As early as possible. The best time for cost planning is at the initial concept or feasibility stage, before detailed architectural drawings are produced. This is when we can have the greatest impact, helping you establish a realistic budget and ensure project viability from the very beginning.

For an initial budget estimate, you don't need full plans. We can start with basic information such as the site location, proposed building size (e.g., gross floor area in m²), intended use, and a concept sketch or description of your goals and quality aspirations.

A cost plan is a dynamic financial tool used during the design phase to guide decisions and maintain budget control. In contrast, a final tender estimate is a detailed price based on a completed set of drawings. Cost planning steers the design, while a tender estimate prices the final result.

Value engineering is a proactive process where we analyse the design to identify potential cost savings without compromising on the project's quality or function. We might suggest alternative materials or construction methods that offer better value, which is a key part of our early-stage cost advice.

An initial "order of cost estimate" provides a solid ballpark figure (e.g., based on cost per m²) that is ideal for assessing feasibility. As the design progresses through different stages, the accuracy of our cost planning increases, with the elemental cost plan providing a much more detailed and reliable budget.

Yes, absolutely. A collaborative approach is essential for effective cost planning. We work closely with your design team, providing real-time cost feedback that helps them make informed decisions and prevents the design from going over the established construction budget.

The primary deliverable is a formal cost plan document. This report evolves throughout the design process, starting as a high-level feasibility study and developing into a detailed elemental breakdown that provides a clear financial roadmap for the pre-construction phase of your project.