Mark-up
According to The Code of Estimating Practice, seventh edition, published by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in 2009, the term ‘mark-up’ refers to:
| The sum added to a cost estimate, following the settlement meeting, to arrive at a tender sum. Mark-up will include margin, allowances for exceptional risks, and adjustments for commercial matters such as financial charges, cash-flow, opportunities (scope) and competition. There may be a requirement for the main contractor’s discount when tendering as a sub-contractor and value added tax when required in the tender instruction. |
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approximate quantities cost plan.
- Bills of quantities.
- Budget.
- Chartered Institute of Building.
- Contract sum analysis.
- Contract sum.
- Cost consultant.
- Cost control.
- Cost engineering.
- Cost plans for construction projects.
- Elemental cost plan
- Final account.
- Initial cost appraisals.
- Main contractor’s discount.
- Margin.
- Measurement.
- New Rules of Measurement.
- Revenue.
- Project overheads.
- Tender pricing document.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.