Indicative rates for common construction activities. Use as a reference guide for budgeting, checking tenders, or early-stage estimates.
Granular sub-base, laid & compacted
Blockwork, supply & lay
New rate guides added regularly. Get an email the moment fresh rates go live.
Get updates →Tap any activity to see the full breakdown
A granular sub-base is a dense-graded crushed-rock layer laid onto a prepared formation and compacted in layers to form the load-bearing foundation beneath paving, slabs or a bound surface. In the UK this material is often referred to as Type 1. This rate is the supply, placement and compaction of that granular layer only, measured per m³ of compacted material in place. The material grade is the choice that moves the rate most:
The rate assumes a trimmed, prepared formation is already in place. Excavation to formation, disposal of arisings, any separation membrane and the surfacing above are all separate activities and are excluded.
Net rate per m³ placed & compacted, national average, excluding overhead and profit. Within each band the low end is a large machine-laid open area and the high end is small or hand-laid work. Assumes ~2.1 t/m³ compacted with a 5% overfill allowance.
Budget rate generator — choose the material grade and how it is placed
Tap any activity to see the full breakdown
Blockwork is the building of walls from precast concrete blocks bedded in mortar. This guide gives a budget rate for supplying and laying one m² of single-skin wall. A key cost driver is the block thickness. Here are the three common blocks and where they’re used:
Budget rate per m² of single-skin wall, supply and lay
Budget rate generator