditto exceeding 300mm M3 7.50
and depositing concrete by hand
139 Column and beams M3 8.00
IN-SITU CONCRETE WORK PRICING IN-SITU CONCRETE WORK PRICING
Method of pricing Concrete work pricing will be influenced by:

When pricing in-situ concrete work, prices are to include for: 1) type of suppliers
2) location of project site
“mixing, handling, hoisting and placing in position, 3) restrictions working on a storage space
pour joints and making good after removal of
4) availability of materials including ready-mixed
formwork”.
concrete
5) the actual quantity of the concrete required
141 142
Factor affecting the cost of in-situ concrete Sub-contracting

a) Quality of concrete i.e. strength, pump-quality  All concrete work (concrete, formwork,
reinforcement) can, and commonly is
b) Production method i.e. site-mixed or RMC
subcontracted
c) Site transportation and placing system i.e. tipping,
dumper, pumping
d) Waste allowance
e) Quantity of concrete i.e. large or small volumes
f) Type of concrete i.e. plain or reinforced concrete
g) Completion requirements 143 144
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Example 2 Density of OPC = 1420 kg/m3

Calculate the unit rate per cubic metre of lean concrete Grade 10 Density of sand = 1600 kg/m3
(1:3:6) to received footing. Using a 10/7 mixer running Density of aggregate = 1400 kg/m3
continuously at the rate of 16.25 mixes per hour, and it will
produce approximately 3.25 m3 of mixed concrete in an hour. Cost of concrete mixer = RM 130.00 /day
Cost of diesel for mixer = RM 24.00 /day
Assumptions: Cost of lubricator for mixer = RM 11.20 /day
Cost of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) = RM 18.00 /50-kg bag Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00 /day
Cost of unloading of OPC = RM 0.50 /50-kg bag Labourer gang = 6 persons
Cost of sand = RM 30.00 /tonne Working hours = 8 hours /day
Cost of aggregate = RM 28.00 /tonne Shrinkage, consolidation & waste of concrete = 33.33%
Profit and overhead = 10%
145 146
RM RM/m3
SOLUTION 2 RM RM/m3
Labour Cost
Material Cost
Given 6 labourer at RM40.00 per day
a) 1 m3 Ordinary Portland Cement
Labour per hour = 6 persons x (RM40.00 per day / 8 hrs) = 30.00
Cement per 50 kg-bag = (RM18.00 + RM0.50) = 18.50
Cost to produce per hour = 3.25m3 at RM30.00 per hour
Cement per kg = (RM18.50/50kg) = 0.37
OPC = (1/10m3 x 1420 kg/m3) x RM0.37/ kg = 52.54 Cost of labour for 1 m3 of concrete = (RM30.00/ 3.25 m3) = 9.23
b) 3 m3 Sand
Plant Cost
= (3/10m3 x 1.600 tonne/m3) x RM30.00/ tonne = 14.40
a) Mixer per hour = (RM130.00 per day / 8 hrs) = 16.25
c) 6 m3 Aggregate b) Diesel per hour = (RM24.00 per day / 8 hrs) = 3.00
= (6/10m3 x 1.400 tonne/m3) x RM28.00/ tonne = 23.52 c) Lubricator / hour = (RM11.20 per day / 8 hrs) = 1.40
Total material cost (1:3:6) per m3 = 90.46 Cost to produce 3.25 m3 per hour = 20.65
Add shrinkage, consolidation and waste 33.33% = 30.15 Cost of plant for 1 m3 of concrete = (RM20.65 / 3.25m3) = 6.35
Cost of materials per m3 = 120.61 148
RM RM/m3 Example 3
Cost of material = 120.61 Calculate the unit rate per cubic metre of concrete Grade 25 in
Cost of labour = 9.23 ground beam (1:1:2) by using a 7/5 mixer running continuously.
Working continuously will produce approximately 2.25 m3 of mixed
Cost of plant = 6.35
concrete in an hour.
Total unit rate (RM) per m3 = 136.19

Assumptions:
Cost of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
Add 10% OHP = 13.62
(inclusive unloading) = RM 0.33 /kg
Cost per m3 for concrete (1:3:6) = 149.81
Cost of sand = RM 30.00 /tonne
Cost of coarse aggregate = RM 28.00 /tonne
Density of OPC = 1420 kg/m3
Density of sand = 1600 kg/m3
149
Density of coarse aggregate = 1400 kg/m3 150
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Rent of concrete mixer (incl. fuel) = RM 15.50/hour SOLUTION 3 RM RM/m3

Material Cost
Cost of concrete vibrator = RM 6.00 per m3
a) 1 m3 Ordinary Portland Cement
Wage of a labourer = RM 48.00/day 1 m3 = 1420kg/m3 at RM0.33 per kg
Labour for mixing and spreading = 5 persons OPC= (1/4m3 x 1420kg/m3) x RM0.33/kg = 117.15
Additional one labour for: b) 1 m3 Sand
* hoisting and placing concrete = 0.60 hour/m3 1 m3 = 1600 kg/m3 at RM30.00 per tonne
* working around reinforcement = 0.55 hour/m3 Sand= (1/4m3 x 1.60t/m3) x RM30.00/t = 12.00
Working hours = 8 hours/day c) 2 m3 Coarse aggregate

Shrinkage, consolidation and waste of concrete = 33.33% 1 m3 = 1400 kg/m3 at RM28.00 per tonne
Coarse aggregate = (2/4m3 x 1.40t/m3) x RM28.00/t = 19.60
Total material cost (1:1:2) per m3 = 148.75
151 152
RM RM/m3 RM RM/m3
Material Cost Plant Cost
Total material cost (1:1:2) per m3 = 148.75 a) Cost of mixer per m3 = (RM 15.50 per hour / 2.25m3) 6.89
Add shrinkage, consolidation and wastage 33.33% = 49.58 b) Cost of vibrator per m3 6.00
Cost of materials per m3 = 198.33
Cost of plant for per m3 = 12.89
Labour Cost
Total unit rate (RM) per m3 = 231.45
Cost of labour = (5 persons x RM48.00/8 hours) / 2.25m3 = 13.33
Add: Add 10% OHP = 23.15
Hoisting & placing concrete= 0.60 hr x (RM48.00/ 8 hours) = 3.60
working around reinforcement = 0.55 hr x (RM48.00/ 8 hs) = 3.30 Cost per m3 for concrete (1:1:2) = 254.60
Cost of labour per m3 = 20.23
153 154
Brook, M. 2017 Estimating and Tendering for Construction

Work, 5th edn, Routledge.
Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR, 2015 Estimating in Building
Construction 8th edn. Pearson
Peurifoy, RL & Oberlender, GD, 2014 Estimating Construction
Costs 6th edn. McGraw Hill
Smith, RC 1986, Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
London: Pearson Education Limited.
155 156
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REINFORCEMENT
Two types of reinforcement bar

 High tensile (Y10, Y12, Y16, Y20, Y25, Y32)
 Mild steel (R6, R8, R10)
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS The following are the prices to be included in the cost of
FOR BUILDING WORKS reinforcement:
“cleaning, cutting, bending, fabricating, placing,
REINFORCEMENT WORKS 157
temporary fixings and support.”
158
BAR REINFORCEMENT BAR REINFORCEMENT
Bars can be bought in

 Straight length, any cutting, bending etc. carried out
by steel fixer
 Cut to size, bend and labeled by the supplier
Rolling Margin
 Through wear of the rollers in the bar extrusion plant,
bars are produced with diameter larger than their
nominal size
159 160
Rolling Margin
 Extrusion is a process used to create an objects of a
fixed cross-sectional profile. A material is pushed
through a die of the desired cross-section.
 Ring Rolling is known as a thick-walled ring is
compressed, deformed metal elongates, causing
diameter of ring to enlarge.
161 162
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Rolling Margin
 The weight of bars measured in the BQ are based

on the nominal diameter, but the weight actually
purchased and paid for are based on the slightly
larger bars (effect of the Rolling Margin) produced.
 An addition of 2.5% is usually made to the BQ

quantities to allow for the actual weight to be
purchased due to the effect of rolling margin.
Reinforcement bars
163 164
Weight of reinforcement 7.5% should be added for

cutting to waste, binding wires and rolling margin on
steel and an allowance of 4 hours labourer per tonne for
unloading and handling.
Allowance of tying bar in fixing reinforcement should
add into material cost.
Diameter of bars (mm) Tying bar for 1 tonne (kg)

6-12 10.0
16-25 6.0 Tying bar / tie-wire
32-50 5.0
165 166
Labour
 Reinforcement is carried out by barbender or steel
fixer
Sub-contracting
 Sub-contractors will perform this work either on a
labour only, or labour and material basis
Spacer block Plastic rebar Rebar chair
wheel spacer
167 168
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Labour output Labour output for fixing

 Output general worker, 1.50 hour for 1 tonne bar Location Barbender for 1 tonne rebar (hour)
 Output for cutting and bending 6-8mm 10-12mm 16-20mm >25mm

Dia. Dia. Dia. Dia.
Location Barbender for 1 tonne rebar (hour) Foundation and 40 30 25 20
6-8mm 10-12mm 16-20mm >25mm ground slab
Dia. Dia. Dia. Dia. Floor slab and 50 40 30 25
Rebar 40 30 20 15 roof slab
Wall, column, 70 50 35 30
beam, s/case
169 170
BAR REINFORCEMENT BAR REINFORCEMENT PRICING
The time allowances of labour for hoisting, and it Example 1:

should be added to the cost build up. Calculate the unit rate per kg for 16mm diameter high tensile steel
reinforcement bar in isolated column.
Height Hours per tonne Assumptions:
Up to 3 m height 10 Cost of steel reinforcement bar = RM 3,300.00 / tonne
Labour for unloading & stacking = RM 5.00 / tonne
Up to 10 m height 15
Consumption of tie-wire = 0.66 kg / 100kg
Up to 20 m height 25
Cost of tie-wire = RM 3,500.00 / tonne
Allow for spacer block = RM 3.00 / tonne
The plant for hoisting should be included in the project Allow for rolling margin = 2.5% of reinforcement bar cost
overheads. Waste on cutting bar to length = 10%
Labourer gang (1:1) = 1 barbender &1 general labourer
171 172
BAR REINFORCEMENT PRICING BAR REINFORCEMENT PRICING
SOLUTION 1 RM RM/kg
Wage of a barbender = RM 80.00 /day,
Material Cost
Wage of a general labourer = RM 48.00 /day
Working hours = 8 hours/day i) 16mm Diameter bar delivered to site per tonne = 3,300.00
Allow idle time of labourer gang = 5% ii) Rolling margin, 2.5% = (2.5% x RM3,300.00) = 82.50
Profit and overhead = 10% iii) Unloading and stacking of bar per tonne = 5.00
Cost of bar per tonne = 3,387.50
Assume the time analysis for labourer per 100kg of rebar: iv) Waste on cutting bar to length, 10% = 338.75
1) Select = 23 minutes v) Tie-wire = 0.66kg/100kg at RM3,500/ tonne
2) Cut = 45 minutes = (0.66kg / 100kg) x RM3,500.00 per tonne = 23.10
3) Bend = 30 minutes
vi) Cost of spacer block = 3.00
4) Fix = 23 minutes
Cost of materials per tonne = 3,752.35
5) Hoist = 8 minutes
Cost of materials per kg = 3.75
129 minutes
173 174
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BAR REINFORCEMENT PRICING MESH REINFORCEMENT
RM RM/kg
Steel wire square-mesh fabric
Labour Cost
i) Labourer gang (1:1) = (RM80 + RM48) / 8 hrs = 16.00 Can be bought in straight lengths, or cut to size and
ii) Idling time, 5% = (5% x RM16.00) = 0.80 bent to shape by the supplier
Cost of labour gang per hour = 16.80 The standard sheet is 6 m x 2.2 m
iii) Total labour cost per tonne
The standard roll is 60 m x 2.2 m
= (129 min / 60 min/100kg) x rate per hour
= (0.0215 hrs per kg x RM16.80 per hour) = 0.36 Allowance to material:
Cost of labour per kg = 4.11 1) 5% wastage
Add 10% OHP = 0.41 2) 10% for tying bar/ tie-wire and spacer block
Total unit rate of Y16 per kg = 4.52 3) 10% for laps
175 176
MESH REINFORCEMENT MESH REINFORCEMENT
Labour output
 Output for general worker, 0.15 hour per m2
 Output for cutting, bending, placing
Location Barbender per m2

Bed, Floor, Roof 0.20 hour
Foundation 0.25 hour
Wall 0.33 hour
Staircase 0.50 hour
177 178
MESH REINFORCEMENT PRICING MESH REINFORCEMENT PRICING
Example 2 Assumptions:
Cost of steel wire fabric A7 = RM 269.28 /piece
Calculate the unit rate per square metre of steel wire
Cost of tire-wire & spacer block incl. waste = RM 1.00 /m2
square-mesh fabric reinforced to comply with BS 4483 Ref
Two generals labourers to unload the
A193 (A7) size 6.0 m x 2.2 m, weighting 3.02 kg per sq.
steel wire fabric = 5 minutes per sheet
metre and laid in roof slabs with 150 mm minimum laps at
Wage of a barbender = RM 80.00 /day
all joints.
Assuming two barbender's take about 0.10 hour to lay and Working hours = 8 hours /day
fix 1 square metre of the fabric. Discount for steel wire fabric from supplier = 55%
Allowance for laps = 10%
Waste on materials = 5%
179 180
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MESH REINFORCEMENT PRICING MESH REINFORCEMENT PRICING
SOLUTION 2 RM RM/m2 RM RM/m2

Material Cost Labour Cost
i) Cost of barbenders per m2
i) Cost of discounted fabric mesh per piece
= 0.1hr x [2 barbender x (RM80.00 / 8 hours)] = 2.00
= [RM269.28 x (100% - 55%) = 121.18
Cost of labour per m2 = 2.00
ii) Cost of unload per piece
= [(5/60min) x (2 x RM48.00/ 8 hrs)] = 1.00 Total cost per m2 = 13.65
Cost of delivered fabric mesh per piece = 122.18 = 1.37
Add 10% OHP
Cost of per m2 = [RM122.18 / (6.0m x 2.2m)] = 9.26
Total unit rate of BRC ref. no. A7 per m2 = 15.02
iii) Waste on materials = (5% x RM9.26) = 0.46
iv) Allowance for laps= (10% x RM9.26) = 0.93
v) Cost of tie-wire and spacer block incl. waste = 1.00
182


183 184
NOTE NOTE
185 186
31
WORKS
FORMWORK
The purpose of formwork is:

1) to contain freshly placed concrete until it has gained
sufficient strength to be self-supporting,
2) to produce a concrete member of the required shape
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS
and size; and
FOR BUILDING WORKS
3) to produce the desired finish to the surface of the
FORMWORKS 187 concrete.
188
FORMWORK FORMWORK
The following are the prices to be included in the cost of

formwork.
“all necessary boarding, supports, erecting, framing,
cutting, perforations for pipes, angles, removal,
cleaning, wetting, etc.”
189 190
FORMWORK FORMWORK
Formwork usually consists of sawn timber framing and The amount of strutting timber requires various
waterproof plywood lining according to the heights of the soffit above floor level.
Plywood is commonly used for forms and sheeting Location Strutting (m3)
giving 1 use to 20 uses (depending on position and Side of column 0.02
quality). Sides of foundation and wall 0.04
For example formworks for slab and wall giving 6 times Sides and soffit of beam 0.05
usage; whereas foundation, beam and column giving for Sides and soffit of slab 0.06
4 times usage.
191 192
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FORMWORK FORMWORK
Initial waste in cutting of timbers will be from 5% to 25% Timbering support

according to the nature of the work.  Metal props or scaffolding units are commonly used
Nails and bolts should be allowed in building up rates. for slab soffit
Allowance of 0.50 kg nails/m2 for initial use and 0.125  Clamps used for columns and walls.
kg/m2 for each re-use.
 The hire period for steel props or clamps are based
on the time for erection, placing of reinforcement,
placing, curing and dismantling
 Initial cost is greater, the number of uses obtained is
very considerable and the labour in erection and
dismantling can be reduce
193 194
FORMWORK FORMWORK
metal props clamps for columns Self-locking Clamps (http://www.richee.com.sg/formwork.htm)

195 196
FORMWORK FORMWORK
Labour
 Formwork is carried out by carpenter or joiners
 Labour erecting and dismantling are varies; is
depending on the nature of the work
 Labour constants increased by 20% for thick floors
and vibrated work
Sub-contracting
 Formwork is commonly subcontracted, frequently in
conjunction with the concrete work
Form Tie (http://www.richee.com.sg/formwork.htm)
197 198
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WORKS
FORMWORK FORMWORK PRICING
An average general guide and the figures given are for Factors affecting cost of formwork:
initial construction
a) Amount of re-use, from 1 (e.g. stairs) up to perhaps
Situation Erection hours/m2 Striking and 10 (e.g. walls).
Removal hours/m2
b) Degree of standardisation i.e. repetition.
Carpenter Labourer Labourer
c) Complexity and difficulty of the work.
Slab, walls and 1.00 0.75 0.75
associated features d) Strength requirements i.e. loads – spacing for props,
Beam and column 1.50 0.75 0.75 ties, bracing increased
Walls and associated 0.75 0.75 0.75
features (metal forms)
199 200
FORMWORK PRICING FORMWORK PRICING
Costing
 The major principles of estimating costs of formwork
is to accurately determine the number of uses that
will occur
 The initial preparation and fixing is the most costly. It
would reduce by 5% for each re-use
 Cost of formwork will be higher if a single flight in-
situ concrete staircase is being constructed, it is very
likely that new timber will be used and thrown away
after one use
201 202
Calculate the unit rate per square metre of timber formwork for Carpenter making and fixing of floor soffit = 1.00 hour /m2
horizontal soffit of suspended floor slab not exceeding 3.50 m
Labour making and fixing of soffit = 0.75 hour erection /m2
high.
Labour dismantling of floor soffit = 0.75 hour removal /m2
Assumptions: Wage of a carpenter = RM 80.00/day
Cost of 4' x 8' x 12mm thick plywood = RM 47.00 /pc Wage of a general worker = RM 48.00/ day
Cost of timber in support = RM 700.00 /m3 Working hours = 8 hours/ day
Timber in support required for the floor soffit = 0.06m3 /m2
Allow for mould oil, nails & bolts = 15% of each timber use
Usage of formwork to floor soffit = 5 times uses cost /m2
Initial waste in cutting of timber formwork = 5%
Waste on materials for each use = 10%
203 204
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Labour Cost
Material Cost
i) Carpenter output 1.0 hour of making & fixing of
i) Cost of plywood = (RM47.00 /(1.22 x 2.44)) = 15.79
timber per m2
ii) Timber in support = (0.06 m3 x RM 700.00/ m3) = 42.00
= 1.0 hour x (RM 80.00 / 8 hours) = 10.00
Cost of timber based on 5 uses = 57.79
iii) Initial in cutting waste = (5% x RM 57.79) = 2.89 ii) Labour output 1.5 hours of making, fixing and
Initial cost of timber formworks = 60.68 dismantling of timber per m2
Cost of timber per use = (RM 60.68/ 5 times) = 12.14 = 1.5 hour x (RM 48.00 / 8 hours) = 9.00
Total Labour Cost per m2 = 19.00
iv) Add mould oil, nails & bolts = (15% x RM 12.14) = 1.82
Total Cost = (RM 12.14 + RM 1.82) = 13.96 Total cost per m2 = 34.36
Add 10% OHP = 3.44
v) Waste on materials = (10% x RM 13.96) = 1.40
Cost of formwork to soffit of slab per m2 = 37.80
Total Materials Cost per m2 = 15.36
Example 2: Conversion:
1 tonne = 50 ft3
There are six number of timber formwork to horizontal
1 m3 = 35.32 ft3
suspended beam size 300 mm x 600 mm x 10m long. Assuming
1 tonne = 1.4156 m3
one carpenter was assisted by one general labourer and take
1 feet = 0.3048 metre
21.50 hours to erect and dismantle 1 member of this formwork to
a beam.
Assumptions:
Calculate the unit rate per square metre of timber formwork. Cost of 4’ x 8’ x 12mm thick plywood = RM 47.00 /piece
Cost of strutting timber in support = RM 650.00 /m3
Strutting timber required (inclusive cutting waste) = 0.05 m3 /m2
Usage of formwork to sides & soffit of beam = 5 times uses
207 208
Assumptions: SOLUTION 2
(A) Find Cost per m2 RM RM/m2
Cost of mould oil of each use = RM 0.30 /m2
Material Cost
Cost of nails = RM 4.50 /kg
i) 1 m2 of plywood = (RM47.00 /(1.22 x 2.44)) = 15.79
Allow for nails and bolts of each use = 0.20 kg /m2 ii) Allow for cutting for plywood,15%= (15%xRM15.79) = 2.37
Wage of a carpenter = RM 80.00 /day iii) Timber in support = (0.05m3 x RM650.00/m3) = 32.50
Wage of a general labourer = RM 48.00 /day Initial cost of timber per m2 per 5 uses = 50.66
Working hours = 8 hours /day iv) Cost of timber per m2 per use = 10.13
Allow for cutting of plywood = 15% v) Allow for nails and bolts= (0.20kg x RM4.50/kg) = 0.90
Waste on materials of each use = 10% vi) Allow for mould oil per use per m2 = 0.30
Profit and Overhead = 10% Total Cost per m2 = (RM10.13 + RM0.90 + RM0.30) = 11.33
vii) Material waste, 10% = (10% x RM11.33) = 1.13
Total Materials Cost per m2 = 12.46
209 210
35
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FORMWORK PRICING RECOMMENDED READINGS
RM RM/m2
Labour Cost
Area per beam = (0.60+0.30+0.60) x 10m = 15.0m2 Work, 5th edn, Routledge.
21.5 gang hour (1 carpenter + 1 labour) per beam = Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR, 2015 Estimating in Building
i) Labourer gang per hour= (RM80.00 + RM48.00) / 8hrs = 16.00 Construction 8th edn. Pearson
Labour cost per beam = 21.5 gang hours x RM16.00 = 344.00
Total Labour Cost per m2 = (RM344.00 / 15m2) = 22.93 Costs 6th edn. McGraw Hill
Total cost per m2 = 35.39 Smith, RC 1986, Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
Add 10% OHP = 3.54
Cost of formwork per m2 = 38.93
211 212
NOTE NOTE
213 214
NOTE NOTE
215 216
36
WORKS
BRICKWORKS & BLOCKWORKS
The following are the items which normally states that

prices are to included for,
“Plumbing angles, cutting, raking (the process of
cleaning mortar out of brickwork joints before pointing)
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS out joint, cutting holes for pipes, etc.”
FOR BUILDING WORKS
BRICKWORK, BLOCKWORK AND MASONRY WORKS
217
218
BRICKWORKS & BLOCKWORKS BRICKWORKS & BLOCKWORKS
Drop a plumb bob to find the location of the bottom Type of brick bonds (on wall)
plate as shown at the right. Move along the top plate, 1) Stretcher bond/running bond
mark the floor at the other end, and check it at the 2) Header bond
middle. 3) English bond

