Consumables are goods that are used up in the course of carrying out construction work and do not form a significant identifiable part of the finished works, such as welding rods, fixings and fasteners, tape, glue, cutting discs and similar sundry items.
Because consumables are low in value individually and difficult to measure, they are rarely billed as separate items. Estimators usually allow for them within the rates for the work, as a percentage addition or within plant and site overheads. On cost reimbursable contracts, or when assessing changes on a cost basis, it is important to check how the contract treats consumables, so that they are neither paid twice nor left out.
- Typically allowed for in rates rather than measured.
- Small tools are often grouped with consumables in contractors’ cost records.
- On cost reimbursable work, check whether consumables are recoverable as cost or included in a fee or percentage.
Related terms: materials, small tools, site overheads, cost reimbursable contract.
