How the cost workbook works

The cost workbook is a spreadsheet-style variation pricing sheet. You build up a price as rows under section headings, the way you would on paper, and prepare the submission wording.

1. 1

   Start from the template

   Use the standard variation pricing template to lay down section headings for labour, materials, plant, subcontractors and preliminaries — or add your own headings and subheadings.

2. 2

   Add cost rows

   Under each heading, add cost rows with a quantity, unit, rate and factor. The row total (quantity × rate × factor) and the section subtotals calculate live. Use a negative value for a credit or omission.

3. 3

   Add overhead, profit and GST

   Apply your overhead and profit (or a single combined margin), and GST, to build the direct subtotal up to the total variation value.

4. 4

   Record assumptions and exclusions

   Note what the price assumes and excludes so the builder understands the basis.

5. 5

   Copy or export

   Copy a pricing summary or costed submission text, or export the row-based workbook as CSV for your records or to attach to your submission.

The cost workbook is a commercial calculation aid, not accounting, tax, quantity surveying or legal advice. Check your own figures.