Conceptual cost planning

Cost planning of construction projects has been used for over 50 years to maintain control of a capital build project.

If used correctly it provides a method of controlling the design process to meet the budgetary requirements of the client. It enables the quantity surveyor, with the design team, to design a building to a cost rather than costing a design after it has been completed.

The control of costs can only be achieved through the actions of the whole project team, including the client. It is the role of the quantity surveyor, using cost planning techniques, to facilitate this and fulfil the client's requirements within the agreed budget.

This section is maintained by Shankar Mistry of RedRay.

RICS standards: Cost reporting

RICS standards: New rules of measurement (NRM)