Last edited 22 Feb 2021

Working up construction works

1 Introduction
2 Taking off
3 Workup sheets
4 Workup and property purchasing
5 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

Working up (or creating a workup) refers to the process of collating the details of the measured elements of construction works before prices have been determined. This information is then used to produce an unpriced bill of quantities (BoQ).

An unpriced bill of quantities (BoQ) is essentially an estimate in the form of a template. It breaks down the work required on a project into tasks but has no measured quantity (or price) by each task. For more information see: Unpriced bill of quantities.

[edit] Taking off

Before working up takes place, elements are identified through the taking off process. The term taking off refers to the process of identifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced. This is necessary to produce bills of quantities and requires that the design is complete and a specification has been prepared.

Analysis of drawings and specifications allows the cost consultant (usually a quantity surveyor) to prepare a taking off list, which lists all of the individual elements that comprise the works.

For more information see: Taking off.

[edit] Workup sheets

The process of taking off includes calculating measurements of the components by number, length, area, volume, weight or time. All items must be accounted for through the take off process. This information is then entered on workup sheets.

Quantities from workup sheets are generally grouped based on work category. This information is then transferred to a summary sheet for pricing.

[edit] Workup and property purchasing

In the United States, the term workup can also be used to describe an estimate created for a prospective purchaser of a building lot, including the plan and options. In this instance, the workup takes place before the purchase agreement is signed.