Margin
The Code of Estimating Practice, seventh edition, published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in 2009 suggests the term ‘margin’ refers to:
‘The sum that is required by an organisation, from a project, as a contribution towards its head office overheads and profit.’
Where profit is the money the project makes after accounting for all costs and expenses, and overheads refer to the costs of running the company, often described as head office administrative costs (although in some cases there may also be factory or manufacturing overheads).
Confusingly, profit may also be referred to as a ‘profit margin’. Profit margin is the percentage of the gross revenue that represents profit.
A report published in July 2018 by Construction Manager and Commercial Risk Management found a worrying gap between the margins construction professionals think they should be earning and what they actually earn. For example, nearly two-thirds of respondents said they would expect the appropriate profit margin for a main contractor under a design-and-build contract should be above 5%. In fact this is well above the average achieved in the industry.
Jason Farnell, managing director of Commercial Risk Management, said; "The survey responses are communicating clearly that the ratio of risk to reward in contracting is seriously imbalanced – put simply, the margins that contractors may expect to earn from projects is insufficient compensation for the uncertainty and risk exposure they face in delivering them.”
NB: The term ‘mark up’ refers to the sum added to a cost estimate to arrive at a tender sum, including margin, allowances for exceptional risks, and adjustments for commercial matters such as financial charges, cash-flow, opportunities (scope) and competition.
Short Guide, Maintaining Your Home, published, on 1 November 2014 by Historic Scotland, defines margins as: ‘protruding masonry framing an opening or emphasising the angle of a building. Most are raised (usually adopted when the building was to be harled but sometimes used decoratively).’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.