Construction cost plans

Your client has an idea. A dream home, new office, or state-of-the-art leisure complex and are about to go for planning permission. 

By the time planning permission comes through, they have already spent loads of money. 

Typically, the next step is the client goes to the market and BANG the cost
to build is way too high –  the project gets shelved. 

Why? Instead of figuring out the budget and creating a design to match it, they designed a build, not realising it would be over budget.

The best way to prevent projects from being shelved like this is to design the building for the BUDGET.

Why not reverse it? 

Come to the Quantity Surveyor first with your budget, and we can
quickly tell you the cost of everything from a simple sketch. Then you go to your architect and get them to design to your budget.

There’s a risk when you opt for designing first and costing afterwards. You may end up:

• Cutting back on the build because it’s over budget.
• Your build being delayed. 
• Waiting for costs to go down.
• Paying the architect for new drawings.
• Having to use alternative lower-quality materials to get your costs in line.
• Not getting the A1 BER rating you wanted because you can’t afford the window specifications or heating system that would get you there. 

Dream projects don’t have to go by the wayside. With a cost plan, here’s how we help you avoid unnecessary stress and costs before and after you get planning permission:

• Conduct a full measure of the project using current market rates and costs to avoid surprises.
• Use current and future rates where possible to keep you within budget.
• Identify any challenges that may arise with obtaining particular materials.
• Engage with BER Assessors regarding your energy-efficient heating systems to see if they meet the standards.
• Factor in preliminary costs you may not yet be aware of, such as the contractor’s health and safety insurance, site set-up, scaffolding, and the supervision of your project.
• We know the costs of different windows, heating systems, electrical systems, and everything down to your toilet roll holder.

Contractors want to build your dream. Having your project’s costs right from the start minimises stress for everyone, most of all you.