Rate analysis on the PWD Schedule of Rates: how EstiMatrix builds it

A rate analysis explains what one unit of work costs: the materials, labour and equipment needed, multiplied by their rates, plus overhead, profit and VAT. EstiMatrix builds one for every PWD Schedule of Rates item you add.

Where the quantities come from

The analysis reads the item's own specification and the headings it inherits — mix ratio (1:2:4, 1:1.5:3), concrete strength, sand fineness modulus, cement type, mortar ratio, plaster thickness, rebar grade — and applies standard norms. For concrete, for example, the dry volume of materials is 1.54 × the wet volume, split by the mix ratio (see concrete material quantities).

Which rates are used

• PWD basic rates of the same edition, for all four zones. The line follows your project zone automatically.
• Today's market prices from the EstiMatrix market hub, shown in a second column.
• Wastage per material class — rebar, cement, sand, aggregate, bricks — from Tools → Taxes & margins.

The balancing line

The published SoR rate is the official rate. Norm-based components rarely add up to exactly that figure, so EstiMatrix adds a balancing line that makes the PWD-basis total equal the published rate. The BOQ keeps the official rate, while the materials still flow into the material requisition and the market comparison.

Items without a standard breakdown

Ready-mix concrete, formwork systems, electro-mechanical items and lifts carry one composite line you can replace with your own breakdown.

Custom items

A custom item starts with its own rate-analysis template; the analysed rate becomes the BOQ rate. Save it with the ★ button to your library — the item, its analysis and its measurement rows travel together to future projects.

Overtime and special labour

Use + Overtime on a day-rated labour line to price overtime hours at day rate ÷ 8 × a factor of 1.0–1.1.

Market check

Turn on PWD vs Market to see, item by item, where the market rate exceeds the PWD rate — the overrun a contractor must absorb or negotiate. When market prices change, EstiMatrix offers to update the analyses and shows the net budget impact first.

Specialised items

Retrofitting items — jacketing, micro-concrete, epoxy injection, chemical anchors, CFRP — show a badge offering a technical consultation from Prime Base Engineering, because those works depend on calibrated equipment and experienced crews as much as on the rate.