4) Flemish bond
5) Stack bond
6) Dutch bond
7) Common bond/American bond
8) Facing bond
9) Diagonal bond
10) Rat trap bond
219 220
BRICKWORKS & BLOCKWORKS BRICKWORKS & BLOCKWORKS
Type of brick paving (on floor) The cost of brickwork or blockwork per square metre in
any class of work will comprise:
a) Quantity of bricks or blocks per unit including

unloading,
b) Quantity and the cost of mortar per unit,
c) Cutting and waste, and
d) Labour laying bricks or blocks.
221 222
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MORTARS MORTARS
Brickwork and blockwork are normally built in cement or Mixing would required 6 hours per cubic metre labour
cement-lime mortar depending on the location of the for hand mixing due to small quantities
work
Mortar is commonly mixed by machine, which is faster
Mortars can be:
and produces a better mix compared to hand mixing
i) cement and sand (1:3) mix; or
ii) cement, lime and sand (1:1:6) mix. An allowance of 1.0 hour per cubic metre for machine
mixing (using a 100-litre mixer)
Mortar can be site mixed or ready-mixed
An allowance of 1/3 or 33.33% needs to be added to
the cost of dry materials before mixing to cover both
shrinkage and waste
223 224
MORTARS MORTARS
Amount of mortar required varies, being dependent on

the type of brick used
An allowance of 0.025 m3 and 0.050 m3 could be taken

for each square metre half-brick thickness and one brick
wall respectively
Mortar joint profiles

225 226
MORTARS PRICING MORTARS PRICING
Calculate the unit rate per cubic metre of cement mortar Cost of cement = RM 0.32 per kg (inclusive unloading)
(1:3) mix by using a 5/3½ mixer. The mixer takes 5 cubic Cost of sand = RM 35.00 per tonne
feet of dry materials and produces 3½ cubic feet of Density of cement = 1420 kg per m3
concrete per mix (i.e. 0.099 m3) (1 cubic feet = 0.0283 Density of sand = 1600 kg per m3
cubic metre). Rent of concrete mixer = RM 80.00 per day
Cost of diesel for mixer = RM 16.40 per day
The mixer working continuously at the rate of 12 mixes per Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00 per day
hour, and produces approximately 1.20 cubic metre of Number of labourer = 3 persons (1 filler, 2 wheelers)
mixed concrete in an hour.
Working hours = 8 hours per day
Shrinkage and wastage = 33.33%
227 228
38
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MORTARS PRICING MORTARS PRICING

a) 1 m3 Ordinary Portland Cement a) Cost of labour per m3
= [(1/4m3 x 1420kg/m3)/1000kg ] x RM320.00/ tonne = 113.60 = (3 persons x RM40.00/ 8hrs) / 1.20 m3 per hour = 12.50
b) 3 m3 Sand Plant Cost

= [(3/4m3 x 1600kg/m3)/1000kg ] x RM35.00/ tonne = 42.00 a) Mixer = 1 hour x (RM80.00 / 8 hours) = 10.00
b) Diesel = 1 hour x (RM16.40/ 8 hours) = 2.05
Total Cost (1:3) per m3 = 155.60 Plant cost per hour = 12.05
Add shrinkage and wastage 33.33% = 51.86
Cost of plant per m3 = (RM12.05 / 1.20 m3 per hour) = 10.04
Total Unit Rate (RM) / m3 = 230.00
229 230
BRICKWORKS BRICKWORKS
Bricks are normally purchased by the thousand and the Bricks are staked on wooden pallet and unload by lorry
cost of bricks includes delivery to site. crane
The allowance for unloading and stacking must be
taken. Reasonable allowance for common bricks being
unloads and stacks approximately 400 pieces per hour
Bricks can be (a) tipped; (b) hand off-loaded; or (c)
crane off-loaded
Bricks are transported to the site from the stack by the
labourer attending the bricklayer
231 232
Cutting and wastage

 Waste on bricks varies dependent on the nature of
the brick site handling, stacking, storage, over
ordering and the cutting involved in the work
 Reasonable allowance for common bricks is 7.5%
and for facing bricks is 10%
Bricks can be cut and bonded to architect’s specifications

233 234
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A standard brick size is 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm Stretcher

(H) with a 10 mm joint A brick laid with its long narrow side exposed.
Header
A brick laid flat with its width at the face of the wall.
Soldier
A brick laid vertically with the long narrow side of the
65 mm brick exposed.
Sailor
A brick laid vertically with the broad face of the brick
exposed.
235 236
Brick positions in a wall For standard brick, one square metre of half brickwall
consist of 59.26 pieces brick
237 238
Quantity of ½ brick per sq. metre Quantity of ½ brick per sq. metre
= (1m x 1m) / (0.225mm x 0.075mm)
= (1m x 1m) / (0.225m x 0.075m) = 59.26pcs
= 59.26 pcs/m2
1m
Qty of 1B Header bond
= (1m x 1m) / ( ? mm x ? mm)
= 118.52 pcs/m2
1m
Qty of 75mm thk. wall (refer rowlock stretcher)
= (1m x 1m) / ( ? mm x ? mm)
65mm + 10mm = 39.51 pcs/m2
215mm + 10mm
239 240
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Common bricks per sq. metre Facing brick per sq. metre
Brickwork bond Brick sizes
Joints 10mm wide 215 x 102.5 x 65mm
215 x 102.5 x 65mm Bricks Mortar English bond 89
bricks with 10mm joints Number of No frog One frog Flemish bond 79
bricks Cu. m Cu. m
English garden wall bond 74
½ B wall per sq. m 59 0.02 0.03 (3 courses of stretchers – 1 of headers)
1 B wall per sq. m 118 0.05 0.07 Flemish garden wall bond 68
1½ B wall per sq. m 177 0.08 0.11 (3 stretchers & 1 header in the same course)
Stretcher bond 59
(Source: Howard Wainwright, W. & Wood A.A.B. 1978. Practical Builders’
Estimating, p.82) Header bond 118
(Source: Howard Wainwright, W. & Wood A.A.B. 1978. Practical Builders’
241 242
Estimating, p.82)
Brick bonding output depends on: Brick bonding output depends on (cont’d):
1) Nature of work, i.e. thickness of wall, sizes of 5) Weather condition, i.e. hot, cold, wet.
isolated column.
6) Quality of work, i.e. below ground level, fairface,
2) Complexity of the work, i.e. large uncomplicated facing work.
areas, circular work.
7) Pointing, i.e. flush, recessed.
3) Type of bond, i.e. the more intricate, the lower the
output. 8) Height of the wall, i.e. 3.2 metre, 6 metre.
4) Location, i.e. ground floor, high level, confined

space.
243 244
Labour Labour
 An all-in gang rate may be built up and the  An allowance is paid to bricklayers for maintaining
production output based on the gang rather than their own tools
individual operatives
 A bricklayer is not constantly laying bricks, but also
 Normally carried out in gangs comprising 2 setting out, forming hole for plumbing, fixing lintels
bricklayers and 1 labourer. etc.
 Assistance depends on the complexity of the work.

Work such as arches may have a labourer attending
each bricklayer
245 246
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Labour output Tools and equipment
Description Skilled hours Unskilled hours  Include mason's hand tools, mortar boards, mortar
½ B wall in commons 1.00 per m2 0.35 per m2 boxes, a mortar mixer, hoes, shovels, wheelbarrows,
1 B wall in commons 1.75 per m2 0.70 per m2 and pails (usually inclusive in general overhead or
Extra for fair face and pointing 0.30 per m2 0.30 per m2
preliminary)
Form 50mm wide cavity 0.30 per m2 0.30 per m2  Some projects may require scaffolding, power hoists,
Close 50mm cavity at openings 0.30 per m2 0.30 per m2 and forklifts
Extra for eaves filling 0.30 per m2 0.30 per m2
 Estimator should complete the analysis on the cost
Bonding ½ B wall to existing 0.30 per m2 0.30 per m2
of ownership versus rental cost of equipment in
(source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Work. p.283) order to determined cost per day of such equipment
247 248
BRICKWORKS BRICKWORKS PRICING
Sub-contractors Example 2
Calculate the unit rate in square metre for one-brick thick of 215
 Labour is usually subcontracted at a quoted rate per
x 65mm common bricks laid in English Bond for strip foundations
1000 bricks or per block or per floor. This rate will
with a 10 mm thick cement mortar (1:3).
usually include for fixing related items such as dpc’s,
lintols, etc.
Assumptions:
 The labour rate must be checked to discover
Cost of brick = RM 0.45 /piece
whether scaffolding and/or mixing equipment is
included in the quote, or has to be provided by the Cost of cement mortar (1:3) = RM 230.00 /m3
contractor Number of brick required = 118 pieces /m2
Mortar required (inclusive waste) = 0.05 m3 /m2
 Materials are usually supplied by the contractor
249 250
BRICKWORKS PRICING BRICKWORKS PRICING
SOLUTION 2 RM RM/m2
Labourer gang (1:1) = 1 bricklayer & 1 labourer
Material Cost
Output of a bricklayer = 120 pieces /hour i) Brick = (118 pcs/ m2 x RM0.45/piece) = 53.10
Wage of a bricklayer = RM 60.00 /day ii) Waste of bricks = (3% x RM53.10) = 1.59
Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00 /day iii) Mortar incl. waste = (0.05m3 x RM230.00/m3) = 11.50
Working hours = 8 hours /day
Labour Cost
Waste of bricks = 3% i) Labourer gang per hour = (RM60 + RM40) / 8 hrs = 12.50
Profit and overhead = 10% Cost of labour per m2 = (118 pcs/120 pcs) x RM12.50 = 12.29
Total cost per m2 = 78.48
Add 10% OHP = 7.85
251
42
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BLOCKWORKS BLOCKWORKS
Lightweight insulating blocks made of various materials Block thickness range from 60mm to 215mm (i.e. 60, 75,
including foamed slag, concrete, clay, etc. 100, 140, 190, and 215mm)
Lightweight concrete and hollow clay blocks are in
common use. Usual size is 150 mm x 225 mm and
Grey Hollow Block
thickness from 50 mm to 225 mm 9” x 4” x 3”
Cement Solid Block
9” x 3” x 2”
Column Concrete Block

8” x 8” x 8”
Dead Weight Block
9” x 3” x 2”
253 254
Lightweight concrete and hollow clay blocks: Labour

 Mortar required for bedding is 0.01 m3 per square  An all-in gang rate may be built up and the
metre of 75 mm thickness walling and production output based on the gang rather than
proportionately for other thicknesses individual operatives. Usually employed in the ratio
of 2:1
 An average waste allowance of 5% added for
handling and cutting waste  Allowance of 0.50 hour of bricklayer and labourer for
each sq. metre of 75 mm blockwork
 Fair face and pointing allow an additional 0.20 hour
per sq. metre irrespective of wall thickness.
255 256
Labour outputs Sub-contractors
Type of wall Skilled hour per m2  Labour is usually subcontracted at a quoted rate per
100mm lightweight blockwork in walls or 0.50 1000 bricks or per block or per floor. This rate will
partitions usually include for fixing related items such as dpc’s,
140mm as above 0.65
lintols, etc.
215mm as above 0.90  The labour rate must be checked to discover
Allow approx. 30% extra labour for dense load- whether scaffolding and/or mixing equipment is
bearing concrete block included in the quote, or has to be provided by the
Fair face and pointing one side as work 0.20 contractor
proceeds
 Material is usually supplied by the contractor
(source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Work. p.284)
257 258
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BLOCKWORKS PRICING BLOCKWORKS PRICING
Example 3 Labourer gang (1:1) = 1 blocklayer & 1 labourerer

Calculate the unit rate in sq. metre of 150mm thick wall in Output of labourer gang = 0.45 hours /m2
cement and sand blocks size 400 x 100 x 100 mm thick for
Wage of a blocklayer = RM 60.00 /day
partition walling jointed with cement mortar (1:3) mix.
Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00 /day
Assumptions: Working hours = 8 hours /day
Cost of cement and sand blocks = RM 1.30 /piece Waste of blocks = 5%

Cost of cement mortar (1:3) mix = RM 230.00 per m3 Profit and overhead = 10%
Number of cement and sand blocks = 22 pieces /m2
Mortar required (inclusive waste) = 0.011 m3 /m2
259 260
BLOCKWORKS PRICING SUNDRIES (BRICK MESH)

SOLUTION 3 RM RM/m2
Material Cost Normally apply in half brickwall at every 4 courses
i) C&S block per m2 = (22 pieces x RM1.30/pc) = 28.60 An allowance for overlapping and wastage is 5%
ii) Waste on blocks = (5% x RM28.60) = 1.43
iii) Mortar inclusive wastage per m2,
In one square metre of half brickwall consists of 3.50 m
= (0.011m3 x RM230.00/m3) = 2.53
length of brick mesh
Labour Cost
i) Labourer gang per hour = (RM60 + RM40) / 8 hrs = 12.50
Total cost of labour per m2
width
= (0.45 hours x RM12.50 per hour) = 5.63
Add 10% OHP = 3.82
Total Unit Rate (RM) / m2 = 42.01 Special specifications of brick mesh can be produced by the
262
customer’s requirements.
SUNDRIES (BRICK MESH) SUNDRIES (DPC)
For ½ B Wall, length of brick mesh per m 2

The most common materials of Damp Proof Course
1m = 1m x [1m / 4 (0.075m)]
(DPC) were polythene and hessian-based bituminous
= 3.33 m
felt
If 5% for laps and waste are added, then
DPC not exceeding 225 mm thick will be measured in
= 3.33m x 5%
metre run stating the thickness in description
= 3.5m
1m DPC exceeding 225 mm thick will be measured in sq.
Brick mesh metre
Waste factor for DPC is very small, with 2.5 to 5%
4 courses allowance for laps
No further allowance needs to be made for cost of the
(65mm + 10mm) per course bedding mortar
263 264
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SUNDRIES (DPC) SUNDRIES (DPC)
Labour output
Type of work Skilled hours Unskilled hours

112 wide polythene d.p.c laid 0.25 per roll 0.12 per roll
horiz. per 30m roll
As above, fixed vertically 0.37 per roll 0.18 per roll
(source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
p.285)
Damp Proof Course (DPC)

265 266
SUNDRIES (CUTTING HOLES) SUNDRIES (CUTTING HOLES)
Holes and chases required as ‘builders’ work in Labour output

connection with services
Type of work Skilled hours Unskilled hours
Marking and cutting of holes, ducts, etc. are carry out Hole for small pipe through ½ B 0.15 each 0.15 each
later by hand or grill wall in commons
As above, in facing, incl. 0.15 each 0.15 each
making good
As above in 100mm blockwork 0.15 each 0.15 each
267 268
SUNDRIES (MORTAR) MASONRY WORKS
Labour output The price of stone varies and its dependent on the type
of material, size, shape and finishes of the stones,
Type of work Skilled hours Unskilled hours location of the quarry, and particularly the haulage costs
Prepare top of old 1 B thick wall 0.25 per m 0.12 per m
for raising Stone can be sold by weight (tonne) or volume (m3)
Bedding wood frame in mortar 0.05 per m 0.03 per m In hardscape construction, various types of masonry
Extra for pointing one side in 0.06 per m 0.03 per m walls are being used.
mortar
269 270
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MASONRY WORKS PRICING MASONRY WORKS PRICING
Example 4 Labourer gang (1:1) = 1 mason & 1 labourer

Calculate the unit rate in square metre of stone walling average Output of a mason = 3 hours /m2
200mm on bed in 50mm average courses in Yorkshire Output of a labour = 1.5 hours /m2
sandstone, laid in gauged mortar (1:1:6) mix and pointed on
Wage of a mason = RM 80.00 /day
face.
Assumptions: Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00/day
Cost of stone delivered site = RM 82.50 /tonne Working hours = 8 hours /day
Cost of gauged mortar (1:1:6) = RM 180.00 /m3 Waste of stone = 10%
Number of stone required = 0.33 tonne /m2 Profit and overhead = 10%
Gauges mortar required (inclusive wastage) = 0.06 m3 /m2
271 272
MASONRY WORKS PRICING RECOMMENDED READINGS
SOLUTION 4 RM RM/m2
Material Cost Work, 5th edn, Routledge.
i) Stone = (0.33 tonne x RM82.50/tonne) = 27.25
ii) Waste of stone = (10% x RM27.25) = 2.73 Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR, 2015 Estimating in Building
iii) Mortar incl. waste= (0.06m3 x RM180.00/m3) = 10.80 Construction 8th edn. Pearson
Labour Cost Costs 6th edn. McGraw Hill
i) 1 mason = 3 hrs x (RM80.00 per day / 8 hours) = 30.00
ii) 1 labour = 1.5 hrs x (RM40.00 per day / 8 hours) = 7.50 Smith, RC 1986, Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
Cost of labour per m2 = 37.50 London: Pearson Education Limited.

Add 10% OHP = 7.83
Total Unit Rate (RM) / m2 = 86.11 274
NOTE NOTE
275 276
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WORKS
ROOFING

prices are to included for:
“laps, square cutting, nails, screw, clips etc.”

