Dayworks
Daywork sheets
Work valued on the basis of the actual time, materials and plant used, recorded daily on signed sheets, used where a variation cannot sensibly be priced by measurement.
Dayworks are the fallback valuation method under most building contracts for work that cannot be measured and priced against the contract rates: an instructed change with no comparable item, exploratory work, attendance on others, dealing with an unforeseen condition. The contractor records each day the labour (names, trades, hours), the plant (type, hours, standing or working) and the materials used on the instructed work, and has the sheet signed by the client's representative as a record of the resources, usually within a day or two. Valuation then applies the daywork rates (often the RICS Definition of Prime Cost of Daywork with agreed percentage additions) to the recorded resources.
The signature is for the record of resources, not agreement to the valuation or even that the work was a variation; the standard forms are explicit about that, and so should the sheet be. Unsigned daywork sheets weeks later are almost worthless. Sheets signed daily, with the instruction referenced and photographs attached, are the difference between being paid for the change and arguing about it at final account.
Where it comes from
- The building contract: JCT valuation rules (dayworks where measurement is not appropriate) and NEC compensation events assessed on Defined Cost.
- RICS Definition of Prime Cost of Daywork Carried Out Under a Building Contract.
Questions people ask
Does a signed daywork sheet mean I will be paid dayworks?
No. It means the resources recorded are agreed. Whether the work is a variation, and whether it is valued on dayworks or by measurement, is decided under the contract. The sheet is essential evidence for both arguments.
When should sheets be submitted?
Daily, or by the end of the week at the latest, referencing the instruction. Most contracts have a time bar for daywork vouchers; late ones can be rejected regardless of merit.
Dayworks, handled on a phone
SiteLynx puts the RAMS, permits, inspections, audits, plant checks and records behind every term in this glossary on the crew's phones, signed on site, with a PDF at the end. 14 days free, no card.
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