Estimating Basics – Contingencies, work-charged staff, detailed specs, and market rate Which of the following statements is correct in the context of preparing detailed estimates?

Introduction / Context:
Accurate estimates rely on clear terminology: contingencies, work-charged establishment, detailed specifications, and market rate. Knowing these definitions avoids omissions and mispricing in tenders and DPRs (Detailed Project Reports).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard building works estimate.
• Need to include non-measurable incidentals, staffing, material requirements, and prevailing rates.

Concept / Approach:
Each term has a specific meaning in estimating practice, guiding how costs are grouped and justified in the BOQ and the summary sheet.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Contingencies ⇒ provision for unforeseen, incidental expenditure.Work-charged establishment ⇒ staff wages charged directly to the work during execution.Detailed specifications ⇒ technical prescription of material quality, proportion, workmanship, and tests.Market rate ⇒ current open-market procurement price per unit.

Verification / Alternative check:
These align with textbook and code definitions used in government estimates and CPWD practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• a–d are each correct, so “All of the above” is the correct combined choice.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing contingencies with provisions for price escalation, or misclassifying permanent staff under work-charged establishment, may distort budget lines.

Final Answer:
All of the above