FOR BUILDING WORKS
ROOFING 277
278
ROOFING ROOFING
Tiles/ slates
Horizontal lap Batten
Tiles/ slates batten
between runs of
Roof Head/
sarking felt L Tile roofing construction
End lap
W Side
lap
Sarking felt
Rafter
Roof board
Ventilated air between rafter
space (50mm Wall Timber
minimum) under batten
rafter
Source: http://www.vogue-garage-conversion.co.uk/garage-conversion-pitched-roof-
insulation.html) 279 280
ROOFING ROOFING
Roofing work would not only include the roof finish but Pitched roof covering include:
also such items as battens, insulation, wire netting,
gutters, downpipes, etc. a) Concrete roof tiles (mixture of cement and sand),
b) Clay roof tile (clay soil and water),
c) Asbestos cement (Portland cement and asbestos),
and
d) Steel sheet (aluminium, zinc).
wire netting/ chicken mesh gutter and r.w.d.p

281 282
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ROOFING ROOFING
The factors involved in a unit rate will be: Subcontractors

 Quantity of tiles, including unloading and waste;  Roofing normally sub-contracted
 Nails for tiling;  Roof tile manufacturers prefer to sell on a supply
and fix basis
 Quantity of battens and nailing to rafters;
 Metal roofing is usually quoted on a supply and fix
 Labour in tiling; and basis by a roofing sub-contractor
 Labour in fixing battens.
283 284
CONCRETE / CLAY ROOF TILES CONCRETE / CLAY ROOF TILES
Materials pricing
The build-up rate comprising of:-
a) Tile (depend on size of tile and lapping);
b) Batten (tile will be hang on batten with nail);
c) Nail (nailed only at certain tile’s layer and batten to
rafter); and
d) Wastage 5% add on material cost.
Concrete / Clay Roof Tiles 285 286
Cost of roof tiles includes delivery to site. Labour pricing

Allowance for unloading must take into account. Skilled worker needed to execute fixing batten and roof
tile. Add 50% of difficulty for vertical surface.
Ridge capping given as extra over.
Labour output:
Mortar to tied up one number of ridge capping is 0.002
m3.  laying roof tiles is 0.45 hour per sq. metre
 ridge capping is 0.1 hour per metre.
287 288
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Labour output Plant / equipment pricing

Slating (based on 2 + 1 gang) Number fixed per hour by gang No machinery.
Slate size 350 x 200mm 80-100 Only hand tools required for roof work (usually inclusive
400 x 250mm 65-70 general overhead and preliminary).
600 x 350mm 45-50
Tiling (based on 1 + 1 gang)
Plain tile size 265 x 165mm 110-130
Interlocking tile size 420 x 330mm 40-60
Battens: Approx. 30-40 m per hour (craftsman only), including setting
out. The output of tiling is higher than slating as the holes are already
punches in the tile and not every tile requires nailing
(source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
p.283) 289 grinder drill driver 290
CONCRETE / CLAY ROOF TILES PRICING CONCRETE / CLAY ROOF TILES PRICING
Calculate the unit rate per square metre of concrete Cost of 50mm x 38mm timber batten = RM 0.60 /m
interlocking 430mm x 380mm, fixing every tile with tile clip Nail required for timber batten = 450 mm centres
to 75mm end lap and 35mm side lap; batten 38mm x Output of a roofer for tile = 3.50 m2 /hour
25mm grade B timber to slope 40 degree pitch. Output of a joiner for batten = 80 m /hour
Wage of a roofer = RM 10.00/ hour
Assumptions: Wage of a joiner = RM 12.00/ hour
Cost of roof tile delivered to site = RM 2,500.00 /1000 pcs Wage of a general labourer = RM 6.00/ hour
Delivery and stack required = 1.75 hour /1000 pcs Working hours = 8 hours /day
Cost of tile clip = RM 0.30 /no Waste on materials = 5%
Cost of nails (1000 pcs = 2.85 kg) = RM 3.50 /kg Profit and overhead = 10%
291 292
Solution RM RM/m2 Solution RM RM/m2

Material Cost Material Cost
(A) Roof Tiles (A) Roof Tiles
Cost of m2 = Coverage or exposed area of 1 tile i) Cost roof tiles = (8.16 pcs x RM2500/1000pcs) = 20.40
= (length - lap) x (width - lap) ii) Delivery & stack
= (0.430 - 0.075) x (0.380 - 0.035) = 8.16pcs x (1.75 hour/1000) x RM6.00 per hour = 0.09
= 0.1225 m2 per no iii) Tile clip = (8.16 pcs x RM0.30 per no) = 2.45
22.94
Total tiles per m2 = (1 / 0.1225 m2 per no) iv) Waste on materials = (RM22.94 x 5%) = 1.15
= 8.16 pcs
Total cost of roof covering per m2 = 24.09
293 294
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RM RM/m2 RM RM/m2
(B) Battens Labour Cost
i) Qty of batten used per m2 (A) Fixing Roof Tiles
= [8.16 nos x (0.380m – 0.035m)] = 2.82 m Roofer per m2 = (RM10.00 / 3.50m2 per hr.) = 2.86
Cost of batten per m2 = (2.82m x RM0.60 per m) = 1.69
ii) Qty of nails per m2 (B) Fixing Batten
= [(2.82m / 0.45m) +1] = 7.27 pcs Output of joiner = 80.00 m per hour
Cost of nails per m2 Batten = 2.82 m per m2
= 7.27pcs x (2.85kg/ 1000pcs) x RM3.50 per kg = 0.07 Joiner per m2 = 2.82m x (RM12.00 / 80m per hr.) = 0.42
Cost of batten and nail per m2 = 1.76 Total labour cost per m2 = 3.28
iii) Waste on materials = (RM1.76 x 5%) = 0.09 Total cost per m2 = 29.22
Cost of batten and nail per m2 = 1.85 Add 10% OHP = 2.92
Total material cost per m2 = (RM24.09 + RM1.85) = 25.94 Total Unit Rate (RM) / m2 = 32.14
Calculate the total cost and unit rate per square metre of Unload battens = 2 labourers; 1 labourer at 0.50
Swiss Terra Cotta tiles size 345mm x 190mm (effective cover) to hour per 100 metres
slope exceeding 22.5 degree, nailed to 50mm x 38mm battens. Nails for fixing roof tiles (incl. waste) = 1.50 kg /100 m2 of roof tiles
Assumptions: Nails for fixing batten (incl. waste) = 1.50 kg /100 m of batten
Roof area (16.0m long x 5.5m) = 88.00 sq. metre Labour output fixing roof tiles = 1 gang hour /15 m2
Cost of roof tiles delivered to site = RM 1.80/ piece Labour output fixing battens = 1 gang hour /100 m
Cost of battens 50mm x 38mm = RM 3.40/ m at 345mm centres Slope more than 22.5 degree = Add 25% gang hour
Cost of nails = RM 3.50/ kg Gang at ratio 2 : 1 = Skilled worker at RM 10.00/ hour,
Unskilled worker at RM 4.00/ hour
Waste on battens and tiles = 5%
Unload of roof tiles = 2 labourers; 1 labourer at 1
hour per 1000 pieces Profit and overhead = 10%
297 298
SOLUTION RM RM RM RM
Material Cost (B) Battens
Length of batten for 88 m2
(A) Roof Tiles for 88 m2
= 16m x [(5.50m / 0.345m ) + 1]
i) Qty = [88m2 / (0.345 x 0.19)] + 5% waste = 1409.61 pcs = 271.07 m
Roof tiles = (1409.61 pcs x RM1.80 per piece) = 2,537.30
16 m
ii) Cost of unloading of roof tiles
1 person @ 1 hour/1000pcs; 2 persons @ 1 hour/2000pcs
= (1 hr x 2 x RM4.00) x (1409.61 pcs / (2000pcs) = 5.64
5.5 m
iii) Nails = 88 m2 x (1.50 kg/ 100 m2) x RM3.50 per kg = 4.62
Total cost of fixing 88 m2 roof tiles = 2,547.56

299 300
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RM RM
RM RM
(B) Battens
Labour Cost
i) Cost of batten per m for 88 m2 roof coverage i) Fixing batten = 1 gang hour/ 100 m
= (271.07m x RM3.40 per m) = 921.64 Total batten = (271.07 m / 100 m) = 2.71 gang hr
ii) Cost of unload for 88 m2 battens by 2 labourer
1 person @ 0.5 hour/100m; 2 persons @ 0.5 hour/200m
ii) Fixing tiles = 1 gang hour /15 m2,
Total tiles = (88 m2 / 15 m2) = 5.86 gang hr
= 271.07m x [(0.5hrs x 2 x RM4.00) /200m] = 5.42
Labour gang hours = 8.57 gang hr
iii) Waste on batten = [5% x (RM921.64+5.42)] = 46.35
iii) Add gang hour for 25% slope = 2.14 gang hr
iv) Cost of nails for 88 m2 battens
Total labour gang hours = 10.71 gang hr
= 271.07m x (1.50kg/ 100 m) x RM3.50 per kg = 14.23
Cost of fixing 88m2 battens = 987.64
Total material cost for 88m2 = 3,535.20
301 302
CONCRETE / CLAY ROOF TILES PRICING CORRUGATED ASBESTOS CEMENT
RM RM
Labour Cost
iv) Total labour gang (2:1) hourly
= (2 x RM10.00 per hour) + (1 x RM4.00 per hour) = 24.00
v) Total labour cost
= (10.71 gang hour x RM24.00 / gang hour) = 257.04
Total cost of roof covering for 88 m2 = 3,792.24

Add 10% profit and overhead = 379.22
Total cost of roof covering for 88 m2 = 4,171.46
The unit rate per m2 of roof covering

= (RM4,171.46/ 88 m2) = 47.40
Corrugated asbestos cement sheet

303 304
CORRUGATED ASBESTOS CEMENT CORRUGATED ASBESTOS CEMENT
Material pricing Nails requirement

Asbestos Sheet Max distance between Nails/ m2
a) Asbestos sheet (standard size from supplier according each sheet (mm)
to specification);
Small sheet 900 3
b) Nails (nailed or galvanised screw to fix the asbestos to Big sheet 1350 3
timber);
c) Allow cutting waste 5%; and
d) Lapping.
305 306
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CORRUGATED ASBESTOS CEMENT CORRUGATED ASBESTOS CEMENT
Labour pricing Plant / equipment pricing

Labour output of cutting and fixing asbestos sheet. No machinery.
Only hand tools required for roof work (usually inclusive
Max length (mm) 1 roofer and 1 general worker (hr/ m2) general overhead and preliminary).
1200 0.19
1800 0.17
2400 0.16
3000 0.15
fibro cement sheet cutter caulking gun

307 308
STEEL SHEET ROOFING STEEL SHEET ROOFING
Material pricing
a) Steel sheet (standard size from supplier according to
specification);
b) Bolts (nailed only at certain roof sheet’s layer and
batten to rafter);
c) Allow cutting waste 5%; and
d) Lapping.
Steel sheet roofing

309 310
Nails requirement Labour pricing

Steel Sheet Max distance between Nails/ m2 For sloping surface, allow 10 min per sq. metre of sheet
each sheet (mm) with an additional of 10% where fixed with hook bolts in
Small sheet 900 3 lieu of drive screws.
Big sheet 1350 3 For vertical cladding, allow an extra 25%
311 312
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WORKS
Labour pricing Plant / equipment pricing

Labour output of cutting and fixing steel sheet roofing. No machinery.
Only hand tools required for roof work (usually inclusive
Max length (mm) 1 roofer and 1 general worker (hr/ m2) general overhead and preliminary).
1200 0.22
1800 0.20
2400 0.18
3000 0.17
313
sheet metal cutter hand seamer/ bender 314
STEEL SHEET ROOFING PRICING STEEL SHEET ROOFING PRICING
Cost of roofing sheet = RM 12.00 /m2
Calculate the unit rate per square metre of 2400mm x Galvanised nails required = 3 nos /m2
1075mm x 6mm thick corrugated asbestos cement roofing Cost of galvanised nails = RM 3.50 /kg (1kg = 90nos)
sheet with 150mm head laps and 75mm side laps laid at 30 Output of labourer gang (1:1) = 0.16 hour /m2
º pitch, nailed to timber purlins at 1000mm centers. Wage of a skilled worker = RM 60.00/ day
Wage of an unskilled worker = RM 40.00/ day
Cutting waste of roofing sheet = 5%
Waste of nails = 5%
315 316
STEEL SHEET ROOFING PRICING STEEL SHEET ROOFING PRICING

SOLUTION 3 RM RM/m2
Material Cost RM RM/m2
i) Cost of roofing sheet per m2 = 12.00 Labour Cost
ii) Area per pc = (2.40m x 1.075m) = 2.58 m2 i) Labourer gang per hour = (RM60 + RM40) / 8 hs = 12.50
Effective cover area per piece Total labour cost per m2 = (0.16 hour x RM12.50) = 2.00
= (2.40m-0.15m) x (1.075m-0.075m) = 2.25 m2
Lapping per piece Total cost of roof covering per m2 = 16.49

= (2.58m2 - 2.25m2)/ 2.25m2 x 100% = 14.67% Add 10% OHP = 1.65
Lapping waste, 14.67% = (14.67% x RM12.00 ) = 1.76
iii) Cutting waste of roofing sheert= (5% x RM12.00) = 0.60
iv) Cost of nails = (3/ 90 nos per kg) x RM3.50 per kg = 0.12
v) Waste on nails = (5% x RM0.12) = 0.01
Total material cost per m2 = 14.49
318
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ACCESSORIES (FLASHING) ACCESSORIES (FLASHING)
Lead or lead-based flashings are widely used in normal Flashings are measured in metre stating the width, lap
building work and method of fixing with the net length being taken
making no allowance for laps or seams in the running
Supplied in rolls of various thickness ranging from length
1.25mm and weighting 14.48 kg/m2 to 3.55mm and
weighting 40.26 kg/m2 Allowance of 7.5% for laps and cutting waste
The rolls are standard 6m long and available in eight Using gang labour at ratio of 1:1, approx. 3m metre per
different widths: 150, 210, 240 270, 300, 390, 450 and hour for cutting and fixing 225mm girth lead flashing;
600mm and 1.5m metre per hour for stepped flashing
Fixing operation is carried out by a gang comprising a
plumber and mate
319 320
ACCESSORIES (FELT ROOFING) ACCESSORIES (FELT ROOFING)
Felts are measured in sq. metre stating the lapped at The labour of fixing the felt has been included with the
side and end joints as well the method of fixing battens in the slanting analysis. The cost of nails has
also been included in the slating
Allowance of 15% for laps and cutting waste should
added due to net area being taken
Various materials including reinforced sarking felt,
aluminium foil, metalised foil, etc.
Aluminium foils (paper/woven) are widely used in
roofing work and supplied in rolls. The rolls are various
in size: 1.22 x 40m, 1.22 x 50m, and 1.25 x 48m
321 322
ROOFING TERMINOLOGY ROOFING TERMINOLOGY
1) Ridge Connecting Standard Tile - Used at the topmost row

of roof below Ridge Tiles. Eliminates use of cement mortar.
Facilities escape of warm air from below the roof thus
improves roof ventilation.
2) Exhaust Tile - Sits on top of UPVC vent pipe. It connects

UPVC vent pipe via a PVC reducer to collar tile and ceramic
vent set. Removes flashing need around UPVC air vent pipe.
For roof pitch 25º - 45º.
3) Ridge Connecting Double Tile - Same as Roof Connecting

Standard Tile but used only at left roof edge to match Double
Tiles.
(source: http://sll.com.my/goldenclay.htm) 323 324
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4) Ridge End Cap - Used for capping horizontal ridge ends. It 8) Elbow - Used at the bend (135ºC) of a horizontal/main
overlaps on both Left and Right Verge Tiles to provide a ridge.
good finish.
9) Valley Tile - Laid over metal valley gutter to give better
5) Left Verge Tile - Same as Right Verge Tile but used beneath finish to roof valley. It allows proper seating and securing of
Double Tile on left hand side of roof. cut tiles with cement mortar. For roof pitch of 20º - 40º.
6) Right Verge Tile - Provide water-tightness to roof edge and 10) Eaves Double Tile - Same as Eaves Standard Tile but
lends a solid appearance. Fixed onto wooden fascia board used only at left roof edge to match Double Tile.
beneath Standard Tiles on right hand side of roof.
11) Eaves Standard Tile - Used at the bottom most row of roof
7) Double Tile - Used at left edge of a straight roof to give a i.e. eaves. It prevents vermin and bats from entering roof.
similar wave finish at left edge of roof. Besides, it provides a solid, elegant finish to roof eaves.
325 326
12) Ventilation Tile - Facilities air flow below the roof. It 15) Hip Tile - Used on inclined ridge i.e. Hip formed by 2
prevents water condensation and humidity on underside of adjoining sloped roofs. Taper shape with internal width
tiles. Installed across a roof slope at 5-feet spacing and at 140mm at head and 190mm at tail. 3 pieces/metre.
5th or 6th row from roof ridge. If used together with Ridge
Connecting Tiles and/or Ventilation Tape, it greatly improves 16) Standard Tile
roof ventilation and brings down roof temperature. 17) Hip End - Starter tile at eaves area of a roof hip. It gives
13) Ridge Tile - Used on horizontal/main ridge formed by 2 roof aesthetic finishes and water-tightness.
slopes. Internal width 220mm. Coverage 3 pieces/metre. 18) Eaves Joint - Used where 2 roof eaves join for Hip
End/Ridge End to rest on it. Provides better finishing and
14) 3-Way Apex - Used to cover a 3-way Intersection where
water-tightness.
roof ridge meets with 2 hips.
327 328

329 330
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EXAMPLES OF WOODWORK

FOR BUILDING WORKS
WOODWORK 331
332
WOODWORK WOODWORK
Trend towards the mass production of standard units by

manufacturers has reduced the former ‘carpentry and
joinery’ work to fixing or assembling on site factory
made components such as roof trusses, door sets,
windows, kitchen unit, etc.
Prefabricated timber roof trusses
Skilled labour is still required for most operations
involving the use of wood or wood-based products
333 334
Carcassing kitchen cabinet
WOODWORK WOODWORK
The following 6 main categories shows the Standard 4) Composite items – Factory-made standard items
Method arranges the woodwork on site: supplied ready for assembling and fixing on site.
1) Carcassing – Involved structural timbers forming the 5) Sundries – General labours in connection with
framework of roofs, floors, wall, etc. woodworking operations, together with the supply of
insulating materials and metalwork.
2) First fixing – Items fixed after the framework and
including roof and floor boarding together with grounds, 6) Ironmongery – involving all types of door, window
battens, bearers, etc. which form a base or backing ironmongery, etc.
3) Second fixing – Covering such as skirting, architraves,
window boards, ceiling lining, etc.
335 336
56
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WOODWORK JOINTS FOR WOODWORK
Materials
 Timber can be purchased in a sawn state, planed
and moulded.
 The basic selling unit is based on tonne, cubic feet
or cubic metre.
 Joinery rails i.e. handrailing it is normally quoted per
linear metre.
 The prefabricated joinery components i.e. roof
trusses, doors and frames, window etc. reduces site
labour to a minimum
337 338
WOODWORK WOODWORK
Waste Extra costs for:

About 10% cutting waste on in-situ carpentry and a) Timber impregnation with preservative –
joinery, and about nominal 2.5% waste on all approximately 10% added to basic cost for special
prefabricated joinery components (waste allowance for preservation solutions
damaged, lost or stolen) b) Long lengths – Length of timber required over 4.8m
Fixing long
c) Stress grading – Approximately 10% added to basic
Timber work is nailed into position. Nails should be
allowed. An average of nail may be taken as 1.5 kg per cost for timbers required stress graded
m3 d) Small sections and angle fillets – Allowance of
7.5%~10% added to basic cost for additional sawing
of smaller sections or angle and tilting filets
339 340
JOINTS FOR WOODWORK WOODWORK
Method of pricing
prices are to included for;
Halving joint Mortise and Tenon
Bridle joint
“all labours in framing, drilling for bolts, fixing in
position complete with all nails.”
Dove tail
Finger
Cross having
341 342
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WOODWORK WOODWORK
The cost for timber varies according to the following: Labourers

a) Quality  Include of carpenter, joiner & general worker for
fixing, jointing, cutting and drilling of woodworks.
b) Length
c) Finish 1 carpenter for cutting and fixing timber frame
according timber cross section
d) Size
Description < 5.0m2 5.0-7.5m2 7.5-10.0m2 10.0-12.5m2
e) Demand (hr/m) (hr/m) (hr/m) (hr/m)
f) Transport Wall plate 0.05 0.06 0.08 0.10
Ceiling joint 0.07 0.09 0.11 0.12
g) Waste beam and floor
member
343 344
WOODWORK WOODWORK
Description Skilled operatives Labour output and nails for additional timber work
Structural members of roofs and floors 10 m / hour *
(wall plates, rafters, ceiling joists, etc.)
Type Nails (kg) Carpenter (hr/m)
Partitions 6 m / hour
Fascia and barge boards 8 m / hour Fascia board 0.02 0.20
Grounds generally 12 m / hour Skirting 0.03 0.10
Herringbone strutting 5 m / hour
Tongued and grooved flooring 12 m / hour
Chipboard flooring 10 m2 / hour
100mm Skirting, including mitres 12 m / hour
Door frame/ lining for single door 0.75 hr each
Hollow-cored single door 0.75 hr each
(source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Work. p.310) 346
WOODWORK WOODWORK
Tools and equipment Sub-contractors

