ABSTRACT
Materials costs within the rates have been calculated using the 'list prices' contained in Part 3: Resources (pages 40 to 118), with an index appearing on page 39), adjusted to allow for delivery charges (if any) and a 'reasonable' level of discount obtainable by the contractor, this will vary very much depending on the contractor's standing, the potential size of the order and the supplier's eagerness and will vary also between raw traded goods such as timber which will attract a low discount of perhaps 3%, if at all, and manufactured goods where the room for bargaining is much greater and can reach levels of 30% to 40%. High demand for a product at the time of pricing can dramatically reduce the potential discount, as can the world economy in the case of imported goods such as timber and copper. Allowance has also been made for wastage on site (generally 2½% to 5%) dependent upon the risk of damage, the actual level should take account of the nature of the material and its method of storage and distribution about the site. Labour cost
The composition of the labour and type of plant is generally stated at the beginning of each section, more detailed information on the calculation of the labour rates is given in Part 3: Resources, pages 33 to 37. In addition on pages 37 and 38 is a summary of labour grades and responsibilities extracted from the Working Rule Agreement. Within Parts 4 and 5, each section is prefaced by a detailed build-up of the labour gang assumed for each type of work. This should allow the user to see the cost impact of a different gang as well as different levels of bonus payments, allowances for skills and conditions, travelling allowances etc. The user should be aware that the output constants are based on the gangs shown and would also need to be changed. Plant cost
A rate build-up of suitable plant is generally stated at the beginning of each section, with more detailed information on alternative machines and their average fuel costs being given in Part 3: Resources, pages 117 to 146. Within Parts 4 and 5, each section is prefaced by a detailed build-up of plant assumed for each type of work This should allow the
120). The user should be aware that the output constants are based on the plant shown and would also need to be changed. Outputs
The user is directed to Part 13: Outputs (pages 591 to 600), which contains a selection of output constants and in particular a chart of haulage times for various capacities of Tippers on page 593. Method of Measurement A keynote to bills of quantities for highway works is the brevity of descriptions due to a strong emphasis being placed on the estimator pricing the work described in the Specification and shown on the Drawings. Although this part of the book is primarily based on MMHW, the specific rules have been varied from in cases where it has been felt that an alternative presentation would be of value to the book's main purpose of providing guidance on prices. This is especially so with a number of specialist contractors but also in the cases of work where a more detailed presentation will enable the user to allow for ancillary items.
