Cost Reference
How Much Should Construction Cost?
Transparent UK construction pricing data. Understand every line of a quote — the knowledge built into TISSCA's estimating engine.
What Goes Into a Quote
Construction costs are often misunderstood. Tradespeople may quote £5,000 for work that others charge £10,000 for. This section breaks down every cost component so you can read any quote with confidence.
Materials & Supplies
Quality tiers, waste factors, and how to get value.
Read More →Labour Costs
Understanding daily rates and skill levels.
Read More →Equipment & Tool Hire
Scaffolding, access, and specialist equipment.
Read More →Site Setup & Cleanup
Protection, waste removal, and restoration.
Read More →Permits & Compliance
Building regulations, certification, and approvals.
Read More →Contingency & Unknowns
Why buffer costs are essential and realistic.
Read More →Costs by Trade
Different trades have different cost drivers. Select a trade to see detailed breakdowns.
Key Principles of Fair Pricing
You Get What You Pay For
Budget work means shortcuts. Professional work costs more because it lasts longer and looks better.
Labour is 60-70% of Most Costs
What varies most is skill, experience, and efficiency. A skilled tradesperson works faster with fewer mistakes.
Regional Differences Are Real
London prices are 30-50% higher than Midlands prices — driven by living costs, not greed.
Contingency Isn't Greed
10-15% contingency covers hidden damp, asbestos, structural surprises, and design changes.
Transparent Pricing Builds Trust
Professional quotes break down materials, labour, and overhead. Vague quotes are red flags.
Turn knowledge into quotes
TISSCA's built-in calculators and quoting engine use real cost data to generate professional quotes in seconds.