 Include sawhorses, workbenches, large and small  Unlike other trades this work may be performed by
power tools, extension cords, router templates, jigs, the builder’s own directly employed carpenters,
ladders, and scaffolding although sub-contractors may be used.
 Usually inclusive in general overhead or preliminary
347 348
58
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WOODWORK PRICING WOODWORK PRICING
Example 1: Example 1:
Calculate the unit rate per linear metre run for delivery of 100mm x Calculate the unit rate per linear metre run for delivery of 100mm x
75mm thick sawn pressure treated wall plate. A general labourer will 75mm thick sawn pressure treated wall plate. A general labourer will
take an hour to unload and stacking 1 cubic metre of timber. take an hour to unload and stacking 1 cubic metre of timber.
Assumptions:
Cost of timber = RM 650.00 /m3
Nails required = 1 kg /m3
Waste on timber and nails = 10%
Output of a joiner = 12 hours /m3
Wage of a joiner = RM 60.00 /day
349
Profit and overhead = 10% 350
SOLUTION RM RM RM RM
i) Cost of timber per m3 = 650.00 i) Cost of joiner per hour = (RM60.00 / 8hrs) = 7.50
ii) Unload & stacking of timber = (1 hr x RM44/ 8hrs) = 5.50 Output of a joiner = 12 hours per m3
Total labour cost per m3= (12 hrs x RM7.50/ hr) = 90.00
Cost of timber per m3 = 655.50
iii) Waste on timber = (RM655.50 x 10%) = 65.55
Add 10% OHP = 81.60
iv) Cost of nail per m3 = (RM4.50 per kg x 1 kg) = 4.50 Total Unit Rate (RM) / m3 = 897.60
v) Waste on nail = (RM4.50 x 10%) = 0.45
Total material cost per m3 = 726.00 Cost per m= RM897.60/m3 x (0.10m x 0.075m) = 6.73
351 352
SOLUTION RM RM/m
Example 2: Double nails
Calculate the unit rate per linear metre of 150mm x 25mm thick Material Cost
fascia board fix to timber roof rafter. The joiner used 2 numbers of i) Cost of fascia board per m = 3.00
nails to nailed the fascia board at every 400mm centres of rafter. ii) Qty of nail= [(1m / 0.40m) + 1] x 2nos = 8 nos
One joiner required an hour for fixing 6m length fascia board. Cost of nail = [8 nos x (RM3.50/ 220 nos)] = 0.13
Assumptions: Cost of material = 3.13
Cost of fascia board = RM 3.00 /m (including off-load & stack) iii) Waste on nails = (10% x RM3.13) = 0.31
Cost of nail = RM 3.50 /kg Total material cost per m = 3.44
Number of nails = 220 nos /kg
Labour Cost
i) Labour cost per m = (RM70.00/ 8 hours) / 6m = 1.46
Total cost per m = 4.90
Add 10% OHP = 0.49
Fascia board 353 Total Unit Rate (RM) / m = 5.39
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Example 3: Conversion:
Calculate the unit rate per linear metre of ceiling joist for UAC 1 tonne = 50 ft3
superflex flat sheet in 1200mm x 600mm panels.
1 m3 = 35.32 ft3
Assumptions: 1 tonne = 1.4156 m3
Cost of 50mm x 100mm tanalised ceiling joist = RM 850.00 /tonne
Nails required (inclusive wastage) = 0.022 kg /m
Cost of labour for ceiling joist = RM 2.50 /m
355 356

Conversion: Conversion:
1 tonne = 50 ft3 1 tonne = 50 ft3
SOLUTION I 1 m3 = 35.32 ft 3
RM RM/m 1 m3 = 35.32 ft3
SOLUTION II RM RM/m
1 tonne = 1.4156 m3 1 tonne = 1.4156 m3
i) Cost of ceiling joist = RM850.00 per tonne i) Cost of ceiling joist = RM850.00 per tonne
Cost per ft3 = (RM850.00/ 50 ft3) = 17.00 Cost per m3 = (RM850.00/ 1.4156 m3) = 600.45
ii) Waste on material = (RM17.00/ft3 x 5%) = 0.85 ii) Waste on material = (RM600.45/m3 x 5%) = 30.02
Cost of ceiling joist per ft3 = 17.85 Cost of ceiling joist per m3 = 630.47
Cost per m3 = (RM17.85/ft3 x 35.32 ft3 per m3) = 630.46 Cost per m = (RM630.47/m3 x 0.05m x 0.10m) = 3.15
Cost per m = (RM630.46/m3 x 0.05m x 0.10m) = 3.15
iii) Cost of nails incl. waste = (0.022kg x RM3.50/kg) = 0.08
iii) Cost of nails incl. waste = (0.022kg x RM3.50/kg) = 0.08
Cost of material per m = (RM3.15 + RM0.08) = 3.23
Cost of material per m = (RM3.15 + RM0.08) = 3.23
357 358
RM RM/m Example 4:
Labour Cost Calculate the unit rate per square metre of 150mm tongued and
i) Cost of labour for ceiling joint per m = 2.50 grooved (T&G) timber flooring. After laying, the effective or ‘laid’
width of the board is 144mm.
Total cost per linear metre = 5.73
Add 10% OHP = 0.57 Note: The effective area is important when calculating the total
Total Unit Rate (RM) / m = 6.30 length of boards required per square metre of flooring
6mm 144mm
359 360
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Assumptions:
Cost of 150mm x 25mm T&G timber flooring = RM 635.00 /100m
Cost of nails (approx. 250 nos. per kg) = RM 4.50 /kg
Unloading of T&G timber flooring = 0.25 hour /100m
144mm Nails required = 5 nos /m
Output of a joiner = 15m /hour
144mm 150mm Wage of a joiner = RM 70.00 /day
Wage of a unskilled labourer = RM 40.00 /day
361 362
SOLUTION RM RM/m2 1m
Material Cost
i) Cost of T&G flooring per 100m = 635.00
ii) Unloading per 100m = (0.25 hr x RM40.00/8hrs) = 1.25 Qty of T&G timber flooring
iii) Nails = (5 nos x 100m) x (RM 4.50/250nos) = 9.00 = 1m x (1m/0.144)m
Cost of T&G flooring = 645.25 = 6.94m per m2 of floor
1m
iv) Waste on materials = (5% x RM645.25) = 32.26
Cost of material per 100m = 677.51
144mm 144mm 150mm
Qty of flooring = 1m x (1m / 0.144m )= 6.94m
Cost of per m2 = 6.94m x (RM677.51/100m) 47.02
363 364
WOODWORK PRICING RECOMMENDED READINGS
RM RM/m2 Brook, M. 2017 Estimating and Tendering for Construction

Labour Cost Work, 5th edn, Routledge.
i) Cost of a joiner per m2
= 6.94m x (RM70.00/ 8hrs / 15m per hour) = 4.05 Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR, 2015 Estimating in Building
Total cost per square metre = 51.07 Peurifoy, RL & Oberlender, GD, 2014 Estimating Construction
Add 10% OHP = 5.11 Costs 6th edn. McGraw Hill
Total Unit Rate (RM) / m2 = 56.18 Smith, RC 1986, Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
365 366
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STRUCTURAL STEEL &

METAL WORK
Steel is used to erect such structures as multi-storey
buildings, auditoriums, gymnasiums, roof trusses,
bridges, etc.
Steel members are frequently used for columns, beams,
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS and lintels and other purposes
FOR BUILDING WORKS Structural steel is usually taken-off and priced in unit of
weight
STRUCTURAL STEEL AND METAL WORKS 367
The basic selling unit is based on tonne
Prepared by Ts Tan Lea Koon Handrailing it is normally quoted per linear metre
368
STRUCTURAL STEEL & STRUCTURAL STEEL &

METAL WORK METAL WORK
Structural steel frame Metal handrailing Steel roof trusses
369 370

Steel members often fabricated from standard shapes,
such as H columns, I beams, WF beams, channels,
angles, and plates
Members made from standard rolled shapes are usually

more economical than fabricated members
Structural steel section

371 372
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Two types of connections are used for structural steel;
bolts and welds
For bolted connections the fabricating operations

include cutting, punching, milling, planing, and marking
each member
For welded connections the fabricating operations for

include cutting, some punching for temporary bolt
connections, milling, beveling, planing, and shop
welding Bolted connections Welded connections
373 374

METAL WORK PRICING METAL WORK PRICING
Example 1:
Compute a quantity take-off of the structural steel
columns and beams of the one-storey building in the
following figure.
Profile Weight
Note:
1 lb = 0.4536 kg (shift conv 23)
Length
1’ = 12”
375 376

No. of Length each Weight, Total
Description
pieces (ft) lb/linear ft weight, lb Pricing of Structural Steel
24 Columns, W24 x 104 76 104 189,696 The following are the items which normally states that
Total weight of columns 189,696
4 Beams, W14 x 38 20 38 3,040
“base cost of steel shapes and plates, shop cost for
6 Beams, W14 x 38 28 38 6,384
4 Beams, W14 x 61 25 61 6,100
fabricating, cutting, punching for bolts, milling, welding,
6 Beams, W14 x 82 28 82 13,776 beveling, unloading and handling at job site, erection,
2 Beams, W14 x 109 28 109 6,104 fixing in position complete with all bolts, and cost of
4 Beams, W18 x 55 20 55 4,400 field painting as required.”
2 Beams, W18 x 60 20 60 2,400
4 Beams, W18 x 71 25 71 7,100
Total weight of beams 49,304
Total weight of fabricated steel, lb = (189,696 + 49,304) 239,000

Total weight, tonne = (239,000) x (0.4536/1000) 108.41 378
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Cost of structural steel (base cost) Cost of preparing shop drawings
 Structural steel shapes are made in many sizes by  The engineer or architect does not furnish detail
rolling mills. drawing to fabricate the steel members.
 The base price of the shapes varies with the price  Cost estimate should include preparing shop
charges by the mills. drawing (detail to permits to fabricate the member).
 The cost of transporting/ off-loaded the steel to the  The cost of preparing is based on the complexity of
project must be added to the cost of the finished the detailing and number of sheet required.
products.
 Cost of truck (inclusive operating cost) should added
to cost of delivering fabricates steel to job site
379 380
ROOF TRUSS DESIGN SOFTWARE
Shop
drawings
381 382

Cost of shop handling & fabricating structural steel Cost of welding
 Cost is vary considerably with the operations  The cost of welding steel structures includes the
performed, size of the members, and quantity on cost of electrodes, electricity, labour, and job
similar members of the project. overhead.
 The quantities and costs given are base on:
 Bolted connections: cost to include cutting,
punching, milling, planing, and marking each 1) Cost of electrodes per lb,
member. 2) Cost of electric energy per kWh
 Welded connections: cost to include cutting, some 3) Cost of welder per hour
punching for temporary bolt connections, milling,
4) Deposition efficiency %
beveling, planing, and shop welding.
5) Operation factor %
383 384
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Cost of applying a coat of shop paint Cost of labour erecting structural steel depend on:
 Specifications for structural steel frequently require  type of structure,
the fabricator to apply a coat of paint after the
 kind of equipment used,
fabricating is completed.
 sizes of members,
 A gallon of paint should cover about 400 ft 2 of
surface.  kind of connections,
 The cost will vary with each different area and the  climatic conditions, and
times should checked with the work experience of  prevailing wage rates.
the firm handling the project.
A gang of steel erectors/ iron workers, may vary from 5-
8 persons.
385 386

Cost of equipment Cost of equipment
 Depend on the type and size of the equipment and  The number of hours the equipment is needed
the number of hours it will be used. depends on its productivity. This is related to labour
productivity and comes from the company’s
 The type and size is determined by weight to be historical records.
lifted, distance to be moved (both horizontally and
vertically), and availability of the equipment.
Profit and overhead
 The equipment is either owned by the contractor,
rented, or leased.  Usually allow 10% for overhead and 10% for profit
 Equipment cost should considered transportation,

mobilisation, and demobilisation.
387 388
389 390
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Other consideration that can affect cost are: Sub-contractors
 Shop coat of paint  Most contractors will subcontract the erection of the
 Specialty coatings steel to steel contractors who specialise in this work
 Time required to fabricate steel  The main contractor need to analyse the bid to make
 Steel delivery time sure that everything has been included
 Large number of pieces relative to the total weight
 Special equipment requirements
 Cost of freight /transit
 Cost of shop drawings and other required submittals
 Sales tax on material 391 392

Specialty contractor bid to general contractor Example 2:
 Time required for installation Calculate the cost of delivering fabricated steel to the job
site. The trip times for a 175-hp diesel truck was given as
 Items supplied but not installed follow:
 Items installed but not supplied
 Unloading of steel delivered to the project Trip time:
 Field touch-up paint a) 30 miles both ways @ 20 mph = 90 minutes
b) loading and unloading time (2 ways x 30 min.) = 60 minutes
 All necessary equipment to install the steel
c) Idling time = 30 minutes
 Documented total quality management programme = 180 minutes
 Cleanup
393 394

Assumptions:
Solution RM RM
10-tonnes capacity diesel truck = RM 1,760.00 /month
i) Rent of 10-tonne truck per hour = RM1760/ (22 x 8 hrs) = 10.00
Operating cost = RM 0.60 hp hour ii) Operating cost per hour = (RM0.60 x 175 hp hr) 105.00
=
Tire wear = RM 0.35 /hour iii) Tire wear per hour = 0.35
Wage of a driver = RM 12.00 /hour iv) Wage of driver per hour = 12.00
Haul distance = 15 miles Cost of truck (inclusive operating cost) per hour = 127.35
Average speed of round trip = 20 mph v) Cost per load = (180mins/60mins x RM127.35) = 382.05
Working days = 22 days /month Add 10% OHP = 38.21
Working hours = 8 hours /day 420.26
Total cost of delivering fabricates steel =
Total unit rate per tonne
= (RM420.26/ 10-tonnes) = 42.03
395
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Example 3:
Solution RM RM
Calculate the labour cost of 40-tonnes structural steel by given the
following information. Labour Cost
Gang productivity = 5 tonnes per day
Assumptions: i) Wages of iron workers = (2 x RM18.00/ hour) = 36.00
Weight of structural steel = 40-tonnes ii) Wage of a helper = (1 x RM5.00/ hour) = 5.00
Wage of an iron worker = RM 18.00 per hour iii) Wage of a supervisor = (1 x RM25.00/ hour) = 25.00
Wage of a helper = RM 5.00 per hour iv) Wage of a welder = (1 x RM15.00/ hour) = 15.00
Wage of a supervisor = RM 25.00 per hour
Gang labourers per hour = 81.00
Wage of a welder = RM 15.00 per hour
Labourer gang = 2 iron workers, 1 helper, 1 supervisor Wage of gang labourers per day
and 1 welder = (RM81.00 x 8 hrs) = 648.00
Gang productivity = 5-tonnes per day
Cost of labours
Working hours = 8 hours per day = [RM648.00/ 5-tonnes] x 40-tonnes = 5,184.00
397 398


399 400
NOTE NOTE
401 402
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FLOOR, WALL & CEILING FINISHES
Comprises a wide variety of skills and materials.

The work often being carried out by specialist sub-
contractors covering:
1) In-situ finishings
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS 2) Tiles, slab and block finishings
FOR BUILDING WORKS 3) Flexible sheet finishings
4) Dry linings and partitions
FLOOR, WALL AND CEILING FINISHES 403
5) Suspended ceilings
6) Fibrous plaster
7) Fitted carpeting
404
FLOOR, WALL & CEILING FINISHES FLOOR, WALL & CEILING FINISHES
The following are the items which normally states that Factors affecting labour output:
1) Nature of work, e.g. wall, isolated column, opening.
2) Complexity, e.g. large uncomplicated areas, circular
“Narrow widths, small quantities, internal angles, work.
cutting and making good around pipes, sanitary
fittings and the like” 3) Method statement e.g. applied in two coats.
4) Location, e.g. ground floor, high level, confined
space.
5) Weather, e.g. hot or rain
6) Available of raw material, e.g. cement, sand, lime.
405
7) Available of plant, e.g. tower crane, material hoist. 406
FLOOR, WALL & CEILING FINISHES FLOOR, WALL & CEILING FINISHES
Taken-off for wall and floor finishes Taken-off for ceiling finishes
 Wall finishes measured in square metre. Window  Ceiling finishes measured in area means in square
area, door area or void exceeding 0.50 m 2 will be metre. These should include sloping ceiling.
deducted
 Ceiling opening /access units will be measured in
 Floor finishes measured in area means in square number.
metre. Horizontal or sloping will be measured
separately.  Architraves, mouldings, ceiling ribs and cornices and
will be measured in linear metre.
 Drop and skirting will be measured in linear metre.
407 408
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FLOOR, WALL & CEILING FINISHES IN-SITU FINISHINGS
Sub-contractors Example of in-situ plastering and skim coating

Sometime main contractor will sub-contract the work to
specialist sub-contractor.
Labour is usually subcontracted at a quoted rate per
100 square feet. This rate will usually include for related
items such as concrete mixes, levelling, and etc.
The estimator must check that the quotes include for all
the relevant costs e.g. scaffolding, hoist, temporary
lighting required, etc.
plastering Skim coat and cementitious
Material is usually supplied by the contractor.
409 410
IN-SITU FINISHINGS IN-SITU FINISHINGS
Example of in-situ floor finishes Covered mainly

a) Plasterwork to walls and ceiling, and
b) Backings and floor screeding
For in-situ plasterwork to walls: using mixture of cement
and sand (1:6) for inner plastering of bricks, (1:4) for
outer plastering of brick, and the thickness of plaster is
various.
 12~19 mm thick for wall plastering
cement rendering pebble wash flooring  19~20 mm thick for backing screed to received wall
tiles
411 412
For in-situ plasterwork to ceilings: using mixture of For site-mixed, an allowance of 5%~10% should be
cement mortar (1:3) strong mix for concrete surface, made for shrinkage and consolidation during mixing an
and thickness of plaster is various. application and wastage of materials.
 2~11 mm thick for ceiling plastering Modern plasters are manufactured from gypsum rock
For in-situ floor screeding: using mixture of cement and crushed to fine powder with various additives (setting
sand (1:3), and thickness of cement render is various. times, workability, lightweight, insulating or hard-
wearing characteristics).
 12~25 mm thick for cement render
Most plaster can be used neat and required only to be
 19~20 mm thick for backing screed to received floor
mixed with clean water on site.
tiles
413 414
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Skim coating is the process of applying a layer of Labour pricing

muddy compound to smooth out walls and ceilings.
For in-situ plastering gang would comprise 2 plasterers
Trowel or drywall knife was used during the application and 1 labourer, or 3 plasterers and 2 labourers. The
of joint compound unskilled operatives were responsible for mixing and
The coverage of skim coating is various and depend of transporting of materials to the plasterers.
layer of coats. For floor screeding gang would normally comprise
skilled and unskilled operatives in the ratio of 1:1
A 25 kg bag of skim coat plaster will cover
approximately 7-8 m2 at a thickness of 2-3mm. General labour output 2.00 hour per cubic metre for
mixing mortar by hand
415 416
Guide to average labour outputs for in-situ works Guide to average labour outputs for in-situ works
In-situ Wall & Ceiling Finishes Output in skilled In-situ Floor Finishes Output in skilled
hour per m2 hour per m2
6mm skim coat gypsum plaster on walls 0.35 25mm cement and sand screed (1:3) 0.30
6mm skim coat gypsum plaster on soffit 0.58 50mm cement and sand screed (1:3) 0.45
13mm two-coats lightweight plaster on walls 0.90 Steel trowelled finish 0.20
13mm two-coats lightweight plaster on soffit 1.15 Finishing to falls or crossfalls 0.25
Angle bead, incl. working around in two coats 0.15 per m Works to staircase areas and all work n.e. 300mm wide, additions
lightweight plaster of 30% added to the of labour cost
Works to staircase areas, ceilings and beams over 3.5m high and
in compartments n.e. 4m2 on plan, additions of 25% added to the (Source: Smith, R. C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Works.
of labour cost Pearson Education Limited, p.331)
418
Guide to average labour outputs for in-situ works Plant / equipment pricing
Plasterers are responsive on their hand tools and
Type of work Labour output
should be included in the project overheads
1 Skilled : 1 Unskilled
Plastered external angle to cornice 0.25 hour / m Mechanical plants would be included in the
preliminaries
Plastered internal angle to cornice 0.75 hour / m
Fixing plaster cornice to wall 0.20 hour / m
Fixing metal angle bead to wall 0.20 hour / m
(Source: Wainwright W.H. & Wood A.A.B. 1977. Practical Builders’ Estimating.
London, Hutchinson & Co Ltd, p.140)
419 plastering trowel angular trowel 420
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IN-SITU FINISHINGS IN-SITU FINISHINGS PRICING
Plant / equipment pricing Example 1

