Elemental Cost Analysis
User
Manual
Contents
Introduction to Elemental Cost Analysis........................................................................... 5
Elemental Cost Codes ..................................................................................................... 5
Elemental Cost Analysis .................................................................................................. 6
Introduction to Elemental Cost Analysis
The purpose of cost analysis is to provide data that allows comparisons to be made
between the costs of achieving various building functions in a project with those of
achieving equivalent functions in other projects. It is the analysis of the cost of a building
in terms of its elements. An element for cost analysis purposes is defined as a major
physical part of a building that fulfils a specific function or functions irrespective of its
design, specification or construction. The list of elements, however, is a compromise
between this definition and what is considered practical.
The cost analysis allows for varying degrees of detail related to the design process;
broad costs for building types are needed during the initial period and progressively
more detail is required as the design is developed. The elemental costs are related to
square metre of gross internal floor area and also to a parameter more closely
identifiable with the elements function – the element unit quantity.
Elemental Cost Codes
For the purpose of this manual, BCIS Elemental Cost Coding has been used but the
User may adapt to code for any coding system or even one specifically designed by the
user or his/her company.
The Elemental Cost Codes are defined in “Definitions & Settings”. The example below is
using two levels of coding, but the system caters for up to nine levels.
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The Elemental Cost Coding should be structured to provide the most effective cost
planning data for you organisation.
The (Sub-Elemental) Cost Codes are the lowest level and are allocated to the BOQ
items as can be seen from the screen shot below.
Create a new document by adding columns 17.17-20 from the column selector, View >
Add/Remove Columns > Codes & Factors.
The factor column is used to determine the quantity of a Sub-Element by taking the bill
quantity and multiplying by the factor of each item. The cost per unit of a Sub-Element is
the product of the total amount divided by the factored quantity.
Elemental Cost Analysis
The cost analysis documents can be located from Estimating > Finalisation > Job
Analysis II > Element Analysis, these documents can be customised to requirements.
Similar reports are available from the Report Manager.
The document below analyses the Elemental rate per unit as well as the cost per GFSA
as well as the Sub-Elemental rate per unit. The GFSA rate as below, is one of up to 10
functional quantities that can be used to compare the rate of an Element. To change the
GFSA quantity insert the new quantity in the Quantity column.
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