Early cost advice leaves more room to shape a build the client can fund. Once the scope and orders are fixed, a saving may need new design work, lost work or delay.
Which design choices should you test before the next budget is agreed?
Early Cost Consultant Engagement: Check The Brief
Review floor space, quality and services with the design team. Add site access, phases and the planned time.
Compare whole options on the same basis. Check build cost, upkeep, running cost and time so the cheapest part is not mistaken for the best result.
Keep The Gaps Clear
Show measured work and allowances apart. State what each estimate covers and how risk and price rises are treated.
Give key gaps an owner and date. Refine the sums when survey facts, design and quotes arrive, then explain each move from the last budget.
A saving is easier to test while the design can still change. Which choices are open?
- Brief and funds
Agree the space, quality and budget basis.
- Whole options
Check build cost, running cost and time.
- Tender handover
Pass the priced scope and open actions to site.
Carry the cost basis into tender and site handover so the next team knows what was allowed.
Plan The Tender And Site Handover
Check the design needed for the chosen buying route and leave time to price it. Record duties and risks still open.
Pass the priced scope, agreed terms and buying actions to site. The team needs to know how the budget was built as well as its total.
General guidance. Check your signed contract and the job facts. Get legal advice where needed.