Project Mobilization Cost Calculator

Mobilization scope mapping

Start by defining what “mobilization” covers in your contract: people, plant, temporary works, compliance, and startup testing. Break the scope into cost codes, assign responsible owners, and attach vendor quotes or internal rates. Use day-based assumptions only where time truly drives cost. This calculator supports both unit-driven and lump-sum entries for transparent, auditable budgeting.

Crew logistics budgeting

Crew-related mobilization is often the largest driver. Estimate crew count and duration using the first workable schedule, then apply realistic labor rates for travel days, orientation, inductions, and standby. Add travel per person and daily accommodation when the site is remote. If rotations apply, convert them into average days on site, not calendar days.

Equipment and access readiness

Equipment transport costs rise with distance, routing restrictions, and lift planning. Count equipment units that must arrive before production begins, then apply transport per unit including permits, escorts, and demurrage risk. Add setup and commissioning as a separate lump sum to reflect rigging, calibration, and supplier attendance. Early equipment readiness reduces idle labor and schedule drift.

Temporary facilities and compliance

Temporary facilities include offices, storage, fencing, welfare, and signage. Add utilities and security to protect assets and meet client rules. Compliance costs typically include permits, bonds, and insurance that must be in place before access is granted. Capture testing and commissioning needed for temporary power, environmental controls, or safety systems, and confirm which items are reimbursable.

Risk buffers and reporting

Apply contingency to cover unknowns such as late approvals, access delays, and minor scope gaps. Then add overhead only if your estimating policy treats mobilization as a standalone package. Finally apply tax/VAT on the correct taxable base. Export the CSV for estimating files and the PDF for approvals, ensuring a consistent record of assumptions and outcomes.Run sensitivity checks by adjusting crew days, transport rates, and contingency to see which assumptions dominate. Use the component table to negotiate bundles and validate markups. Recalculate after design freezes and before notice-to-proceed for improved accuracy. Always.

FAQs

1) What costs should be treated as mobilization?

Include items required to start work: crew travel, early labor, equipment transport, temporary facilities, permits, bonds, insurance, utilities, security, and initial testing. Exclude production costs unless the contract defines them as startup.

2) How do I choose project duration for mobilization?

Use the days when startup resources are active, not the whole project. If mobilization overlaps early production, estimate only the overlap days that drive labor, accommodation, and rentals.

3) Should contingency be applied before overhead?

Common practice is contingency on direct costs, then overhead on direct plus contingency. If your policy differs, set overhead to zero here and add it later in your estimating system.

4) How do I handle owner-supplied facilities or power?

Enter only your contractor-paid share. If the owner provides offices, utilities, or security, set those lines to zero and document the assumption in your estimating notes and exports.

5) Why does tax apply to overhead and contingency?

Some jurisdictions tax the full billed amount, including markups; others tax only materials or specific services. Confirm your taxable base with finance or the client and adjust the tax rate or set it to zero.

6) How accurate is the output for early bids?

It is a structured estimate based on your inputs. Accuracy improves when you use vendor quotes, confirmed crew plans, and realistic logistics. Re-run the calculator at major milestones and keep the exported record.