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