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Topic: estimating

User: normbac, Location: Washington State

Asked on: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 3:13 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:06 am EDT

Question: was working with estimating program and wanted input on items. I have always done manual takeoff and am now learning to use programs.Question is on labor burdens would that be work comp, medical per employee etc;Also on overhead and profit, is this material markup and percentage of co. expenditures to keep doors open, it seems this is the number that gets you the job since all co. have different overhead and material markup. Is there a standard on this percentage for the O&P column? Thanks for any input

Labor Burdens

Yes, labor burdens typically include: Workers' compensation insurance Medical insurance per employee Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) Payroll taxes (e.g., social security, Medicare) Overtime pay premiums Employee benefits (e.g., health and dental insurance, retirement contributions)Overhead and Profit (O&P)

O&P typically consists of: Indirect labor

Salaries of office staff, supervisors, and other non-field employees


Equipment costs

Rental or purchase of equipment, maintenance, and repairs

Material markup

Percentage added to material costs to cover handling, storage, and other expenses


Administrative expenses

Rent, utilities, insurance, marketing, and other expenses needed to keep the business operating

Contingency fund

A reserve for unexpected expenses or project delays


Profit

The amount the contractor aims to make from the project

Standard Percentage for O&P


There is no industry-standard percentage for O&P, as it varies depending on the following factors: Type of construction project Size and complexity of the project Geographic location Contractor's overhead costs* Market competitionHowever, as a general rule of thumb, O&P can range from 15% to 25% of the total project cost. Contractors typically determine their O&P percentage based on their historical overhead costs and anticipated profit margin.

Importance of O&P

O&P is a crucial component of a construction estimate because it accounts for the indirect costs associated with running a business. It ensures that the contractor can cover all their expenses, make a reasonable profit, and stay in business.By accurately estimating labor burdens and O&P, contractors can provide realistic and competitive bids that reflect the true cost of completing the project. Flag for review

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