Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1.

Gather information.

1.1.

Job requirements are determined through discussion with customer or from information supplied.

1.2.

Plans and specifications  are accessed and site is inspected to confirm requirements.

1.3.

Details of products and services to be provided are developed and checked for availability and fitness for purpose.

1.4.

Delivery point and methods of transportation are determined where necessary.

1.5.

Details of job tasks are accurately recorded and checked according to workplace procedures.

1.6.

Information about material, labour and overhead costs is obtained and checked to be current and accurate.

2.

Estimate materials, labour and time.

2.1.

Work, including preparatory tasks, is planned and sequenced to cover all necessary activity.

2.2.

Types and quantities of materials  required for work are estimated based on availability, fitness for purpose, and current costs.

2.3.

Labour requirements to perform work tasks and complete the job are estimated.

2.4.

Time requirements to perform work tasks are accurately estimated and checked with appropriate personnel.

3.

Calculate costs.

3.1.

Totals of individual materials, labour and overhead costs  are calculated according to workplace procedures and statutory requirements.

3.2.

Other project-specific costs  are identified and calculated according to workplace procedures.

3.3.

Total work cost is calculated, including mark-up percentages set by appropriate personnel.

3.4.

Final cost for work is calculated by applying profit margin according to workplace procedures, and is checked for accuracy.

4.

Document and verify details.

4.1.

Details of costs and charges are clearly and accurately documented according to workplace procedures.

4.2.

Costs, calculations or other details are verified according to workplace procedures and current costing data.

4.3.

Costing estimate and materials take-off are prepared for quote.

4.4.

Costing documents  are accurately completed for future reference according to workplace procedures.

This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill 

Performance feature  

Learning skills to:

• draw on experience of estimating labour time requirements and material costs, and apply knowledge to new jobs to be costed.

Oral communication skills to:

• confirm requirements with customer
• use listening and questioning to clarify any issues.

Reading skills to:

• read and interpret material specifications, job safety analyses (JSA) and Australian standards relevant to work to be undertaken.

Writing skills to:

• produce accurate and legible written costing information.

Technology skills to:

• find and interpret information relevant to current costings for materials and labour using simple internet searches
• use estimating and costing templates and software.

This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Plans and specifications  must include three or more of the following:

• building codes
• conceptual and preliminary sketches or drawings
• environmental requirements relating to the acquisition, use and disposal of materials
• project brief and scope of works, including relevant project plans and detailed project requirements
• quotation conditions and terms of contract
• relevant Australian standards and industry standards.

Types and quantities of materials  must include five or more of the following:

• aluminium
• brick and blockwork
• cement, sand, aggregates and bonding agents
• claddings
• decorative finishes
• doors, windows and trims
• fillers
• fixings and fastenings
• glazing
• hardware
• medium density fibreboard (MDF) or alternative substrate panelling
• paint
• prefinished boards and laminates
• solid surfaces
• steel
• tiles
• timber.

Labour costs  must include:

• estimation of time for manufacture, delivery, installation or application
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• wages and on-costs for different types of construction workers.

Overhead costs  must include:

• administration
• insurance
• transport
• use of communication technology.

Other project-specific costs  must include at least two of the following:

• plant and equipment hire
• project-related signs
• site facilities
• statutory fees and charges
• transport and delivery charges
• waste removal fees.

Costing documents  must include three of the following:

• costing spreadsheets
• job sheets
• labour time allocation
• materials lists and estimates
• quotation templates
• take-off sheets.