Use Benchmarks to build a regional reference cost basis, then compare your estimates with typical construction costs for the same building type and measurement basis. Review the overall cost per area, costs by element, and matched line items to identify where an estimate sits below, within, or above the reference range.
If you do not have an active workspace, select or create one from the switcher in the sidebar before using Benchmarks. A basis belongs to a workspace.
If you have not created a basis yet, select Build a cost basis. If a basis is already displayed, select New basis.
The reference cost basis is saved to your workspace. Building another basis for the same region and building type replaces the existing basis for that combination, so use consistent names for regions and building types.
While the basis is being created, Benchmarks shows Building…. You can select Stop to stop the process. When the basis is ready, it becomes the selected basis.
To compare an estimate, use Compare and select a priced estimate. The list includes the Project name, estimate title, cost per area or total cost, and building type. Select No estimate to return to the basis without an estimate comparison.
When an estimate is selected, Benchmarks shows:
A line item is matched only when its unit agrees with a reference item and the CSI code, element, or sufficiently similar description supports the match. Optional line items are not included in the comparison. Unmatched line items are left unscored rather than assigned an unreliable reference.
If an element has no priced items, Benchmarks displays No priced items in this basis yet. Any available caveats appear under What would move these numbers, describing conditions that could materially change the figures.
Warning: Reference figures are AI-generated and exclude GST. Use the stated currency, area unit, basis date, and caveats when deciding whether a result is useful for your Project.
The estimate may not include a gross floor area, or it may use a different area unit from the selected basis. Add the Project size and choose or build a basis using the same Area unit.
Only estimates with a calculated total appear in the comparison list. Check that the estimate has been priced and has a total before returning to Benchmarks.
A line item is scored only when its unit matches a reference item and the CSI code, element, or description provides a reliable match. Unmatched lines remain unscored. A basis for the Project’s own building type can improve matching.
Within band means the estimate rate is between the reference low and high values. Above band means it is higher than the reference high value. Below band means it is lower than the reference low value.
Typical is the rate Benchmarks carries when there is no other information. It is the middle point used to show the reference comparison and calculate the difference and impact.
No. Building a basis for a region and building type that already exists replaces that saved basis. You can keep bases for different regions or building types.
Yes, if you are an owner or admin in the workspace. Select the delete control for the selected basis. Deleting a basis removes it from the workspace and does not delete your Project or estimate.
Review the selected region, building type, Currency, and Area unit, then build the basis again. If the problem continues, use the caveats shown in Benchmarks and validate the needed rates with local pricing information.
