Dayworks in construction
Daywork is a means by which a contractor is paid for specifically instructed work on the basis of the cost of labour, materials and plant plus a mark up for overheads and profit. It is generally used when work cannot be priced in the normal way.
NRM2, RICS new rules of measurement, Detailed measurement for building work defines daywork as; '... the method of valuing work on the basis of time spent by the contractor’s workpeople, the materials used and the plant employed.'
Examples of when daywork may be applied are when unforeseen obstructions are encountered during ground works or when work is instructed for which there are no comparative rates in a bill of quantities.
It is usual for most contracts to contain clauses that provide a method of evaluating variations, additional work and instructions by using existing contract rates and prices. NEC contracts favour pre-agreed sums based on acceptance of a contractor’s quotation.
There are two basic options as to how daywork rates can be priced:
Option A – a percentage addition
- Prime cost to which a percentage is added for overheads, profit and incidental costs.
Option B – all inclusive rates
- All inclusive rates are quoted at tender and incorporated in the contract documents. These include an allowance for overheads and profit, either fixed for the period of the contract, or, in the case of contract conditions that are index linked, subject to an inflation allowance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Comments
There is a great mobile phone App that lets you quickly create a daywork or just a resource estimate and send it to the office in minutes, the App date stamps start and finish photos to help you prove the record is a true reflection of the works. It also allows you to quickly get pre-authorisation of the daywork prior to starting the works. Here's the link http://www.constructionrates.co.uk/Rate_Gen/Android_Mobile_Tablet_Smart_Phone_Daywork_App_UK_Construction_Industry.htm