Using a trowel machine to make smooth surface for Calculate the unit rate per square metre of 19mm thick
floor after works completed. cement and sand (1:4) screeded bed to wall and trowelled
to smooth.
Two spreaders will be supplied with materials by 1 labourer,
who will mix the material in the mixer. One plasterer will lay
2.5 m2 per hour with a screeded finish (Using a 2:1 gang).
trowel machine 421 422
IN-SITU FINISHINGS PRICING IN-SITU FINISHINGS PRICING
Solution: RM RM/m2
Assumptions:
Material Cost
Cost of cement and sand (1:4) mix = RM 212.00 / m3 i) Cost of cement & sand= (0.019m x RM212.00 m3) = 4.03
Output of a spreader = 3.0 m2 / hour Material waste = (5% x RM4.03) = 0.20
Total Cost of material per m2 = 4.23
Output of a plasterer = 2.5 m2 / hour
Wage of a plasterer / spreader = RM 80.00 / day Labour Cost
i) Laying a 19mm thick bed (2:1)
Wage of a labourer = RM 48.00 / day
Output of 1 spreader : ½ labour = 3m2 per hour
Working hours = 8 hours / day Output of 2 spreaders : 1 labour = 6m2 per hour
Gang hourly = [ 2(RM80.00)+RM48.00 ] / 8 hours = 26.00
Cost of bed per m2 = (RM26.00/ 6 m2 ) = 4.17
423 424
RM RM/m2
Example 2
Labour Cost
ii) Screed trowelled finish (2:1) Calculate the unit rate per square metre of 3mm thick skim
Output of 1 plasterer : ½ labour = 2.5 m2 per hour
coating in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
Output of 2 plasterers : 1 labour = 5 m2 per hour
steel-float finish to concrete ceilings.
Gang hourly = [ 2(RM80.00)+RM48.00 ] / 8 hours = 26.00 Two plasterers will be supplied with material by one
Cost of finish per m2 = (RM26.00/ 5 m2 ) = 5.20
labourer who will unload and mixing the materials (2:1).
Total cost of labour per m2 = 9.37
Total cost for 19mm thick cement & sand to wall = 13.60
Add 10% OHP = 1.36
Total Unit Rate (RM)/ m2 = 14.96
425 426
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Solution RM RM/m2
Assumptions:
Material Cost
Cost of skim coat plaster = RM 25.00 / 25kg bag
i) Cost of skim coat plaster = (RM25.00/ 8 m2 ) = 3.13
Coverage of skim coat = 8 m2 / bag
ii) Labour off-loading and stacking,
Labour off-loading and stacking = 2 minutes / bags
= [(2min/ 60min)/ 8m2] x (RM48.00/ 8 hours) = 0.03
Output of a plasterer = 10 minutes / m2 =
Cost of material per m2 3.16
Wage of a plasterer = RM 80.00 / day =
iii) Waste on materials = (5% x RM3.16) 0.16
Wage of a labour = RM 48.00 / day Total cost of material per m2 3.32
Working hours = 8 hours / day
Profit and overhead = 10% 427 428
Solution RM RM/m2
Example 3
Labour Cost
Calculate the unit rate per linear metre of galvanised
Skim coated concrete ceiling (2:1)
perforated metal angle bead with 50mm returns to comply
Output of 1 plasterer : ½ labour = 10 min per m2
with BS1246, secured to brick arris with plaster dabs,
Output of 2 plasterers : 1 labour = 5 min per m2 including working plaster to bead both sides.
i) Gang hourly = [ 2(RM80.00)+RM48.00 ] / 8 hours = 26.00
ii) Cost of finish per m2 = (10min/ 60min) x RM26.00 = 2.17
Total cost of 3mm thick skim coating = 5.49
Add 10% OHP = 0.55
429 430
Generally room heights are about 2.3m, and a plaster will Assumptions:
fix about five lengths to walls in one hour. As these beads Cost of metal angle bead = RM 5.00 per 2.5 m length
are fixed during the general plastering working with a 3:2 Cost of neat plaster for fixing = RM 0.60 / m
gang, 0.67 hour must be included for attendant labourer.
Wage of a plasterer = RM 80.00 / day
Tips:
Labourer gang (3:2) = 3 plasterer + 2 labourer, OR Working hours = 8 hours / day
= 1 plasterer + 2/3 labourer
= 1 plasterer + 0.67 labourer Waste on materials = 10%
If 1 plasterer take 1 hour Profit and overhead = 10%
= 1 hr plasterer + 0.67 hr labourer
431 432
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IN-SITU FINISHINGS PRICING TILES FINISHES
Solution: RM RM/m
Example of tiles finishes
Material Cost
i) Cost of metal angle bead per m = (RM5.00 / 2.5m) = 2.00
ii) Cost of neat plaster per m = 0.60
iii) Waste on materials = (10% x RM2.60/m) = 0.26
Total cost of material per m = 2.86
Labour Cost
i) 1 Plasterer = (1 hr x RM80.00/ 8 hrs) / (5 x 2.5m) = 0.80
ii) 1 Labourer = (0.67 hr x RM40.00/ 8 hrs) / (5 x 2.5m) = 0.27
Total cost of labour per m = 1.07
Total cost of metal angle bead = 3.93
Add 10% OHP = 0.39 wall tiles ceramic floor tiles
Total Unit Rate (RM) / m = 4.32
433 434
TILES FINISHES TILES FINISHES
Tiles are purchased by pieces. Allowance of cement paste to received tiles finishes
The size of the tile and the thickness of the joint must  0.002m3 for one square metre of wall / floor tiles
be known so that the number required per square metre  0.0012m3 for linear metre of finish skirting
can be determined.
An allowance of 5% should be made for cutting and
The unit rate must include cost for bedding and jointing waste.
material which may include cement and sand, coloured
mortar or adhesives recommended by the supplier and The work involved in tiling is normally undertaken by
‘gangs’ comprising 2 tilers and 1 labourer.
specified in the bill description.
435 436
TILES FINISHES TILES FINISHES
Guide to average labour output for tiles finishes. Plant / equipment pricing
Tilers are responsive on their hand tools and should be
Tiles Finishes Output in
1 skilled : 1 unskilled included in the project overheads
Laying wall tiles ≥ 150mm x 150mm 1.00 hour / m2 Mechanical plants e.g. material hoists would be
Laying wall tiles < 150mm x 150mm 1.25 hour / m2 included in the preliminaries
Laying floor tiles ≥ 150mm x 150mm 0.75 hour / m2
Laying floor tiles < 150mm x 150mm 1.90 hour / m2
Laying tiles finish skirting, 75mm high 0.20 hour / m
437 tile cutter hand tools 438
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TILES FINISHES PRICING TILES FINISHES PRICING
Example 4
Calculate the unit rate per square metre of 152mm x
152mm x 6mm thick mosaic tile paving in tile adhesive and
pointed with 3mm wide white cement mortar joints on
screeded backing (measured separately) to required
pattern.
Two tilers will be supplied with materials by one labourer,
who will unload the materials (2:1). Assume one tiler will
takes 0.75 hours to bed and lay one square metre of
mosaic tiles.
439 440
Assumptions: Solution RM RM/m2

Cost of mosaic tile delivered to site = RM 0.80 / piece Material Cost
Cost of tile adhesive = RM 212.00 / m3 i) Cost of mosaic tiles per m2
Colour cement for pointing (inclusive waste) = RM 0.80 / m2 = [1m2 / (0.155 x 0.155)] x RM0.80 per piece = 33.30
Tile adhesive required (inclusive waste) = 0.015 m3 / m2 ii) Labour off-loading and stacking per m2
Labour off-loading & stacking of mosaic tiles = 3 minutes / m2 = (3 minutes/60minutes) x (RM48.00 / 8 hours) = 0.30
Wage of a labourer for pointing = RM 3.00 / m2 Cost of material per m2 = 33.60
Wage of a tiler = RM 90.00 / day
iii) Waste on mosaic tiles per m2 = (5% x RM 33.60) = 1.68
iv) Tile adhesive per m2 = (0.015m3 x RM212.00/m3) = 3.18
v) Coloured cement pointing per m2 = 0.80
Waste on mosaic tiles = 5%
Total cost of material per m2 = 39.26
441 442
RM RM/m2
Example 5
Labour Cost
Laying tiles finishes (2:1) Calculate the unit rate per linear metre of 50mm high drop
Output of 1 tiler : ½ labour = 0.75 hour per m2 for 250mm x 250mm x 6mm thick ceramic tiles paving in
Output of 2 tilers : 1 labour = 0.375 hour per m2 tile adhesive and pointed with 3mm wide white cement
i) Gang hourly = [(2 x RM90.00) + RM48.00] / 8 hrs = 28.50 mortar joints on screeded backing (measured separately)
Labour per m2 = (0.375 hour x RM28.50) = 10.69 to required pattern.
ii) Wage of labour pointing per m2 = 3.00
Two tilers will be supplied with materials by one labourer,
who will unload the materials (2:1). Assume one tiler will
Total cost of mosaic tile per m2 = 52.95
takes 0.20 hours to bed and lay 1 linear metre of 50mm
Add 10% OHP = 5.30
high drop ceramic tiles.
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Assumptions: Solution RM RM/m

Material Cost
Cost of ceramic tile delivered to site = RM 2.20 /piece
i) Cost of tiles = (1m2 / 0.253 x 0.253) x RM2.20 / pc = 34.37
Cost of tile adhesive = RM 212.00 /m3
ii) Labour off-loading and stacking,
Colour cement for pointing (inclusive waste) = RM 0.80 /m2
= (3 minutes/60minutes) x (RM40.00 / 8 hours) = 0.25
Labour off-loading and stacking of tiles = 3 minutes /m2
Cost of material per m2 = 34.62
Tile adhesive required (inclusive waste) = 0.015m3 /m2
Wage of a labour for pointing = RM 1.50 /m
Wage of a tiler = RM 90.00 /day iii) Waste on tiles per m2 = (5% x RM34.62) = 1.73
Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00 /day iv) Tile adhesive per m2 = (0.015m3 x RM212.00/m3) = 3.18
Working hours = 8 hours /day v) Coloured cement pointing per m2 (incl. waste) = 0.80
Waste on tiles = 5% Total cost of material per m2 = 40.33
Profit and overhead = 10% Total cost of material per m = (0.05m x RM40.33) = 2.02
445 446
TILES FINISHES PRICING SHEET FINISHES
RM RM/m
Sheet finishes are popular material for wall and ceiling
Labour Cost
works
Laying tile skirting finishes (2:1)
Output of 1 tiler : ½ labour = 0.20 hour per m The kind, quality and thickness of the material is to be
Output of 2 tilers : 1 labour = 0.10 hour per m stated, together with the method of fixing and treatment
i) Gang hourly = [(2 x RM90.00 + RM40.00) / 8 hrs)] = 27.50
of the joints
Labour per m = (0.10 hr. x RM27.50) = 2.75
ii) Wage of a labour pointing per m = 1.50 The unit of measurement is the square metre with work
Total cost of labour per m = 4.25 not exceeding 300mm wide being so described
Total cost of 50mm high drop ceramic tiles per m = 6.27
Add 10% OHP = 0.63
448
SHEET FINISHES SHEET FINISHES
Type of sheet finishes for wall and ceiling include: Example of sheet ceiling finishes
 Ceiling tile system (asbestos free)
 Suspended ceiling grid system (mineral fibre,
acoustic etc.)
 Plastered board ceiling/ partition work
Plastered board are fixed to wall and ceiling,
subsequent finish with a skim coat of plaster or direct
decoration with paint
Two operatives should be involved with the installation
of suspended ceilings system. Suspended ceiling Asbestos free ceiling
449 450
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Example of sheet ceiling and wall finishes Type of sheet finishes for floor include:
 Carpet
 Rubber flooring
 Sheet vinyl flooring
Allow approximately 5% for cutting and waste.

An allowance of 10% for nails wastage and 10% for
residue waste of adhesive materials.
plastered ceiling acoustic wall
451 452
Example of sheet flooring finishes Example of sheet flooring finishes
carpet tile sheet vinyl flooring rubber flooring raised floor tiles system
453 454
SHEET FINISHES SHEET FINISHES PRICING
Labour pricing Example 6

The work involved undertaken by gang comprising 2 Calculate the unit rate per square metre of 9.5mm thick
skilled and 1 unskilled operatives gypsum plaster baseboard to comply with BS 1230,
Works to staircase areas, ceilings and beams over 3.5 secured to softwood joists with 12mm galvanised clout-
m high and in compartments n.e. 4 m2 on plan, headed nails, joints covered with jute scrim cloth, skimmed
additions of 25% added to the of labour cost 5mm thick in one coat with neat gypsum board finish
plaster, steel-trowel finish.
Works to staircase areas and all work n.e. 300mm wide,
additions of 30% added to the of labour cost
455 456
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SHEET FINISHES PRICING SHEET FINISHES PRICING
Assumptions: Assumptions:
Cost of 914mm x 1200mm Wage of a plasterer = RM 80.00 per day
gypsum plaster baseboard sheet = RM 3.50 per m2 Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00 per day
Cost of nail = RM 4.50 per kg Labourer gang to board & scrim (1:1) = 1 plasterer & 1 labourer
Cost of scrim cloth = RM 8.00 per 100m roll Labourer gang to skim (2:1) = 2 plasterer & 1 labourer
Cost of board finish plaster delivered to site = RM 285.00 per m3 Output of 1 plasterer to board & scrim = 1.5 hours per 10 m2
One labour to offload & stack the board = 5 minutes per 10 m2 Output of 1 plasterer to skim = 3 hours per 10 m2
Quantity of nails = 500 nos per kg Working hours = 8 hours per day
Number of nails required = 12 nos per m2 Cutting waste on sheet material = 5%
Usage of scrim cloth = 2m per m2 Waste on nails, scrim cloth and plaster = 10%
Coverage of skim coat = 165 m2 per m3 Profit and overhead = 10%
457 458
SHEET FINISHES PRICING SHEET FINISHES PRICING
Solution RM RM/m2 Solution RM RM/m2

i) Cost of 914mm x 1200mm baseboard sheet per m2 = 3.50 i) Gang labour for plasterer to board and scrim (1:1)
ii) Labour off-loading and stacking, = [1.5 hrs x ((RM80.00+RM40.00) / 8 hrs)] / 10m2 = 2.25
= [(5min/ 60min) /10m2] x (RM40.00/ 8 hours) = 0.04 ii) Gang labour for plasterer to skim (2:1)
iii) Cutting waste = 5% x (RM3.50 + RM0.04) = 0.18 1 plasterer : ½ labourer = 3 hrs per 10 m2 =
Cost of main material per m2 3.72 2 plasterer : 1 labourer = 3 hrs per 20 m2
iv) Cost of nails = (RM4.50/ 500 nos) x 12 nos = 0.11 Gang hourly = [(2 x RM80.00) + RM40.00] / 8 hrs) = 25.00
v) Cost of scrim cloth = (2m x RM8.00/100m) = 0.16 =
Cost of skim = [(3 hrs x RM25.00) / 20m2] 3.75
vi) Cost of skim coat = (RM 285.00/ 165m2) = 1.73
Cost of subsidiary materials per m2 = 2.00
Total cost of gypsum plaster baseboard per m2 = 11.92
vii) Waste on subsidiary materials = (10% x RM2.00) = 0.20
= Add 10% OHP = 1.19
Total cost of material per m2 5.92
459
STRIP FINISHES STRIP FINISHES
Type of strip finishes include: Example of strip finishes

 Aluminium strip ceiling
 Timber strip ceiling / walling / flooring
The kind, quality and thickness of the material is to be

stated, together with the method of fixing and treatment
of the joints.
The unit of measurement is the square metre with work

not exceeding 300mm wide being so described.
Aluminium strip ceiling Timber strip ceiling
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Example of strip finishes Approximately 10% for cutting and wastage factor on in-
situ strip finishes
For aluminium strip ceiling, an allowance of 10% for
nails wastage
For parquet, strip timber flooring and timber skirting:
 5 nails per metre
 0.25 litre per m2 of adhesive material
 0.12 litre per m2 of floor dressing material
timber wall paneling
463 464
Labour pricing Labour pricing
The work involved undertaken by gang comprising 2 Table below shows the labour output for timber floor
finishes.
skilled and 1 unskilled operatives
Works to staircase areas, ceilings and beams over 3.5 Floor Finishes Labour output
1 skilled : 1 unskilled
m high and in compartments n.e. 4 m2 on plan,
Parquet 0.50 hour / m2
Strip 0.45 hour / m2
Works to staircase areas and all work n.e. 300mm wide, Laying timber skirting 0.20 hour / m
465 466
STRIP FINISHES RECOMMENDED READINGS
Plant / equipment pricing Brook, M. 2017 Estimating and Tendering for Construction
Using a trowel machine to make smooth surface for
floor after works completed. Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR, 2015 Estimating in Building
timber strip flooring timber floor sander

