This schedule provides a convenient starting reference for reviewing and building up construction costs. It organises common work items by element and includes descriptions, measurement units and indicative amounts for 2026.
Download the 2026 unit-rate PDF
What the PDF contains
- 24 pages of construction unit-rate references
- Element and sub-element classifications
- Work-item groupings and technical descriptions
- Common measurement units
- Indicative reference amounts for 2026
How to use the reference schedule
Use the schedule as an initial sense-check or starting point when developing a preliminary estimate. Confirm that the description, unit, quality, working conditions and included obligations match the particular project before applying any rate.
Rates should be adjusted or rebuilt where the project differs in scale, location, access, phasing, specification, quantity, risk allocation or tender conditions. Small quantities and constrained working conditions can produce materially different prices from larger, repetitive work.
Why project-specific rate build-ups matter
A unit rate can include labour, materials, plant, wastage, transport, supervision, overheads, profit and other allowances. Differences in any of these components can change the appropriate rate. A reliable estimate should therefore be based on the current project information rather than a reference figure alone.
Sharing this resource
Construction and property professionals may link to this resource page when sharing cost-planning guidance. Please link to this page rather than uploading a separate copy, so readers receive the accompanying limitations and current version.
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