Operational rate estimating
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Operational rate estimating is a method used to calculate building costs. In operational rate estimating a distinct parcel of work is priced as a package. This is as opposed to projects where each unit of the bill of quantities are priced individually.
The estimator will still need to calculate all the individual items that are required in unit rate estimating , such as labour, plant and materials, but the key difference in operational estimates is that the estimator views a section of the work as a whole rather than as a set of separate items.
[edit] Operational Rate
Operational rate estimating is commonly used in the civil engineering industry. This is generally due to the larger quantities involved in civil engineering projects. The plant and machinery required in civil engineering works can also play a more significant role in the project. Operational estimating is preferred in plant-dominated projects.
Operational rate estimating can also be be used for pricing in design and build contracts where the contractor is responsible for their own pricing methods and a bill does not have to be produced.
The estimator will calculate all the resources needed for parts of the construction packages together rather than in isolation. Operational estimating will involve forecasting the cost of completing a construction operation, which may consist of many bill items.
Operational estimating will require a completed:
It is usually beneficial for the estimator to work alongside the operational teams to prepare the resource schedules and programmes as they may require comparative estimates or cost alternatives to help adopt the most suitable approach and achieve value for money.
Typical packages in operational estimating are:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- All-in rates.
- Approximate quantities cost plan.
- Bills of quantities.
- Budget.
- Capital.
- Contract sum.
- Cost control.
- Cost engineering.
- Cost information.
- Cost plan.
- Elemental cost plan.
- Estimating
- Initial cost appraisal.
- Measurement.
- New Rules of Measurement.
- Order of cost estimate.
- Pre-tender estimate.
- Tender cost.
- Unit rate estimating.
[edit] External references
- Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book by Duncan Cartlidge.
Featured articles and news
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.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.