The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) is the leading provider of cost and carbon data to the UK built environment. Over 4,000 subscribing consultants, clients and contractors use BCIS products to control costs, manage budgets, mitigate risk and improve project performance.
Published: 08/10/2026
Construction rates in the BCIS Alterations and Refurbishment estimating dataset increased overall by 4.9% in the second quarter of 2026, compared with the same period last year.
The increase is taken from the average of rates across the trades covered in the dataset.
The figures show considerable variation between trades. Structural steelwork recorded the largest increase, at 8.4%, while glazing increased by 6.5% and rubble walling by 6.0%. External works rates increased by 5.9%, while floor, wall and ceiling finishes rose by 5.5%.
At the other end of the range, masonry rates increased by 1.6%, while electrical installations and metalwork both rose by 3.6%.
Source: BCIS Alterations and Refurbishment Estimating Prices
Karl Horton, data services director at BCIS, said: ‘The latest update shows that cost movement across alterations and refurbishment work is far from uniform, with structural steelwork and glazing seeing some of the greatest increases.
‘This is particularly relevant for refurbishment projects, where the scope and condition of an existing building can determine the mix of trades required. Understanding how rates are moving at trade level can therefore be crucial when estimating the cost of planned work.’
The dataset has undergone a thorough review and update, with new and additional rates and resources added.
2027 Edition Updates
The BCIS Alterations and Refurbishment Estimating Prices 2027 dataset now contains 15,652 total rates and 6,636 total resources, including 210 new or additional rates.
New and additional items include more than 100 painting and decorating rates, as well as rates for SIP panel walling, boiling and chilled water supply, and the testing of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems.
Horton added: ‘The additional rates expand the range of work covered by the dataset and reflect areas estimators may increasingly encounter when costing alteration and refurbishment projects.’
BCIS databases are created on a national average ‘best trade price’ basis and estimates can be rebased to suit project location, date and contract value. Custom percentages can also be applied for preliminaries, overheads and profit levels.
The Alterations and Refurbishment dataset is designed specifically for work to existing buildings, providing estimating rates for alteration, refurbishment and repair projects across a broad range of trades.
The Alterations and Refurbishment dataset is available to subscribers of BCIS OpX.
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