Estimates of labour-only costs for owner-supplied materials, labour-only contracts and trade package pricing.
On some projects the owner or main contractor supplies the materials and engages labour only. In that case a full-rate price is the wrong yardstick.
A labour-only rate estimate separates the labour component from materials, giving you a benchmark for trade quotes and a clearer picture of total cost.
Who this is for
- Owner-builders engaging trades directly
- Owners supplying their own materials
- Contractors pricing labour-only subcontracts
- Lenders needing a clear view of an owner-build budget
What is included
Labour by trade package
Labour costs broken down by trade, from groundworks to finishing.
Productivity-based pricing
Rates reflect realistic output and current NZ labour costs.
Separate materials allowance
Where useful, we also provide a materials estimate so you can see the total.
Benchmark for trade quotes
Compare what trades quote with what the work should cost.
Clear exclusions
We state what is outside the labour-only scope.
Programme-aware pricing
Allowances for sequencing and rework risk where appropriate.
Documents we will ask for
- Plans and specification
- Trade quotes you want to compare
- List of materials the owner will supply
- Programme or stage plan
Not sure what you have? Send what is available and we will confirm exactly what is needed.
How it works
- Tell us your approach. Which materials you supply and which trades you will engage.
- Fixed-fee quote. We confirm the fee and timeframe.
- Price the labour. We price labour by package using current rates.
- Estimate delivered. Clear labour-only estimate with assumptions.
Related services
- QS Reports for Owner Builds: Funding an owner-build? We prepare the independent QS report your lender needs, covering your budget, trade quotes, materials and cost to complete.
- New Build – Full Rate Estimate Cost: A detailed, measured estimate for a new home or development, priced at full market rates for labour, materials, plant and margin.
- Cost Planning & Construction Budgets: Construction budgets and cost plans that set a target, allocate it across the project and keep design decisions honest.
This guide is general information only and does not replace advice on your specific project. Costs, building rules and lender or insurer requirements change and every project is different, so please speak to us about your own circumstances before acting.
Labour-Only Rate Estimate Cost FAQs
When you are supplying materials yourself or engaging trades directly, so you need to benchmark labour separately from materials.
Yes. We can provide a combined estimate so you can see the full cost.
It can support a funding application for an owner-build, and we can prepare a full QS report for the lender as well.
Ready to talk about Labour-Only Rate Estimate Cost?
Contact us today for a fixed-price quote. Independent, accurate and professional.