Market prices

What every construction price reference should record

A reliable price reference records the item description, specification, unit, currency, tax basis, supplier or source, location, date, availability, delivery basis, and intended project use. Without those fields, the number is difficult to verify or update.

Geographic scope: Construction estimates and cost plans in Zambia

Identity fields

  • Clear item or resource description
  • Specification, size, grade, or role
  • Pricing unit and currency
  • Supplier or benchmark source

Context fields

  • Region and collection point
  • Project delivery destination
  • VAT and discount basis
  • Stock or resource availability
  • Observation or quotation date

Decision fields

  • Chosen rate and reason
  • Transport and handling allowance
  • Wastage or productivity assumption
  • Escalation or risk allowance
  • Reviewer and review date

Use the checklist during updates

When a rate changes, update its context rather than replacing only the number. This preserves the evidence trail and shows whether the movement came from the market, specification, quantity, location, or commercial basis.

Method and limitations

Checklist derived from Quotify's material, supplier, labour, equipment, and logistics data fields.