QSEC's construction cost consultants use value engineering to protect function, compliance and quality rather than treating it as a late exercise in removing scope. We identify the function a design or specification must achieve, then compare viable alternatives against capital cost, programme, risk, maintenance and delivery consequences.
Cost assurance applies the same discipline to proposed prices and forecasts. We test quantities, rates, allowances and exclusions so decision-makers understand the basis of the recommendation.
When this support is useful
- A budget gap discovered after key design decisions are fixed
- Savings proposals that transfer cost or risk elsewhere
- Benchmarks used without adjusting for scope or date
- Quoted costs that cannot be reconciled to quantities and assumptions
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
- Value-engineering workshop and options register
- Cost-benefit and whole-life comparison
- Independent estimate or benchmark review
- Quantity, rate and allowance testing
- Risk-adjusted recommendation
- Decision and savings tracker
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
- Define required outcomes and constraints
- Identify and price credible alternatives
- Test programme, quality and risk consequences
- Record the approved decision and baseline
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
- Employers
- Developers
- Public programmes
- Contractors reviewing design or procurement options
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.