467 468
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DOOR AND WINDOW

“all labours in fitting, handling to the opening,

BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS installing, plumbing, bracing, and fastened in position.”
FOR BUILDING WORKS
DOOR AND WINDOW 469
470
DOORS DOORS
Material The doors are counted and classified by size and type.
Most of the items contained are taken off by the unit and  Metal doors (hollow metal, hollow metal doors &
categorised by type and size. frames, aluminium frames, aluminium doors &
frames)
Usually priced by the unit.
 Wood and plastic doors (wood frames, wood doors
The cutting and wastage factor on in-situ joinery is & frames)
about 10%. Allow a nominal 2.5% wastage on  Special doors (cold storage, counter doors, glass
prefabricated joinery components (damage, lost or swing, hanger doors, jalousie, roll up grill, sliding,
stolen). swing, vertical lift)
Allowance for unloading must take into account for both  Entrance and storefronts (revolving doors, sliding
frames and leaves. entrance, sliding panel, stainless steel, swing doors.)
471 472
DOORS DOORS
Door and door frame has many technical It’s easy to call Most of the door frames and door leaves are supply by
them ‘door’ and ‘door frame’. In general, the different respective door suppliers and installed by the general
parts of a door frame are called: contractors.
1) Head Door frame should support with temporary stay and trim
2) Sill or Threshold when was completed.
3) Door Stop The estimator may use the unit price method as a basis
4) Jamb for the labour calculations, or develop a labour hour per
5) Lining or Casing unit.
6) Architrave The time required to set door frames and jambs will
vary with the size of the opening, the type of frame or
jambs set, and the grade of workmanship.
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DOORS DOORS
Units which are furnishes by a mill, may require some Table 1: labour productivity for setting a wood door frame, jambs, and trim
fitting before they are set, plumbed, and fastened in Operation Max size of Carpenter Helper
position. opening, ft (hr/ unit) (hr/unit)
Set frame for exterior door 3x7 1.0-1.5 0.2-0.3
The trim is installed after the walls are finished. 6x7 1.5-2.0 0.3-0.4
Table 1 shows the labour-hours required to set door 8x8 1.5-2.0 0.3-0.4
frames, jambs, and trim. Use the lower rates for Set frame for interior door 3x7 0.5-1.0 0.1-0.2
ordinary workmanship and the higher rates for first- 6x7 1.5-2.0 0.3-0.4
grade workmanship. Install interior trim, two sides:
Single casing 3x7 1.0-2.0 0.2-0.4
6x7 1.5-2.5 0.3-0.5
Two-member trim 3x7 1.5-2.5 0.3-0.5
475 6x7 2.0-3.0 0.4-0.6
DOORS DOORS
Table 2: labour productivity for setting the frame or jambs, install stops &
hardware, and fit & hang a door
Table 2 shows the labour-hours required to set the Operation Max size of Carpenter Helper
frame or jambs; install the stop, casing, butt; and lock, opening, ft (hr/ unit) (hr/unit)
and fit and hang one door. Exterior, single casing 3x7 3.0-6.0 0.6-1.0
6x7 5.0-10.0 1.0-2.0
The rates are based on using hand tools.
Exterior, two-member trim 3x7 3.5-6.5 0.7-1.3
If power tools are used to fit, route, and mortise, then 6x7 6.0-10.5 1.2-2.1
the rates should reduce by 10%. Interior, single casing 3x7 2.5-5.0 0.5-1.0
6x7 4.5-9.0 0.9-1.8
Interior, two-member trim 3x7 3.0-6.0 0.6-1.2
6x7 5.5-10.0 1.1-2.0
Sliding doors (track, double doors) 5x8 6.0-8.0 1.2-1.6
Screen doors 3x7 1.0-1.5 0.2-0.3
477 6x7 1.5-2.5 0.3-0.5
DOORS DOOR FRAME PRICING
Example 1:
Estimate the unit rate per linear metre of 100 mm x 75 mm door
frame in softwood, moulded, rebated and plugged to brickwalls.
Assume a machine man take about 0.25 hour for cutting out
frame, mortising and tenoning; and a joiner take about 0.25 hour
for knocking up frame and jointing.
Note: door frame is attached to the door, holds the door upright,
Door frame should support Door leaf was fit and hang provides support, and allows the door to move on its hinges.
with temporary stay on the frame with all
necessary hinges and lock
479 480
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DOOR FRAME PRICING DOOR FRAME PRICING
Cost of 100 x 75mm wrought joinery timber
(including unloading) = RM 7.20 /m
Cost of rebating by machine labour = RM 0.20 /m
Cost of 150mm nails (36 nos per kg) = RM 4.50 / kg
Number of nails required = 3 nos / m
Wage of a machine man = RM 80.00 /day
Waste on machine frame = 15%
Waste on nails = 10%
481 Profit and overhead = 10% 482
DOOR FRAME PRICING DOOR FRAME PRICING
Solution RM RM/m RM RM/m

i) Cost of 100 x 75mm wrought joinery timber = 7.20 Total material cost per m = 8.93
ii) Cost of rebating by machine labour = 0.20
Cost of rebated timber = 7.40 Labour Cost
iii) Waste on machined frame = 15% x (RM7.40) = 1.11 i) Machine man = 0.25 hrs x (RM80.00/ 8 hrs) = 2.50
iv) Cost of nails = (3 / 36nos x RM4.50 per kg) = 0.38 ii) Joiner for fixing = 0.25 hrs x (RM70.00/ 8 hrs) = 2.19
v) Waste on nails = (10% x RM0.38) = 0.04 Total labour cost per m = 4.69
Total material cost per m = 8.93 Total cost per m = 13.62
Add 10% OHP = 1.36
483 484
DOOR LINING PRICING DOOR LINING PRICING
Example 2: Example 2:
Estimate the unit rate per linear metre of 150 mm x 38 mm
softwood door lining, rebated, plugged to brickwork, and tongues
at angles.
Assume one machine man was using 0.25 hour for cutting out
lining and tongueing and grooving; and 0.75 hour for knocking
up lining on site and fixing in operation.
Note: Door lining or casing is usually displayed as a lining or

casing set. This set contains the head, jambs, and sill of the door
frame. A door lining allows you to hang your door while providing
a casing to remove the gap between the frame and the wall.
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DOOR LINING PRICING DOOR LINING PRICING
Solution RM RM/m
Assumptions:
Material Cost
Cost of 150 x 38mm wrought joinery timber
i) Cost of 150 x 38mm wrought joinery timber = 5.20
(including unloading) = RM 5.20 /m
Cost of rebating by machine labour = RM 0.20 /m ii) Cost of rebating by machine = 0.20
Cost of 100mm nails (66 nos per kg) = RM 4.50 / kg Cost of rebated timber = 5.40
Number of nails required = 3 nos / m iii) Waste on machined lining = (15% x RM5.40) = 0.81
Wage of a machine man = RM 80.00 /day iv) Cost of nails = (3 / 66nos x RM4.50 per kg) = 0.20
Wage of a joiner = RM 70.00 /day v) Waste on nails = (10% x RM0.20) = 0.02
Working hours = 8 hours /day Total material cost per m = 6.43
Waste on machine lining = 15%
Waste on nails = 10%
Profit and overhead = 10% 487 488
DOOR LINING PRICING DOOR LEAF PRICING
RM RM/m
Example 3:
Material Cost
Total material cost per m = 6.43 Estimate the unit rate per number for 38mm thick Group 'B'
skeleton timber frame flush single leaf door panel overall
Labour Cost size 900mm wide x 2100mm high, covered on both sides
i) Machine man = 0.25 hours x (RM80.00/ 8 hrs) = 2.50 with 6mm thick WBF plywood and hanging on butt hinges
ii) Joiner for fixing = 0.75 hours x (RM70.00/ 8 hrs) = 6.56 to a timber door frame.
Total labour cost per m = 9.06
Assume one joiner was assisted by one semi-skilled joiner
Total cost per m = 15.49
to set the frame, install stops, hardware, and fit and hang a
Add 10% OHP = 1.55
door.
489 490
DOOR LEAF PRICING DOOR LEAF PRICING
Assumptions: Solution RM RM/no

Material Cost
Cost of prefabricated timber door frame
i) Cost of timber door frame = 98.00
(inclusive unload) = RM 98.00 /no ii) Cost of temporary support = (5% x RM98.00) = 4.90
Cost of timber door leaf panel = RM 75.00 /no iii) Cost of skeleton timber frame flush leaf door panel = 75.00
iv) Cost of hardware, butts, and lock = 45.00
Hardware, butts, and lock = RM 45.00 /set
Sub-material cost 222.90
Output of a joiner = 3 hours /no v) Waste on materials = (5% x RM222.90) = 11.15
Output of a semi-skilled joiner = 0.6 hour /no Total material cost per no = 234.05
Wage of a joiner = RM 60.00 /day Labour Cost
Wage of a semi-skilled joiner = RM 50.00 /day i) Joiner per no = 3 hours x (RM60.00/ 8 hrs) = 22.50
ii) Semi-skilled worker = 0.6 hour x (RM50.00/ 8 hrs) = 3.75
Working hours = 8 hours /day Total labour cost per no = 26.25
Temporary support and trimming = 5%
Total cost per no = 260.30
Waste on materials = 5% Add 10% OHP = 26.03
Profit and overhead = 10% 491 Total Unit Rate (RM) / no = 289.33
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IRONMONGERY PRICING IRONMONGERY PRICING
Example 4: Solution RM RM/pair

Material Cost
Calculate the cost of supply and fix a pair of 100mm cast i) Cost of cast steel butt hinges = 2.40
steel butt hinges to softwood. Labour of fixing was included ii) Nominal waste = (2.5% x RM2.40) = 0.06
with the hanging of doors elsewhere. iii) Cost of screws = (RM3.00/ 100 nos) x 16 nos = 0.48
Assumptions: iv) Waste on screws = (10% x RM0.48) = 0.05
Cost of 100mm cast steel butt hinges = RM 2.40 / pair Total material cost per pair = 2.99
Cost of screws = RM 3.00 / 100 nos

Labour Cost
Number of screw required = 16 nos i) Joiner included with the hanging of doors = 0.00
Nominal waste = 2.5% Total labour cost per pair = -
Waste on screw = 10% Total cost per pair = 2.99
Profit and overhead = 10% Add 10% OHP = 0.30
Total Unit Rate (RM) / pair = 3.29
493
WINDOWS WINDOWS
Material The windows are counted and classified by size and

type.
Most of the items contained are taken off by the unit and
categorised by type and size.  Metal windows (aluminium sash, aluminium window,
Usually price by the unit. jalousies, screen, steel sash, steel window)
The cutting and wastage factor on in-situ joinery is  Wood windows (wood sash, wood screens, wood
about 10%. Allow a nominal 2.5% wastage on windows)
prefabricated joinery components (damage, lost or
stolen).  Windows and curtain walls (curtain walls, window
walls)
Allowance for unloading must take into account for both
frames and sash.
495 496
WINDOWS WINDOWS
Most of the window frames and sash are supply by Prefabricated windows frames may be shipped from the
respective window suppliers and installed by the mill unassembled, or completed assembled with the
general contractors. exception of the interior casing.
Window frames are rest on bed of concrete. Estimator Setting window frames involves carrying them to the
must consider cost of concrete bed during installation of opening, installing, plumbing, and bracing them in
the frame. position.
The estimator may use the unit price method as a basis The interior trim for window frames usually is installed
for the labour calculations, or develop a labour hour per after the plaster walls are completed.
unit.
497 498
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WINDOWS WINDOWS
Table 3: Labour productivity for installing a wood window frame Table 4: Labour productivity for fitting and hanging a pair of wood
sash windows
Operation Carpenter Helper
(hr/unit) (hr/unit) Operation Carpenter Helper
Assembling frame, single opening 1.0-1.5 0.2-0.3 (hr/unit) (hr/unit)
Assembling frame, double opening 1.5-2.0 0.2-0.3 Fitting double-hung sash 0.5-0.8 0.1-0.2
Assembling frame, triple opening 2.0-2.5 0.3-0.4 Hanging double-hung sash 0.6-0.8 0.1-0.2
Setting frame, single opening 0.8-1.0 0.2-0.3 Fitting casement sash 0.6-1.0 0.1-0.2
Setting frame, double opening 0.9-1.1 0.3-0.4 Hanging casement sash 0.8-1.2 0.2-0.3
Setting frame, triple opening 1.0-1.2 0.4-0.5 (source: Peurifoy & Oberlender, 2002, p.295)
Installing interior trim 1.0-2.0 0.2-0.4
(Source: Peurifoy & Oberlender, 2002, p.295) 499 500
WINDOWS WINDOW PRICING
Example 5:
Estimate the total cost per unit for furnishing, assembling,
and setting double-casement wood window frames overall
dimension 1200mm wide x 1200 mm high divided into 2-
equal panel. The glazed sash was complete with 5mm thick
clear glass, glazing beads, ironmongery and accessories
including fixing to concrete or brickwork, grouting and
pointing.
Window frame should rest Window sash is fixing to

on a bed of concrete the opening when the
wall was completed
501 502
WINDOW PRICING WINDOW PRICING
Assumptions: Time analysis for 1 fitter:

Cost of window frame c/w necessary fittings = RM 150.00 /no Assembling and setting window frame = 2.4 hours per no
Cost of glazed sash c/w glazing beads = RM 25.00 /no Installing interior trim = 0.1 hour per no
Cost of cement mortar (1:3) = RM 195.00 /m3 Fitting & hanging double-opening sash = 1.1 hours per no
Cement mortar bed required per window = 2 nos @ 0.00113 m3
each bed Time analysis for 1 unskilled labourer:
Wage of a fitter = RM 80.00 /day Assembling and setting window frame = 0.5 hour per no
Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00 /day Installing interior trim = 0.2 hour per no
Working hours = 8 hours /day Fitting & hanging double-opening sash = 0.4 hour per no
503 504
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Solution RM RM/no
Material Cost Example 6:
i) Cost of window frame c/w necessary fittings = 150.00
ii) Cost of glazed sash c/w glazing beads = 25.00 Calculate the unit rate of design, supply, deliver and install
iii) Mortar bed = (2 x 0.00113) x RM195.00/m3 = 0.44 of selected colour powder coated high performance
Total cost of window per no = 175.44 aluminium frame side hung window overall size 1200 mm
iv) Material waste 5% = (RM175.44 x 5%) = 8.77
Total material cost per no = 184.21
wide x 1200 mm high in 2 equal panel; complete 5mm thick
clear sheet glass fixed to window sash with rubber gasket,
Labour Cost sealant (measured separately) and including all frames,
i) 1 Fitter = 3.6 hrs x (RM80.00/ 8 hrs) = 36.00
mullion and fixing with lugs and all other hardware,
ii) 1 Unskilled labourer = 1.1 hrs x (RM40.00/ 8 hrs) = 5.50
Total labour cost per no = 41.50 ironmongery fittings and accessories.
Total cost of window per no = 225.71
Add 10% OHP = 22.57
Total Unit Rate (RM) / no = 248.28 506
Cost of window frame c/w necessary fittings = RM 280.00 /no
Cost of anchors, nails & wedges to frame = 5%
Gang output for plumb, position and install (1:1) = 3 hour per no
Wage of a fitter = RM 80.00 /day
Wage of a labourer = RM 40.00 /day
507 508
WINDOW PRICING RECOMMENDED READINGS

Solution RM RM/no
Material Cost Brook, M. 2017 Estimating and Tendering for Construction
i) Cost of window frame c/w necessary fittings = 280.00 Work, 5th edn, Routledge.
ii) Cost of anchors, nails & wedges to frame, 5% = 14.00
iv) Material waste = (RM294.00 x 5%) = 14.70
Total material cost per no = 308.70 Peurifoy, RL & Oberlender, GD, 2014 Estimating Construction
Labour Cost
i) Labour gang = 3 hrs x [(RM80.00+RM40.00)/ 8 hrs] = 45.00 Smith, RC 1986, Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
Total labour cost per no = 45.00 London: Pearson Education Limited.
Add 10% OHP = 35.37
Total Unit Rate (RM) / no = 389.07
509 510
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GLAZING
It is common practice to furnish wood sash with the

glass already installed by the manufacturer.
Steel and aluminium sash may be furnished with the

glass installed, but it is common practice to install the
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS glass after the sashes are set in the walls, to reduce the
FOR BUILDING WORKS danger of breakage.
GLAZING 511 The installation of glass is called glazing.
512
GLAZING GLAZING
Material pricing Ordinary glazing (OQ)

Glass and glazing generally is measured in square ~ used for general glazing purposes
metre, the exception being ‘special glass’ which is ~ e.g. clear glass and obscure glass
enumerated
The kind and quality of glass is stated together with the
actual area as fixed in position
Sheet glass is marketed in 3 qualities :
a) Ordinary glazing (OQ )
b) Selected glazing (SQ)
c) Special selected quality (SSQ) clear glass shower screen obscure glass window
513 514
GLAZING GLAZING
Selected glazing (SQ) Special selected glazing (SSQ)

~ used for above-ordinary glazing ~ used for high grade work
~ e.g. laminated, fire-resisting glass and wire glass ~ e.g. fire-resisting glass and toughened glass
laminated glass wire glass

515
toughened glass spiral stair 516
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GLAZING GLAZING
Price of glass can be very considerably, Normally panes would be cut to size by the supplier
which reduces the risks of breakages
1) Glass type, quality, thickness and sizes of sheets
2) Type of frame to receive glazing i.e. wood, An allowance of 5% waste is for pre-cut panes, whereas
aluminium or steel 10% waste is for cutting performed on site
3) Glazing compounds i.e. putty and sprigs Method of glazing and securing the glass in position
(i.e. putty and sprigs, pinned or screwed beads clips,
rubber gasket, etc.) must measured and priced in the
The smaller the panes, the greater the cost per square cost of glass
metre
517 518
GLAZING GLAZING
Putty for glazing sheet glass (including waste) Labour pricing
Type of Per sq. metre of pane size shown Per linear Glazing executed by skilled labour and may be
rebate metre of performed by specialist glazier
n.e. 0.1 Over 0.1 n.e. Over 0.5 Over 1 rebate
sq. m 0.5 sq.m n.e. 1 sq.m sq.m For extra large and heavy panes of glass, two or more
Wood sash 3.2 kg 2 kg 1 kg 0.5 kg 0.20 kg operatives may be required to manhandle and fix the
Metal sash 4 kg 2.5 kg 1.25 kg 0.75 kg 0.25 kg
glass in position
The location of glazing work may affect the cost where
(Source: Wainwright , W.H. & Wood, A.A.B. 1977. Practical Builders’ access is difficult or work is carried out in confined
Estimating. Hutchinson of London, p.159)
spaces
519 520
GLAZING GLAZING
Guide to labour outputs Add 25% labour time when the glazing is done during
Type of Output for glazing 4mm glass by size of panes cold weather
rebate
n.e. 0.1 sq. m Over 0.1 n.e. Over 0.5 n.e. Over 1 sq.m Add 20% labour time when the glazing is done from the
0.5 sq.m 1 sq.m
outside of a building
Wood with 0.60 skilled 0.55 skilled 0.50 skilled 0.45 skilled
putty and hours per m2 hours per m2 hours per m2 hours per m2
sprigs
Metal - - - -
a) For 6mm glass, increase outputs by 7.5%
b) Allow in addition of 50% of the above output where glass is cut on site
c) Allow an extra 10% for glazing with pinned beads
d) Allow an extra 20% for glazing with screwed beads
(Source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
Pearson Education Limited, p.344) 521 522
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GLAZING PRICING GLAZING PRICING
Example 1 Solution RM RM/m2

Calculate the unit rate per sq. metre of 4mm thick clear sheet glass Material Cost
fixed to 20mm wood rebates with putty. i) Glass delivered to site per m2 = 9.75
Assumptions: ii) Putty = (2kg / 25kg x RM9.50 per bag) = 0.76
Cost of glass delivered to site = RM 9.75 per m2 iii) Glazing sprig per m2 = 0.05
Cost of glazing sprigs = RM 0.05 per m2 Total cost of glass per m2 = 10.56
Cost of putty = RM 9.50 per 25-kg iv) Waste on materials = (RM10.56 x 5%) = 0.53
Allow for putty = 2 kg per m2
Labour Cost
Wage of a glazier = RM 60.00 per day
i) Labour cost per m2 = (0.8 hrs x RM60.00/ 8hrs) = 6.00
Output of glazier = 0.8 hour per m2
Add 10% OHP = 1.71
Profit and overhead = 10% 523
GLAZING PRICING GLAZING PRICING
Cost of prefabricate alum. frame = RM 125.00 per no
Supply and install 1200mm x 2400mm x 10mm thick tempered
Cost of glass delivered to site = RM 40.00 per m2
glass fixed to aluminium frame glass panel and including rubber
Cost of rubber gasket for glazing = RM 0.50 per m
gasket, sealant and all necessary accessories.
Cost of sealant to glass panel = 5% of glazing
Calculate the unit rate per number. Labourer gang (1:1) = 1 glazier and 1 labourer
Gang output to glazing = 1.5 hours per no
Wage of a glazier = RM 60.00 per day
Wage of a general labourer = RM 40.00 per day
525 526
GLAZING PRICING RECOMMENDED READINGS
Solution RM RM/no
Material Cost
i) Cost of prefabricated frame per no = 125.00
ii) Tempered glass per no= (1.2 x 2.4) x RM40.00/m2 = 115.20 Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR, 2015 Estimating in Building
iii) Sealant to glazing = 5.76 Construction 8th edn. Pearson
iv) Rubber gasket = [2 x (1.2 + 2.4) x RM 0.50/m] = 3.60
Cost of materials = 249.56 Peurifoy, RL & Oberlender, GD, 2014 Estimating Construction
iv) Waste on materials = 24.96 Costs 6th edn. McGraw Hill
Total material cost per no = 274.52
Labour Cost Smith, RC 1986, Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
i) Labour = (1.5 hrs x (RM60.00+RM40.00)/ 8hrs) = 18.75 London: Pearson Education Limited.
Total labour cost per no = 18.75
Total cost per no = 293.27
Add 10% OHP = 29.33
Total Unit Rate (RM) / no = 322.60 528
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PAINTING & DECORATING WORK
The work contained in this section covers two broad

categories:
1) Paintings. Polishing and similar work
2) Wallpapering and other similar wall coverings
FOR BUILDING WORKS Painting and decorating work is largely labour –
PAINTING AND DECORATING 529 intensive with, on average, approximately 70% of the
cost being attributable to this resources
530
PAINTING WORK PAINTING WORK
Painting works Material pricing

Painting is the covering of surface of wood, plaster, Paints may be acrylic latex or enamel
masonry, metal, and other materials with a compound
for protection or for the improvement of the appearance  Acrylic latex paint is considered a waterbase and
of the surface painted is often preferred because the paint brushes and
rollers can be cleaned with water
 Enamel paint is an oil base and the paint brushes

and rollers must be cleaned with turpentine. It is
considered more durable than acrylic latex
(Peurifoy & Oberlender, 2002)

