BCIS Schedule of rates and price books update for 2021

The latest BCIS review of construction costs shows that costs have generally risen between 1.0% to 4.7% over the last 12 months, however the picture is not the same across all trades. For example, the costs of brickwork and blockwork increased on average 3.26% whereas the cost of asphalt work and metalwork have, in general, remained unchanged. This underlines the importance of using the most up-to-date datasets to ensure accurate estimates.

The BCIS resource datasets have been completely revised and updated for 2021 to include all recent changes to wage rates, plant and materials prices and a range of new items. They are published in the following data sets:

• BCIS Comprehensive major works 2021 (38th edition)
  
• BCIS Comprehensive minor works 2021 (38th edition)
  
• BCIS Alterations & refurbishment 2021 (26th edition)
  

The BCIS major works estimating dataset is suitable for large 'new build' projects with a value around £3.5m, reflecting the economies of scale found in these types of scheme. The BCIS minor works estimating dataset covers small to medium sized 'new build' projects, around £1m in value, reflecting the increase in costs brought about by reduced output, lower discounts, and increased carriage and supervision.

The 2021 Comprehensive (major and minor works) editions include:

• New rates - solar panels and thermally broken steel lintels
  
• Specialist to detailed build-up rates - laminated flat roofing
  
• Extended section - waterproof membranes
  
• New items - laminated flooring and balconies
  

The Alterations & refurbishment dataset focuses on small to medium sized projects, generally within an existing building, and reflects the increased costs associated with restricted access and the possibility of working in occupied premises.

Additions to the Alterations & refurbishment 2021 dataset include:

• Extended section - waterproof membrane
  
• New rates - solar panel rates and thermally broken steel lintels rates
  
• Specialist to detailed build-up rates - laminated flat roofing
  

The supply prices of materials and plant hire charges are based on data collected during the second quarter of 2020 and constants for labour are based on working practices common in the first quarter of 2020. In some instances, it may be necessary to make adjustments in the short-term for the effect of the COVID-19 disruption, including the effect on productivity of implementing Procedures-19 Safe Operating Procedures.

With current uncertainty over price movements, purchasers of the price books and subscribers to the BCIS Schedule of rates online will be provided with an in-year update providing a summary of tender price, labour, material and plant input cost movements.

The Schedule of rates online versions of the datasets are accessible on computer, netbook or tablet. These allows subscribers to create, save and reuse abstracts for Bills of quantities or estimates and have the option of adjusting rates for location and base date as well as providing rate breakdowns.

Printed copies of BCIS Comprehensive major and minor 2021 and the BCIS Alterations and refurbishments 2021 are available from BCIS price books

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