Construction Job Price Calculator
Construction projects carry higher risks, larger cash outlays, and complex logistics. Precise pricing is critical when a single miscalculation on foundations or plant hire can wipe out a week's profit.
Key pricing factors
Plant & Equipment Hire
Diggers, scaffolding, skips, and wacker plates. Include delivery and collection fees.
Site Setup & Welfare
Temporary fencing, portaloo hire, and secure tool storage for larger ongoing projects.
Groundwork Variables
Always caveat groundwork quotes. You don't know exactly what's beneath the soil until you dig.
Example: Single Story Extension Shell (Labour & Plant)
- Bricklayers (10 days)
- £4500.00
- Labourer (10 days)
- £1300.00
- Digger & Dumper Hire (1 week)
- £650.00
- Scaffolding
- £800.00
- Total Cost
- £7250.00
- Main Contractor Margin (20%)
- £1450.00
- Project Price
- £8700.00
Plant hire and scaffolding represent significant direct costs that require upfront payment, necessitating careful cash flow management.
Practical quoting guidance
- Use phased payment schedules tied to milestones (e.g., foundations poured, wall plate reached, roof on).
- Always quote groundwork "subject to site conditions".
- Ensure your quote explicitly excludes items the client is supplying to avoid confusion.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit should a builder take?
Never take full payment upfront. A 10-25% deposit to cover initial plant hire and custom materials is standard, followed by staged payments.
Do I need to include building control fees?
Specify whether your price includes building control and planning fees, or if the client is paying the council directly.