531 532
Paints can be applied in one, two, three, or more coats, There are varies type of paints materials available in the
with sufficient time allowed between successive coats to market and the most common are:
permit the prior coat to dry thoroughly
a) Primer;
There are 4 general types of paint coating:
b) Undercoat / base coat; and
a) Interior wall coating,
c) Finish / final coat.
b) Exterior wall coating,
c) Wood and metal coating, and
d) Roof and tile coating.
533 534
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The covering capacity of paint depends on: The coverage of paints
a) Quality of paint, Type of paints M2/ litre Usage

Primer Wall primer 8.6 Masonry wall
b) Absorption of surface,
Wall sealer 8.0 Masonry wall
c) Weather conditions, Alum. wood primer sealer 12.7 Wooden door/window
Grey green zinc phosphate 12.5 Metal/wood
d) Skill of operatives, and primer
Galvprime 10.0 Metal/wood
e) Method of application. Roof shield primer 4.0 Roof tiles only
Basecoat Speed undercoat 17.4 Wooden door/window
(source: Dulux)
535 536
Type of paints M2/ litre Usage

Method of applying paint
Finish Weathershield 12.0 Ext. masonry wall
Silicone water repellent 2.0 Fairface masonry wall
Supreme 12.0 -
Pearl Glo / Pentalite easy clean 10.0 Int. masonry wall
Gloss finish 18.30 Roof tiles only
Timber colour 10.0 An opaque finish (for
wooden door/window
Satinwood 15.7 -
Timbertone 19.0 An opaque finish (for
wooden door/window
Roofshield 3.0 Roof tiles
masonry paint brush padded woven roller
Solarscreen 19.0 Transparent finish
537 538
(source: Dulux)
Method of applying paint Guide to output for skilled labour (hours/100m2)

Operation Walls Ceilings
Prepare 1 coat sealer, 2 coats Conc. 24 26
emulsion paint Brick 26 -
Plast. 22 23
Prepare 1 coat primer, 2 Conc. 53 61
undercoats , 1 finish coat oil Brick 54 -
paint
Plast. 52 60
Plastic compound (stippled Conc. - 31
compressor spray gun air powered spray pump & gun finish) Plast. 29 30
(Source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Works.
539
Pearson Education Ltd. p.349) 540
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Guide to output for skilled labour (hours/100m2) Guide to output for skilled labour (hours/100m2)
Operation Gen. wood Glazed windows & Operation Gen. wood Glazed windows &
surf. Doors (wood) surf. Doors (wood)
Prepare, knotting 2 undercoats, 59 Small panes 67 Knotting only on wood surface 16 - -
1 finish coat oil paint Med. panes 64 before fixing
Large panes 61 Prepare 2 coats polyurethane 21 Small panes 24
varnish Med. panes 23
Touch up primer, 1 undercoats , 38 Small panes 44
1 finish coat oil paint Med. panes 42 Large panes 22
Large panes 40
(Source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Works. (Source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Works.
Pearson Education Ltd. p.349) Pearson Education Ltd. p.349)
541 542
Guide to output for skilled labour (hours/100m2) Guide to output for skilled labour (hours/100m2)
Operation Gen. metal Glazed windows & Operation Rendered/ Rendered/
surf. Doors (metal) conc. walls conc. floor
Prepare and prime only 20 Small panes 24 Prepare 2 coats cement based paint 29 -
Med. panes 23 Prepare and 1 coat bituminous paint 15 -
Large panes 21 Note:
Prepare 1 coat red lead primer, 62 Small panes 83 Labour outputs increased for conversion per sq. metre to liner metre
2 undercoats, 1 finish coat • n.e. 150mm girth Add 50%
Med. panes 80
• 150 - 300mm girth Add 33.33%
Large panes 76
(Source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Works. (Source: Smith, R.C. 1986. Estimating and Tendering for Building Works.
Pearson Education Ltd. p.349) Pearson Education Ltd. p.349)
543 544
Labour pricing Plant and equipment pricing
The outputs shown in ‘Guide to output for skilled labour The cost of providing dustsheets, ladders and
(hours/100m2) are based on work over 300mm wide scaffolding would normally be prices as a lump sum and
and measured in sq. metre. included in the Preliminary
For narrow widths not exceeding 300mm wide, the unit

of measurement is in linear metre
An allowance of about 5% of the total labour cost for

any painting operation should be included in the rate to
cover the replacement of brushes, rollers and other
sundry items
545 546
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PAINTING WORK PAINTING WORK PRICING
The factors affecting the cost of painting include: Example 3:

a) Treatment of the surface prior to painting, removing old Calculate the unit rate per square metre for apply one coat of
paint, sanding, filling, etc. primer, one undercoating and one finishing coat on internal
plastered wall and column.
b) Kind of surface, wood, plaster, masonry, etc.
Assumptions:
c) Size of area, e.g. large, flat, small, irregular. Cost of primer = RM 3.80 per litre
d) Height of area above the floor or ground. Cost of undercoat = RM 6.30 per litre
e) Kind of paint. Some flows more easily than others. Cost of finishing coat = RM 15.10 per litre
f) Temperature of air. Warm air thinks paint and permits it to Coverage of primer = 13.45 litre per 100 m2
flow more easily. Coverage of undercoat = 11.96 litre per 100 m2
Coverage of finishing coat = 11.96 litre per 100 m2
g) Method of applying paint, with brushes or spray guns.
Spraying may be five times as fast as brushing. Wage of a painter = RM 60.00 per day
547 548
PAINTING WORK PRICING PAINTING WORK PRICING
Working hours = 8 hours per day Solution RM RM/m2

Allowance of preparation & Material Cost
replacement brushes = 5% of labour cost i) Primer = (13.45 litres x RM3.80 per litre) = 51.11
Residue waste = 10% ii) Undercoat = (11.96 litres x RM6.30 per litre) = 75.35
Profit and overhead = 10% iii) Finish coat = (11.96 litres x RM15.10 per litre) = 180.60
Total cost of paint = 307.06
Assume the following time analysis for labourer per 100 m2 of Residue waste = (10% x RM307.06) = 30.71
painting works
Total material cost per 100m2 = 337.77
a) Priming including preparing = 6.3 hours
b) Undercoat = 5.3 hours
c) Finishing coat = 5.3 hours
Total = 16.90 hours
549 550
RM RM/m2
Example 4:
Labour Cost
Knot, prime, stop and paint two flat oil undercoats and one coat
i) Labour cost of priming, undercoating & oil gloss finish paint on general surface of woodwork externally,
finishing not exceeding 100 mm girth. Calculate per square metre.
= [16.90 hours x (RM60.00/ 8 hrs)] / 100m2 = 1.27
ii) Allow for preparation & replacement brushes Assume the following time analysis for labourer to painting of
= (5% x RM1.27 /m2) = 0.06 woodwork
Total labour cost per m2 = 1.33 a) 1 coat of primer = 15 hours / 100 m2
Total cost per m2 = 4.71 b) 1 coat of flat oil undercoat = 14 hours / 100 m2
Add 10% OHP = 0.47 c) 1 coat of gloss-finish paint = 17 hours / 100 m2
Total Unit Rate / m2 = 5.18
551 552
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Assumptions: Assumptions:
Cost of knotting = RM 6.00 / litre Wage of a painter = RM 60.00 per day
Cost of alabastine stopping = RM 3.00 / kg Working hours = 8 hours per day
Cost of primer = RM 21.00 / 5-litres Add brush waste = 5% of labour cost
Cost of flat oil undercoat = RM 105.00 / 5-litres Residue waste and sundry materials = 10%
Cost of gloss-finish paint = RM 112.00 / 5-litres Profit and overhead = 10%
Coverage of knotting = 0.75 litres / 100 m2
Coverage of alabastine stopping = 2.5 kg / 100 m2
Coverage of primer = 50 m2 / 5-litres
Coverage of flat oil undercoat = 60 m2 / 5-litres
Coverage of gloss-finish paint = 60 m2 / 5-litres
553 554
Solution RM RM/m2 RM RM/m2

Material Cost vi) Residue waste = (10% x RM5.92) = 0.59
i) Cost of knot to woodwork Total material cost per m2 = 6.52
= (0.75 litres x RM6.00/ litres) / 100m2 = 0.05 Labour Cost
ii) Cost of stop to woodwork i) Labour cost of priming, undercoating & finishing
= (2.5kg x RM3.00/ kg) /100m2 = 0.08 (15+14+14+17 hours)
Iii) Cost of 1 coat of primer = [60 hours x (RM60.00/8hrs)] / 100m2 = 4.50
= (RM21.00/ 50m2) = 0.42 ii) Allow for preparation & replacement brushes
iv) Cost of 2 coats of flat oil undercoat = (5% x RM4.50) = 0.02
= (RM105.00/ 60m2) x 2 coats = 3.50 Total labour cost per m2 = 4.52
v) Cost of 1 coat of gloss-finish paint Total cost per m2 = 11.04
= (RM112.00/ 60m2) = 1.87 Add 10% OHP = 1.10
Total cost of paint = 5.92 Total Unit Rate / m2 = 12.14
555
Example 5: Solution RM/m2 RM/m

Knot, prime, stop and paint two flat oil undercoats and one coat Material Cost
oil gloss finish paint on general surface of woodwork externally, i) Cost of materials per m2 = 6.52
not exceeding 100 mm girth. Calculate per linear metre. Cost of materials per m = (RM6.52 x 0.1m) = 0.65
Assumptions: Labour Cost

Cost of material (from previous analysis) = RM 6.52 / m2 i) Cost of labour per m2 = 4.52
Cost of labour (from previous analysis) = RM 4.52 / m2 ii) Add 50% work on narrow width = 2.26
Add work on narrow width: Total labour cost = 6.78
n.e.150 mm girth = 50% of labour cost Cost of labour per m = (RM6.78 x 0.1m) = 0.68
150 – 300 mm girth = 33.33% 0f labour cost Total Unit Rate / m 1.33
557 558
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DECORATING WORKS WALLPAPER PRICING
Wallpapering and other decorating works Example 6:

The bill description includes: Prepare and size plaster wall and trim and hang decorative
patterned wall paper and secured with cellulose paste.
 The type of surface to be treated, e.g. walls, ceiling, Calculate the unit rate per square metre.
etc.
Assumptions:
 The type of decoration work
Cost of 600mm x 10m wallpaper = RM 250.00 per roll
 The preparation work required, e.g. rubbing down, Cost of cellulose paste = RM 1.50 per 5 rolls
burning off, etc.
Wage of a paperhanger = RM 80.00 per day
 The nature of the surface to be treated, e.g. plaster, Average output of paperhanger = 1.25 hours per roll
brick, wood, metal, etc. Working hours = 8 hours per day
An average output of 2 hours per roll (6m2) for Pattern waste on wallpaper = 20%
paperhanger to prepare, size and hang wall paper Profit and overhead = 10%
559 560
WALLPAPER PRICING RECOMMENDED READINGS
Solution RM RM/m2
Material Cost Work, 5th edn, Routledge.
i) Wallpaper = [RM250.00 / (0.60 x 10m] = 41.67
ii) Pattern waste = (20% x RM41.67) = 8.33 Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR, 2015 Estimating in Building
iii) Cellulose paste = RM1.50 / (5 rolls x 0.6m x 10m) = 0.05 Construction 8th edn. Pearson
Labour Cost Costs 6th edn. McGraw Hill
i) Paperhanger Smith, RC 1986, Estimating and Tendering for Building Work.
= (1.25 x RM80.00/ 8 hrs) / (0.6m x 10m) = 2.08 London: Pearson Education Limited.
Total labour cost per m2 = 2.08
Add 10% OHP = 5.21
Total Unit Rate / m2 = 57.34 562
NOTE NOTE
563 564
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WORKS
SUB-CONTRACTING WORKS
The sub-contractor will usually be engaged by a main

contractor to perform a specific work.
Sub-contractors once appointed, work under the

direction of the main contractor.
FOR BUILDING WORKS Sub-contractors are classified into two categories:
 Domestic sub-contractor (DSC)

DSC RATES & PRICING OF NSC WORKS 565
 Nominated sub-contractor (NSC)
566
SUB-CONTRACTING WORKS SUB-CONTRACTING WORKS
The principal differences between DSC and NSC are: It is common practice for general or main contractors to
sub-let significant portions of the work to DSC or NSC.
(a) The tender process is organised and run by the
contract administrator who invites suitable sub- Sub-contracting allow the work can be carried out at
contractors to submit a tender lowest cost or due to it is at a specialised nature, which
the main contractor cannot attempt to carry out using
(b) The contract administrator selects the preferred
his own labour force.
tender and then instructs the main contractor to
enter into a contract with the subcontractors.
567 568
ADVANTAGES OF DISADVANTAGES OF
SUB-CONTRACTING WORKS SUB-CONTRACTING WORKS
(a) Minimised of risk borne by the main contractor as the sub- However, sub-contracting work might go into:
contractor will give a fixed price for the sub-let work and
(a) disputes,
saving in estimator’s time.
(b) liquidation,
(b) Main contractor able to concentrate on other trades of
work which give more efficient in the construction (c) unacceptable by project consultant,
management.
(d) delaying of works and causing main-contractor incurred
(c) Providing the client with good value for money, where a additional expenses
high level of competition for the work may be achieved, as
the main contractor eligible to compared varies quotations
by sub-contractors. This include the material and plant
available, and specialised workmanship provided.
569 570
95
WORKS
DOMESTIC SUB-CON WORKS DOMESTIC SUB-CON WORKS
Roles & Responsible Sub-contractor also have to measure base on same

basis e.g. site condition, location, and etc.
Main contractor choose their own sub-contractor to do a
quotation for sub-work. The client has no input into the Prior to selection, the estimator should develop a list of
selection of that sub-contractor. preferred (qualified) sub-contractors. The selection are
depend on capability of sub-contractors. These include
Main contractor fully responsible for all sub-contractor’s
quotation. (a) Financial strength
Sub-contractor have to measure the nature of the work (b) Integrity

according to the BQ, specification that are given by
(c) Reputation of the past performance
main-contractor.
571 572
Sub-contractor Pricing Sub-contractor System Estimate
The quotation from sub-contractors are important A sub-contractor system for work expects to sub-
element in the compilation of a project estimate. contract should be performed by the main contractor.
Quotation have made ‘apple to apple’ comparison to
For each sub-contracted component the quantity of a
ensure the fairness on valuation.
key element is taken off and all other elements are
The estimator will need an approximate price to listed.
evaluate the sub-bids and must be acknowledgeable
A unit price for the key element is then applied to derive
about the scope of the sub-contractors’ bids and be able
the approximate sub-contractor bid.
to evaluate the capability of the sub-contractors.
573 574
Sub-contractor Bid Analysis Finalising the Bid

A minimum of 3 bids from each specialty contractors. The estimator must do the final analysis of the sub-
Estimator must analyse the bids to determine the lowest contract bids and apply the general overhead, taxes,
bid and make sure that all items are included in the insurance, bonds, and fee to the bid.
bids.
A final check is made and the bid is submitted.
The bids will be received in written format (i.e. by fax) or
from telephone conversations.
575 576
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WORKS
NOMINATED SUB-CON WORKS NOMINATED SUB-CON WORKS
Appointment of Nominated Sub-contractor (NSC) Roles & Responsible

The aim of appointed NSC is to improve the NSC (specialist sub-contractor i.e. landscaping, interior
management of the progress of the sub-contract work. design, light fittings, aluminium works, M&E lift, fire
However, NSC may sometime create conflicts, disputes protection, air-conditioning, plumbing, ventilation, etc.)
between the consultant and main contractor, and cause is selected/appointed by the client.
delaying of works.
Main-contractors are not responsible for appointed NSC
works.
The NSC’s work have stated in contract to execute

certain works as Prime Cost sum or P.C. sum (a bill of
quantities or specification work).
577 578
PRICING OF NSC WORKS PRICING OF NSC WORKS
P.C sum is included within the main contractor’s tender Profit and Attendance on P.C sum
document. The main contractor to take responsibility for a) Add profit and establishment charges:
executing the work using NSC for an element of work. In percentage, say 2.5 % from P.C sum
P.C sum is fixed amount, estimator should not add-in
any profit required and/or attendance to NSC’s work. b) Add attendance:
But, provision can be made as an addition.
Additional facilities (included within preliminaries
Main contractor is required to price overhead profit and section of the BQ) which is provided by main
any items of attendance it has to provide, such as the contractor on behalf nominated sub-contractor to
use of site facilities, provision of a secure storage, execute the work
protecting the finished work until the project is
completed. 579 580
PRICING OF NSC WORKS PRICING OF NSC WORKS
BILL NO. 2 - PRIME COST AND PROVISIONAL SUMS

Example 1: Calculation for P.C sum
Amount
Item Description Unit Qty Rate
(RM)
PRIME COST AND PROVISIONAL SUMS Allow prime cost sum for air conditioning RM 90,000.00
& Mechanical ventilation services
Prime Cost Sums for work executed complete or
materials and goods supplied by firm. And
deducted wholly or in part if not required :- Add: 2% profit and establishment charges RM 1 ,800.00
A Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation Services 90,000.00
Add : for profit and establishment charges % ? Add: 2% attendance as in preliminaries RM 1,800.00
Add : for attendance as in preliminaries % ? RM 93,600.00
B Cold, Hot Water & Sanitary Plumbing Services 180,000.00
Add : for profit and establishment charges % ?
Add : for attendance as in preliminaries % ?
582
97
WORKS
PRICING OF NSC WORKS RECOMMENDED READINGS
Example 2: Calculation for P.C sum Peterson, SJ & Dagostino, FR, 2015 Estimating in Building
Allow prime cost sum for steelwork RM 100,000.00
to be fabricated, supplied, erected Costs 6th edn. McGraw Hill
by nominated sub-contractor.
Harlow, PA 1981, The Practice of Estimating. UK: The Charted
Add profit: 5% of P.C sum RM 5,000.00 Institution of Building, p.70-79
Schuette, SD & Liska, RW 1994, Building Construction
Add attendance: Allow 5-tonne lorry Estimating. Singapore: McGraw-Hill International Editions,
@ RM300/day and operator for p.105-107
10 days @ RM50/day RM 3,500.00
RM 108,500.00
583 584
NOTE NOTE
585 586
NOTE NOTE
587 588
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INFO CHECKING PROCEDURES
Checklists are valuable tools to
 Reduce the potential of overlooking a cost item
 Serve as agenda items for discussion during initial

BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS client-customer meeting
FOR BUILDING WORKS  Assists in preparing an “estimate work plan” by
ESTIMATING MANAGEMENT 589 identifying important points to emphasize in the
write-up for the execution of the estimate.
590
INFO CHECKING PROCEDURES INFO CHECKING PROCEDURES
Checklists act as reminders to the estimator by A list of information required to prepared an estimate in
progress include type of unit, feed capacity, and project
 Listing information required to prepared the early
duration.
estimate
For projects in the building sector, a listing of
 Listing miscellaneous costs that may be required in
information to prepare an estimate may include type of
the estimate
building, function use of building, number of occupants,
 Listing work items that may be required to build the building location, and project location.
project in accordance with the plans and
For typical miscellaneous cost item may include spare
specifications.
parts, permits, training, and other items.
591 592
Typical scope items that may required, but are not Table 1: Checklist for detailed estimate for concrete work
identified in the definition provided for the estimate, may 1) Are anchor bolts included?
2) Is reinforcing steel included?
include certain utility and auxiliary systems.
3) Is insulation of the slab included?
Table 1 is an example checklist for a detailed estimate 4) Is cost of pumping concrete included?
for concrete work. 5) Is the lifting crane included?
6) Are shop drawings for tilt-up panels included?
7) Is grouting under the wall panels included?
8) Is waste included in the concrete?
9) Are architectural finishes included?
10) Are concrete curing compounds included?
11) Is the portable compressor included?
593 594
99
WORKS
Before completing an estimate, one should check the Table 2: Building construction project bid summary
list to be sure that no operations have been omitted. Item Division Material Labour Sub- Total
contract
Table 2 illustrate the cost summary of an estimate. 1 Concrete works 97,176.00 51,524.00 - 148,700.00
2 Brickworks - - 212,724.00 212,724.00
3 Roofing - - 45,729.00 45,729.00
4 Door & windows 36,821.00 32,115.00 - 68,936.00
5 Finishes 172,587.00 187,922.00 - 360,509.00
Total direct costs 306,584.00 271,561.00 258,453.00 836,598.00
Material tax (5%) 15,329.00 851,927.00
Labour tax (12%) 32,587.00 884,514.00
Contingency (2%) 17,690.00 902,204.00
Profit (10%) 90,220.00 992,424.00
595
Bid price = RM992,424.00
ESTIMATE REVIEWS ESTIMATE REVIEWS
Once the estimate is complete, a detailed review should Internal review

be made of the entire estimate package. This include  Conducted during development of the estimate
backup materials, assumption, unit prices, productivity
rates, project schedule requirements etc.  Review is brief,
 Lead estimator and PM are involved
The number of reviews will vary depending on the size
of project, type of estimate, length of time allowed for  Aim to avoid spending unnecessary time and money
preparing the estimate, etc. in pursuing an estimate that may be unrealistic or
based on assumptions that are not valid or out
At least two reviews of the estimate, i.e. internal review dated.
and final review.
 The results of the review will provide “go-no go”
597 598
ESTABLISH
ESTIMATE REVIEWS
ESTIMATING PROGRAMME
Final review Implementation of the computer has been one of the
 Conducted at or near completion of the estimate greatest advancements in the estimating process.
 Review is more structured process, depth of the The computer can be used to organise, store, and
review depends on the type or class of estimate that retrieve information and perform many calculations
is being prepared necessary to prepare an estimate.
 Lead estimator, experience field personnel, a It is an effective tool for decreasing the preparation time
representative of upper management are involved and increasing the accuracy of cost estimating.
 Aim to validate assumptions used in preparing the
estimate, i.e. construction sequence, supplier
selection, and owner’s cost
599 600
100
WORKS
ESTABLISH ESTABLISH
ESTIMATING PROGRAMME ESTIMATING PROGRAMME
The computer is used for estimating in at least 5 Computer application for cost estimating
different applications: (1) quantities take-off, (2) price
a) Spreadsheet, i.e. MS Excel
extensions and bid summary, (3) historical cost
database, (4) labour and equipment productivity b) Estimating software, i.e. CostX, Glodon, BinaLink,
database, and (5) supplier database. Buildsoft, BuildSpace, WinQS, PriMus-DCF, etc.
The computer’s potential in construction estimating has
The changes in computer hardware and software are
progressed from its use as an adding machine to an
rapid and ongoing. The systems used today will be
integrated process of computer-aided design (CAD),
obsolete in a few years.
estimating software, job costing software, and project
scheduling systems.
601 602
ESTABLISH ESTABLISH
The common elements of most estimating programme Database
are the  Is used to set the estimating standard of the
 database, company
 Items entered into the database will be used in the
 quantity takeoff, pricing of the estimate
 cost calculations, and  Information loaded in the database (labour
productivity, equipment costs, standard fomulas,
 bid total. etc.) from past projects can be used for estimating
future projects
 Each company must develop a numbering system
and items in the database to match their methods of
construction
603 604
ESTABLISH ESTABLISH
Quantity takeoff Cost calculations
 Involves the selection of database codes that will be  This is done by the computer software after the
used on the project being estimated quantities are entered
 Estimator need to enter the quantities for each item  By using the database within the software, the cost
selected or enter the variables that calculate the of labour, material, and equipment is calculated by
quantities the computer
Bid total
 In Building Information Modelling (BIM) system,
quantities information will transfer directly from  The bid total calculates the overhead and requires
advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD) the estimator to enter the desired markup
605 606
101
WORKS
RESOURCES ENQUIRES & ANALYSIS RESOURCES ENQUIRES & ANALYSIS
Before preparing an estimate, the estimator should visit Before preparing … (cont’d)
the site to ascertain any local condition that would affect
5) Local material supply and delivery cost
the cost of construction, such as
6) Local cost of drayage (transporting goods over short
1) The availability of storage space on site
distance)
2) The cost of off-the-site storage if required
7) Availability of electric power, water, etc.
3) Site conditions
8) Local ordinances and regulations
4) Local labour conditions (i.e. wage rates, labour
supply, availability of skilled and common labour)
607 608
The environment that surrounds the construction cost Ways to identify risks associated with the project
estimate is very risky. 1) Study all documents associated with the project
thoroughly
The estimator should try to identify those risks areas.
2) Make a site visitation before the bid
Risk can be decreased by making as few assumptions
as possible, doing estimate in a methodical manner, 3) Develop a construction schedule before the bid
and making logical decisions. 4) Investigate the financial capabilities of the owners
and their ethical business relations
The risks can be divided into two:
5) Identify responsibly subcontractors and material
 Risks associated with the project suppliers that can meet the demands of the project
 Risks associated with the process of estimating 6) Attend the prebid meetings
609 610
7) Be certain the resources are available to build the 12) Identify clauses in the supplementary or special
project conditions of the specifications that transfer additional
8) Develop a fact sheet about the project risk to the construction firm
9) Develop a strategy for getting the project 13) Identify government permit and other requirements
10) Investigate the reputation of the architect and the 14) Identify environment hazards associated with the
architect’s ethical working relationships with project
construction firms
15) Identify any adverse public reaction to the project
11) Identify clauses in the specification that have open-
ended or would transfer risk to the construction firm 16) Identify the availability of local labour and whether or
not unions are involved
611 612
102
WORKS
17) Review the historical weather patterns for the area 22) An analysis should be done for each area that is
subcontracted to ensure that all items in the scope of
18) Identify disposal sites
work are included
19) Review the soil report for unusual soil conditions on
the site
20) Review the project and construction methods for
unsafe conditions
21) Review the proposed construction method to identify
activities that will have small quantities of materials
and thus lower the expected production rate of labour
613 614
Ways to identify risks associated with the process of 5) Review the system for receiving and distributing
estimating addenda
1) Develop a procedure for checking mathematical 6) Review the estimating sheets for unnecessary
errors calculations
2) Review for illegible handwritting 7) Review procedures for rounding off numbers
3) Review the labour production, material, and 8) Avoid scaling drawing
equipment standards of the historical data
9) Review the procedure for adding waste
4) Review the system for distribution of drawings and
10) Review the checklists and update as necessary to
specifications to subcontractors and material
include areas that are no evident from project
suppliers. Only complete sets should be made documents, i.e. transportation costs, storage costs
available
615 616
11) Make sure items are taken off from the correct 16) Review the standardised forms used in the estimating
drawings process to eliminate any procedure problems
12) Review procedures for receiving bids from 17) Review the detail systems associated with estimating
subcontractors and material supplier by computer. As the computer estimating can have
additional risks associated with the estimating
13) Review the consistency of detail in the estimate process (training should provided to ensure estimator
14) Avoid the use of percentage thoroughly understand all aspects of the software
before a computerise estimate is submitted)
15) Review the system for carrying the bid to the bid
receiving station
617 618
103
WORKS
PRICING NOTES PRICING NOTES
The purpose of the pricing notes is to point out that the The estimator is advised to make some comparison or
rates may be estimated from data. adjustment to the rates prior to apply the price book
data in cost estimate.
Historical data i.e. historical costs from past similar work
are excellent pricing sources. Factors need to be considered when using price book
cost data include size of project, location, fluctuations,
Estimators will refer to a published source of data, i.e.
labour costs, material costs, market conditions, and
pricing book when his/her own data are not available.
overheads and profit.
The price book is for guidance only. It included data on
the market prices of materials and measured rates for
both large and small projects.
619 620
PRICING NOTES PRICING NOTES
(a) Size of project: Smaller sized projects on the whole tend (d) Labour costs: Take some adjustment i.e. labour
to cost more per unit than larger jobs of a similar type availability, and standard of workmanship required
and construction
(e) Material costs: Material prices often depend on
(b) Location: Some adjustment may need to be considered contractor, location, quantity and discount offer
in respect of projects in city centers or the country areas
(f) Market conditions: Aware the market condition, able to
(c) Fluctuations: In periods of high inflation the prices in the predict and submit a competitive bid price
price book can very quickly become out of date
(g) Overhead and profit: The percentage included in the
published rates vary considerably
621 622
PRICING CHECKS PRICING CHECKS
Bills of quantities are a major source of cost information Bills from different contractors for other projects can
but must be used with a great care. show variation in excess of figures.
Comparison of rates between two bills of quantities for When examining bill rates, it is important that the
the same project will show a considerable variation for estimator should has some idea of the rate expected in
many of the items. order that a bill rate will not be used erroneously.
Although tenders may vary by only 10%, individual The estimator in attempting to make use of rates from
trades may differ by as much as 40% and individual prices bills, should be confidentiality, and should not
items by up to 200%. disclose their source to third parties.
623 624
104
WORKS
Data from bills of quantities can be summarised as When checking bills of quantities, variations in rates
follows: may due to the following project factors:
a) Individual rates for measured items. a) The size of the project;
b) The type of the project;
b) Overall costs for use with the single price methods c) The regional location of the project;
of approximate estimating, e.g. unit, square meter,
cubic metre. d) The contract conditions applicable to the project;
e) The market conditions happening at the time of
c) Elemental format analysis. tender for the project; and
d) Basic price list of materials, if available. f) The contract implications, particularly those affecting
the contract period and the account to be taken for
inflation.
625 626
The common reasons for unusual bid price in a tender 3. Deliberate distortion
1. Distribution of preliminary items The estimator may deliberately distort the bill rates
either because they are anticipating variations or in
The extent of preliminary items have been discovered
and price within this section order to obtain all the profit at an easy stage in an
attempt to finance the remainder of the work.
2. Location of the site

4. Errors
The costs associated with projects in the countryside or
It is common to find bill items priced incorrectly because
towns and cities will vary and may reflect the problems
of access, difficulties of performing the work, etc. of mistakes.
627 628
5. Lack of accurate cost data 7. Site techniques

An estimator may be unable to price all the items The techniques that the contractor uses to complete the
analytically due to a lack of available feedback or works, for example the amount of mechanisation being
material prices and time allowed for tender. used, will be reflected in the prices.
6. Facilities 8. Sub-contractor’s and supplier’s prices

A firm may be able to provide a more competitive price Contractors usually sublet a proportion of their work to
if the firm has its own trading company. other contractors and suppliers.
629 630
105
WORKS
9. Standard of workmanship 11. Financial conditions

Different standards of workmanship may be anticipated The financial ability of both the contractor and the client
depending on the type of project. is likely to be reflected in the bill rates.
10. Availability of labour 12. Special requirements

The availability of skilled labour is likely to vary at The examination of the contract documents may
different times of the year and in the different regions of indicate some reasons for variability in prices, i.e. an
the country. abnormal speed of construction, work required to be
undertaken at unsocial hours.
631 632
PRICING CHECKS RECOMMENDED READINGS
13. Local conditions Peurifoy, RL & Oberlender, GD, 2014 Estimating Construction
Affecting the amount of work available and degree of
competition which may distort the overall situation. Schuette, SD & Liska, RW 1994, Building Construction
Estimating. Singapore: McGraw Hill, p.1-44
Wynne, GB 1973, Building Estimating. Columbus: Charles E.

Merrill Publishing Company, p.1-12
633 634
NOTE NOTE
635 636
106
WORKS
COMPANY OBJECTIVES IN
TENDERING
The primary objective of tendering is to select a
qualified main contractor with necessary capacity to
undertake the construction phase of the project.
BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS The bidding process must be to obtain best value and
FOR BUILDING WORKS not purely lowest price.
BIDDING STRATEGY 637
638
COMPETITIVE TENDERING COMPETITIVE TENDERING

ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT
Selecting a construction project delivery method is one The keenness of the competition can be judged by
of the most important decisions in the early design looking at the past records of the other firms pricing
stage. their work, their reputation and the extend of their
current workload.
The construction of the project be based upon
competitive bidding between multiple contractors. Knowing that only a few competitors exist of whom one
or two are likely to drop out may tempt management
During the course of pricing the work, the estimator will
into thinking is safe to increase the profit margin.
generally discover who his competitors are, which
giving him an indication of the level of competition.
639 640
COMPETITIVE TENDERING FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE

ENVIRONMENT SELECTION OF PROJECTS FOR BIDDING
Type of tendering versus competitive environment The factors are considered in determining which
projects to bid include
 Open tendering: high/maximum level of competition
a) Skills and availability of their labour and equipment
and is open for all contractors
will match the requirement of the job
 Selective tendering: multiple stages tender b) Experience in building projects similar to the one
processes, while maintaining appropriate levels of being considered for bidding
competition. Contractors with known reputation are c) Current workload and amount of available bonding
selected usually 6 or 8 contractors credit for bidding additional work
 Negotiated tendering: one contractor is approached • Amount of work in progress
and preserve very low level of competition • Available bonding capacity
641
• Size of the current project 642
107
WORKS
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE

DECISION TO BID
SELECTION OF PROJECTS FOR BIDDING
The factors are considered in determining which Prior to starting the estimating process, upper
projects to bid include management must assess the desirability to bid the job.
d) Geographic location A contractor has to consider the
e) Size and complexity of the project to be bid  investment to the probability of winning the bid,
f) Owner and designer’s reputation  risks that may occur during construction, and
g) Available working capital  potential of making a profit after the project is
h) How much the contractor wants to expand their completed.
construction operation
643 644
DECISION TO BID DECISION TO BID
The decision to bid is based on the facts gathered by After the decision has been made to bid the project, the
the estimator, the analysis of the risk, and whether the estimating process can be started.
project fits the strategic plan of the company.
Management assigns the project to a estimator who will
The decision not to bid the project may happen at handle the estimating process.
anytime during the bidding process, but rarely change
All information must be assembled, evaluated,
after the initial decision.
documented, and managed in an organised manner
during the estimating process.
645 646
DECISION TO BID DECISION TO BID
The quality of the estimate is depend on: Effective communications among the estimating team
are essential to ensure:
 Quality and amount of information available for
preparing the estimate  Desired level of accuracy
 Collecting project data & confirming historical cost
 Time allocated to prepare the estimate
information
 Proficiency of the estimator and the estimating team
 Organised the estimate into the desired format
 Tools and techniques used in preparing the estimate  Reviewing and checking the estimate
(i.e. cost per functional unit, cost per square metre of
 Documenting the estimate
floor area, and approximate quantities)
647 648
108
WORKS
BIDDING STRATEGY BIDDING STRATEGY

CONSIDERATIONS CONSIDERATIONS
An estimator needs to develop a strategy for getting the The bidding strategy report will show the strengths of
project at a reasonable price. the company and weaknesses of your competitors.
Every bidding opportunity is a game for trying to Table 1 is an example of bidding strategy report. It lists
outguess and outsmart the opposition. the strength, risk, recommended strategies, and value
of each strategy.
The bidding techniques can include better construction
methods, knowledge of competitors, knowledge of the
owner’s needs, success on similar project, and a history
of building of an empirical strategy for being awarded
the bid.
649 650
BIDDING STRATEGY
PROFIT MARGIN OR MARKUP
CONSIDERATIONS
Table 1: Bid strategy report Is defined as
Strategy Strength Risk Value Recommended
number 1-10 (low-high)
“the amount of money, if any, which a contractor retains
1 Unique electrical Company has RM15,000 3
sub bid – said they been in better bid
after he/she has completed a project and has paid all
were bidding only business for 3% low costs for materials, equipment, labour, overhead, taxes,
our company one year insurance, etc.”
2 Our company has None +RM5,000 10 (Peurifoy & Oberlender, 1989, p.16)
a better scaffold
system
3
Notes:
652
PROFIT MARGIN OR MARKUP PROFIT MARGIN OR MARKUP
The estimator’s objective when selecting a profit is to The amount of profit will vary with the
include the maximum possible profit, yet keep the bid at
 size of the contract,
a competitive level.
 type of work,
It can be defined as the return for taking the risk.
 time required for completion,
The owner of the construction company or top
 extent of competition
management will usually determine the amount of profit
that should be added to the estimate.  extend of risk/hazard involved,
 current workload, and
 desire of the contractor.
653 654
109
WORKS
FINALISING THE BID AND DELIVERY

PROFIT MARGIN OR MARKUP
OF THE BID
There is an average overall profit that a firm needs to Before the bid is due, the estimator must
earn in order to realise its financial goals.  complete all calculations, bid and bond forms, and
A contractor might include 3-6% profit on a open tender job overhead
school project, whereas 20-30% profit or more on a  do the final analysis of all subcontract bids (i.e.
reservoir project when the risk is high and there is little subcontractors and material suppliers)
competition.  apply the general overhead, taxes, insurance,
bonds, and fee to the bid
A final check is made and the bid is submitted.
655 656
FINALISING THE BID AND DELIVERY ASSESSMENT OF THE BIDDING

OF THE BID PROCESS
A bid must be delivered to the bid receiving station After the project has been bid the estimator should
before the deadline. evaluate the reasons for being successful or not
successful in the bidding process.
A late bid will not be considered for all public and most
private projects. The following items need to be review after the bids is
completed:
Most companies assign someone from the company to
1) Names of subcontractors & material suppliers that
hand deliver the bid.
we did not receive a bid from
2) Take-off errors
3) Pricing of material
657
4) Pricing of labour productivity 658
ASSESSMENT OF THE BIDDING TRANSFER OF ESTIMATE TO PROJECT

PROCESS MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING
Items need to be review after the bids is completed: A successful bid is transferred to the project
5) Equipment selection and pricing management and accounting departments.
6) Evaluation of schedule and construction method The work of the estimator will serve as the basis for the
7) Profit and overhead calculations budget, cost control system, purchasing strategies, and
project schedule.
8) Competency of the Architect (effect on project
document) Management systems need to be developed to transfer
9) Evaluation of the Owner all the information gained during the estimating phase to
10) Evaluation of the estimating team working the construction phase.
relationship
659 660
110
WORKS

Schuette, SD & Liska, RW 1994, Building Construction

Estimating. Singapore: McGraw Hill, p.45-86
London: Pearson Education Limited, p. 33-76
661 662
NOTE NOTE
663 664
NOTE NOTE
665 666
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TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)

BTQS2013 PRICES ANALYSIS FOR

1 Course Name Prices Analysis for Building Works

BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS) SC_2020.05.29

Unit Rate Built-up

Additional references supporting the course

5. Smith, NJ 1995, Project Cost Estimating, Thomas Telford Ltd.

16 Other Additional Information:

Computer Laboratory Practical:

BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS) SC_2020.05.29

WHAT IS MEANT BY COST ESTIMATE?

Is an evaluation of a future cost of the proposed works,

DEFINITION OF ESTIMATING TYPES OF ESTIMATE

CONSTRUCTION COST DATA

1) Floor area or m2 method

2) Functional unit method

CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR

M & E COSTS FOR CONSTRUCTION COST DATA

CONSTRUCTION COST DATA

COST ESTIMATING TECHNIQUES COST ESTIMATING TECHNIQUES

5) Approximate quantities 7) Elemental cost planning

PUBLISHED PRICE BOOK PUBLISHED PRICE BOOK

CONSTRUCTION COST DATA

PRIMARY SKILLS OF ESTIMATORS PRIMARY SKILLS OF ESTIMATORS

PRIMARY SKILLS OF ESTIMATORS DEFINITION OF TENDERING

3) Discipline: “Tender is the final price or offer which is submitted to the

TYPES OF TENDERS OPEN TENDERING

There are three types of tendering methods in Traditional method

OPEN TENDERING OPEN TENDERING

Advantage of open tendering Disadvantages of open tendering

SELECTIVE TENDERING SELECTIVE TENDERING

Contractors with known reputation are selected Area/points to be considered (cont’d):

SELECTIVE TENDERING NEGOTIATION TENDERING

Advantage of selective tendering One contractor is approached

Disadvantage of selective tendering

NEGOTIATION TENDERING TENDER PRICING

TENDER PRICING TENDER PRICING

TENDER PROCEDURE TENDER PROCEDURE

TENDER PROCEDURE TENDER PROCEDURE

 Details of anticipated starting and completion dates  Security

TENDER PROCEDURE SUMMARY

RECOMMENDED READINGS NOTE

Brook, M 2017, Estimating and Tendering for Construction

Estimating the total cost derived from;

PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING

PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING

i) Materials = unit cost x quantity required

PRINCIPLES OF ESTIMATING MATERIAL COST

MATERIAL COST MATERIAL COST

MATERIAL COST MATERIAL COST

MATERIAL COST LABOUR COST

 Quality of materials match with drawing and

LABOUR COST LABOUR COST

Cost of workmanship in executing the work Direct Cost

LABOUR COST LABOUR COST

Indirect Cost Factors that influence labour constant: