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
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.























