Please download our information on ‘the most common pitfalls in construction’

Early cost advice – Analysing the clients requirements in order to establish a budget figure which is feasible. We carefully access the entire project to ensure that the best value for money is going to be achieved. (Please see our document ‘why use a quantity surveyor’)

Feasibility cost plan – Looking at the various elements of the build including groundwork’s, drainage, internals etc. in order to produce an elemental feasibility cost plan (Please see example feasibility cost plan)

Cost plan – This is produced from published cost data sources of previous jobs that have been completed. The cost plan allows the client and consultant to carefully develop the various building elements and analyse cost, aesthetics and personal preference. As the proposals develop, it allows the elemental cost breakdown to be analysed to ensure the overall proposals stay within budget. (Please see example cost plan)

Value engineering - Assessing the viability of the project after the cost plan has been produced in order to ensure that the client is achieving the best value for money. Closely evaluating the clients design and operational requirements and making suggestions for potential cost savings. All the items within the cost plan are carefully evaluated to establish area’s where savings can be made.

Life cycle costing - Analysing the costs of a particular user requirement; this includes the initial capital cost, maintenance cost and replacement or renewal. These factors must be considered at the development stage to ensure the client is achieving the best value for money through the whole life cycle of the building.

Bills of quantities - Full "take off" and measure if produced from the architect's drawings to itemise materials, plant and labour costs for each area of the build. The bill of quantities is then sent out to the shortlisted contractors in order to provide a pricing platform which is easy to analyse once the tenders have been returned. (Please see example bill of quantities)

Advise on other costs - Project costs will include professional fees, survey fees, design fees, furniture, fittings and equipment. It is essential to look at all these costs in order to achieve a true development cost and identify any financial pitfalls at the early stages of planning.

Cash flow projections - Initial cash flow projections can be established in order to gauge monthly expenditure throughout the project. This gives the customer an idea of projected payments and allows them to organise finances prior to the project starting.

Cost control during construction - It is essential to keep to the original cost plan and monitor costs during the construction process. All projects have changes which incur extra cost, project variations are monitored at a pre-agreed schedule (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) and reports are produced to keep the client continuously updated. Cost overruns will be managed and necessary cost reductions will be put in place in accordance with the clients requirements.

Monthly valuations - Monitoring construction progress in order to make stage payments to the contractor. Work on site is measured which includes material, labour and plant in order to establish the actual value of work which is due for payment.

Final account settlement - Negotiate payments with the contractor and sign-off works successfully completed. The whole process is designed to reduce hassle and aggravation and ensure successful completion of the project with no nasty surprises.