SEC estimating software allows over a thousand cost heads to be created. When prime costs are inputted the costhead is selected which allows the M&E contractor to easily model their tender.
Example Electrical Estimate
The estimator sets up the M&E estimate section as per the tender documentation, occasionally rationalising it. The estimator then selects items from the database; items on the database have a labour rate allocated (based on the ETS labour manual) the M&E contractors discounts are applied to the prime cost which creates a net material cost, the labour time is multiplied by the prime cost of labour (£30 per hour is used), but the M&E contractor may calculate their own prime cost based on the ECA/RICS (Electrical Contractors Association/Royal Institute of Charted Surveyors) prime cost calculation sheet
Prime Cost Of Labour – How much should you charge?
or the HVCA/RICS (Heating and Ventilation Contractor Association/Royal Institute of Charted Surveyors).