Pricing & allowances

Prime Cost Sum (PC Sum)

An allowance for the supply of a particular item that has not yet been selected, with associated labour, waste, delivery and mark-up treated as the quote states.

Alphabetised construction reference cards beside a drawing and scale ruler
Construction glossaryCategory: Pricing & allowances.
Definition

An allowance for the supply of a particular item that has not yet been selected, with associated labour, waste, delivery and mark-up treated as the quote states.

Why it matters

The allowance needs a clear scope and adjustment method so a later selection can be priced fairly.

Example in practice

The quote carries a £35/m² PC sum for tile supply and prices fixing labour separately.

Use the term carefully

State the scope, amount, adjustment method or contract meaning whenever this term could change who carries cost or risk.