What is this service and who needs it?
Cost planning is the process of forecasting and tracking construction costs from early feasibility through to completion. The practice provides cost planning services including feasibility studies, elemental cost plans, and pre-tender estimates.
These services are used by developers, architects, and contractors. They provide financial clarity before committing to construction. The estimates draw on 40 years of UK construction pricing experience and advanced estimating software.
Key Terms Explained
Cost Plan
A structured document that breaks construction costs down by element or trade, updated at each design stage to track spend against budget.
Elemental Cost Plan
A cost plan organised by building elements — substructure, superstructure, finishes, services — giving design teams clear cost targets.
Pre-Tender Estimate
A detailed cost forecast prepared just before contractors are invited to bid, used as a benchmark to assess whether bids are fair.
Key Benefits
Feasibility Studies
Early-stage budget estimates that help you decide whether a project is financially viable. You can check this before committing to design fees or planning applications.
Elemental Cost Plans
An elemental cost plan breaks your project down into building elements. These include substructure, superstructure, finishes, and services. This gives design teams clear cost targets to work within. The plan is updated at each RIBA design stage to track cost against budget as the design develops.
Value Engineering
We identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or programme. This helps you get the best value from your construction budget.
Pre-Tender Estimates
A pre-tender estimate is a detailed cost forecast prepared just before contractors are invited to bid. It gives you a reliable benchmark to assess whether bids are fair and realistic. This helps you avoid overpaying or appointing an underpriced contractor.
Contractor Support
We also work directly with contractors to price tenders competitively. An estimator works for the contractor. A quantity surveyor works for the client. We help contractors win work while maintaining healthy margins.
Fast Turnaround
Most cost plans are delivered within 24 hours. For complex multi-phase projects, we agree a realistic programme before we start.
How It Works
Project Brief
Tell us about your project — location, type, size, and programme. We'll confirm what information we need and agree a fee and turnaround time.
Cost Analysis
We analyse your drawings and specifications against current UK market rates, applying our database of live pricing data and regional cost factors.
Cost Plan Delivery
You receive a clear, structured cost plan with elemental breakdowns, allowances for contingencies, and a summary suitable for client or funder reporting.
Ongoing Updates
As the design develops, we update the cost plan at each RIBA stage to track cost movement and flag any budget pressures early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Further Reading
Ready to get started?
Request a quote — typically provided within 24 hours, with no obligation.
