Pre-construction turns a brief into a scope, budget and plan the team can build. It gives the team time to settle key questions before they become costly site problems.
Which pre-construction costs sit inside the limit?
Pre-Construction: Set The Brief And Budget
Define what the building must do, the quality needed and the key dates. State what is in the scope, with client-supplied items and work by others clearly shown.
Build a cost plan from the facts you have. Show work, site costs, fees and risk. State VAT, inflation and exclusions, then refine the allowances as plans and surveys arrive.
Close Gaps And Plan The Tender
Keep one list of design points with an owner and date. Check who designs each part and how trades fit together.
Choose the procurement route and allow time for queries, quotes and review. Compare scope and terms before totals. A low bid can leave work or risk with the client.
A checklist only helps when its open points lead to action. Which gap could hold up your start?
- Brief and budget
Agree what the project must deliver.
- Design and tender
Close scope gaps and compare the bids.
- Site handover
Pass the price basis, duties and open actions.
Work through the open points with names and dates, then check that the priced job is the job going to site.
Agree The Route To Site
Check the agreed scope, price, terms and programme before the start. Confirm access, approvals and long-lead orders with the team.
Pass the priced basis and open risks to site. Explain the actions still needed so the delivery team understands how the budget was built.
Use The Cost Limit Clearly
The worked cost split below totals £100,000 before VAT, with land and finance outside the example. It shows the method, rather than market rates.
An extra £6,000 design cost takes that total to £106,000 if there is no offsetting saving. The team must change real scope or funds; a new label for the cost will not solve it.
| Item | Sum |
|---|---|
| Build work | £86,000 |
| Site costs | £7,000 |
| Fees | £3,000 |
| Risk allowance | £4,000 |
| Total | £100,000 |
Allow Time And Send A Clear Brief
Work back from the start date and test time for surveys, design, approvals and tender review. Each job needs its own plan.
Send a QS the site address, brief, budget and dates, with the current plans and file index. That helps define the next task and the facts it needs.
Prepared for QS and Estimating Consultants Ltd. About QSEC. General cost guidance. Agree the scope and obtain the design, legal and health and safety advice your project needs.