Category: Quantities & pricing
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
Waste allowance is extra quantity added to the net quantity to cover cutting, breakage and losses in transport and fixing.
Why it matters on a project
It varies by material and method: large-format tiles and complex patterns need more waste than standard tiles.
Measurement and pricing
Added in the rate analysis, not to the BOQ quantity, because the BOQ measures net work done.
Worked example
Net tile quantity 200 m² with 8% waste: order 216 m² from the supplier, while the BOQ item stays at 200 m².
Common mistake
Adding waste to the BOQ quantity itself, so the contractor is paid for work not done or waste is counted twice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the waste allowance for rebar?
It varies with bar lengths, sizes and cutting method; a good bar bending schedule reduces it.
Does the owner pay for waste?
Indirectly, inside the unit rate, not as a separate quantity.
Related terms
- Unit rateThe item price per unit of measure, built from material, labour and equipment then indirect costs and profit.
- Quantity take-offExtracting quantities from drawings under defined measurement rules, with a reference for every figure.
- Porcelain tilesHigh-density, low-absorption ceramic tiles suited to heavy-use floors.
- Bar bending schedule (BBS)A schedule listing the diameter, length, shape and number of reinforcement bars per element.
Read next
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