Interactive Quantity Surveying Rate Analysis Calculator Simulator

Quantity Surveying Rate Analysis Calculator Simulator

Created By : Ir. MD Nursyazwi

Instructions on How To Use: Methodology and Execution

This simulator facilitates a comprehensive first-principles rate analysis suitable for Malaysian construction contracts, adhering to standard Quantity Surveying (QS) principles. The process is segmented into three primary phases: Data Input, Computational Analysis, and Output Visualisation.

1. Template Initialisation: Begin by selecting a relevant Pre-built Template to load standard resource consumption factors for common construction elements (e.g., Tiling, Brickwork). This populates the initial data fields.
2. Data Refinement: Navigate to the Data Input section. Critically review and adjust the Consumption (Quantity) and Unit Rate (RM) values for all Materials, Labour, and Plant resources based on current market data and project specifications. Use the "Add Row" button for additional resources.
3. Analysis Execution: Adjust the Contractor's Overhead and Profit percentages in the Summary section as necessary. Click 'GENERATE FINAL RATE ANALYSIS' to compute the Prime Cost and Selling Rate.
4. Verification and Export: Review the results in the Data Output and Graphs and Charts sections for verification. Utilise the 'EXPORT TO CSV' function for documentation and integration into Bills of Quantities (BQs) or cost reports.

Accuracy of the final rate is directly proportional to the fidelity of the input resource consumption factors and market rates provided by the user.

Data Input: Resource Quantification and Costing

Select Pre-built Template Ceramic Wall Tiling (300x300) Brickwall (225mm, 1:3 Mortar) Concrete Cast In-Situ (Grade 30)

Item Description

Unit

Analysis Basis (e.g., Output per Unit of Work)

1. Materials Cost

Description	Unit	Consumption (Qty)	Unit Rate (RM)	Sub-Total (RM)
Total Material Cost (A)				RM 0.00

2. Labour Cost

Trade	Unit	Time/Consumption (Man-Hrs)	Unit Rate (RM/Man-Hr)	Sub-Total (RM)
Total Labour Cost (B)				RM 0.00

3. Plant & Equipment Cost / Sundries

Description	Unit	Time/Consumption (Hrs)	Unit Rate (RM/Hr)	Sub-Total (RM)
Total Plant Cost (C)				RM 0.00

Graphical Simulation: Cost Component Ratios

This dynamic bar chart illustrates the relative proportional contribution of each cost element—Material (A), Labour (B), Plant (C), Overhead (OH), and Profit (P)—to the total calculated Selling Rate (100%).

Material (A)

Labour (B)

Plant (C)

Overhead (OH)

Profit (P)

Data Output: Final Financial Breakdown

The table below presents the quantitative final assessment of the item rate, detailing the cumulative costs and the application of non-recoverable operational factors (Overhead and Profit) to establish the commercial Selling Rate.

Total Material Cost (A)	RM 0.00
Total Labour Cost (B)	RM 0.00
Total Plant & Sundry Cost (C)	RM 0.00
PRIME COST (A + B + C)	RM 0.00
Add: Contractor's Overhead (%) %	RM 0.00
Add: Contractor's Profit (%) %	RM 0.00
SELLING RATE (TOTAL) per m²	RM 0.00

Graphs and Charts: Cost Allocation Visualization

This secondary visualization provides the exact calculated values and the corresponding percentage breakdown of the total cost, serving as a critical check for budget alignment and resource allocation strategy.

Cost Element	Value (RM)	Percentage of Total Rate

Science Explanations: Principles of First-Principles Cost Estimation

The methodology employed herein is based on the First-Principles Cost Estimation technique, a fundamental procedure in construction economics. This method necessitates the detailed quantification of every resource required to produce a single unit of the finished work item. It contrasts sharply with empirical or historical costing by focusing on intrinsic inputs.

The core of this analysis involves breaking down the total rate into its three constituent Prime Cost elements (A, B, C), each requiring a specialized quantification approach:

1. Materials Cost (A): Quantification and Wastage
   The unique quality of materials rate analysis lies in accounting for non-recoverable losses (wastage). The consumption rate utilized is not the theoretical quantity (the net quantity) but the Net Quantity plus a Percentage Allowance for Wastage and Breakage (typically 3% to 10% depending on the material, its fragility, and site conditions). This adjusted quantity is then multiplied by the Delivered Unit Rate (RM), which incorporates the basic purchase price, transportation costs, taxes, and any handling charges up to the point of effective use on site. Accurate wastage factors are critical for budget control.
2. Labour Cost (B): Productivity and Man-Hours
   This component is quantified through the concept of Productivity and Man-Hours. Instead of just multiplying total project hours by a wage, the analysis determines the Man-Hour Consumption Rate (Man-Hours per Unit), which is the inverse of the expected output rate (Output per Man-Hour) for a specific trade or gang composition. This consumption rate implicitly factors in normal working inefficiencies, necessary breaks, and site productivity loss (P-factor), ensuring the calculated labour cost is realistic for complex site conditions, not just perfect theoretical output. This leads to a truly accurate hourly cost for the specific task.
3. Plant & Equipment Cost (C): Ownership, Hiring, and Sundry Allowance
   The cost of machinery is calculated based on its contribution to the unit of work. For major plant (e.g., cranes, excavators), the cost may be derived from an Ownership Cost (covering depreciation, capital, maintenance, and insurance) or a Hiring Cost (daily/monthly rate). This is accurately converted to a cost per hour and then to a Cost per Unit of Output based on the expected productivity. For minor tools and equipment/sundries (e.g., scaffolding, small electric tools), a fixed, small Sundry Allowance (S)—often expressed as a percentage of the total material/labour cost or a nominal fixed rate—is applied to cover their running costs and depreciation within the unit rate.

The resulting Prime Cost (PC) is then aggregated using the algebraic formulation: Total Cost = Sum (Quantity x Rate). The Prime Cost is subsequently augmented by factors for Overhead (OH), covering non-project specific costs, and Profit (P), which represents the contractor's margin. This rigorous, itemised approach is the hallmark of professional quantity surveying, providing a defensible and auditable basis for tender submission.

References: Academic Citations in Quantity Surveying

The computational framework and terminology utilized in this simulator align with established international standards and specific Malaysian practices in quantity surveying and cost engineering. Recommended academic and professional resources include:

• Ferry, D. J., & Brandon, P. S. (2012). Cost Planning of Buildings. (8th ed.). Blackwell Science.
• CIDB. (2020). Standard Building Contract: Conditions of Contract. Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia. (Guidance on commercial risk and margin application).
• Seeley, I. H. (1996). Building Economics: Appraisal and Control of Building Design Cost and Efficiency. (4th ed.). Macmillan Press.
• RICS. (2021). New Rules of Measurement (NRM). Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. (Principles regarding resource grouping and quantification).

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