BCIS (Building Cost Information Service) is the leading provider of cost and price data for the UK construction industry. Operated by RICS, BCIS provides essential benchmarking data used by quantity surveyors, cost consultants, and construction professionals for cost planning and estimating.
Services Provided
BCIS offers:
- Cost analyses – Detailed elemental cost breakdowns of completed projects
- Tender price indices – Tracking construction price movements over time
- Location factors – Regional cost adjustments across the UK
- Rebuilding cost data – For insurance reinstatement valuations
- Schedule of rates – Unit rates for maintenance and minor works
Use in Cost Estimating
BCIS data is essential for:
- Preparing order of cost estimates using benchmark data
- Checking cost plan allowances against market norms
- Adjusting historical costs for inflation using indices
- Comparing tender returns to industry benchmarks
Elemental Classification
BCIS uses a standard elemental classification aligned with NRM 1, allowing consistent comparison of costs across different projects and building types.
Related Terms
See also: Cost Index, Quantity Surveyor, Cost Estimation
