Pre-construction is where the project team has the greatest opportunity to remove uncertainty at the lowest cost. QSEC brings the brief, design information, procurement plan, programme and budget into one coordinated commercial picture.
We do not treat a cost plan as a static document. Assumptions, design decisions, lead times and approvals are connected to the forecast so the team can see what must be resolved before the construction commitment is made.
When this support is useful
- A budget prepared before the scope is sufficiently defined
- Design decisions that are not tested against cost or programme
- Long-lead packages identified too late
- Responsibilities and approvals that remain unclear at mobilisation
First, QSEC tests these issues against the current scope, contract, programme, procurement position and project records. Next, we identify matters that need an immediate decision, better evidence or a clearly owned risk allowance. As a result, the team can focus on urgent commercial actions within the wider review.
Typical deliverables
- Scope and information-gap review
- Cost-plan development and option appraisal
- Procurement schedule and package strategy
- Risk, opportunity and decision registers
- Tender documentation coordination
- Pre-start commercial readiness report
We scale each deliverable to the commission and record the information reviewed, assumptions, material exclusions and decisions required. This also gives the team an auditable commercial record with clear figures and recommendations.
How the commission progresses
- Test the brief and available information
- Align cost, programme and procurement
- Track design decisions and approvals
- Hand over a controlled baseline to delivery
At the outset, QSEC agrees the review dates, document owners and format needed by the people making the decision. Next, we reconcile updates to the previous position so the team can see what has changed, why it changed and what action is required. Finally, we can provide a one-off review or integrate our advice into the project reporting cycle.
Who this service supports
- Developers
- Employers
- Framework delivery teams
- Contractors in two-stage procurement
Information that helps QSEC start efficiently
Useful initial information normally includes the current drawings and specifications, the signed or proposed contract, programme, procurement position, existing cost records and the decision or deadline that the advice must support. QSEC confirms any gaps before agreeing the scope, so responsibility and reliance remain clear.
Explore the next step
See how this support applies across QSEC’s construction sectors, review selected project experience, or contact QSEC about a live requirement.