Construction cost plans for residential and commercial projects

Quantity Surveying and Cost Control

Construction cost plans for residential and commercial projects

A construction cost plan provides a detailed breakdown of the projected cost of a project at each stage of design development. It allows clients and design teams to manage costs proactively, identify cost overruns before they occur and make informed decisions about design options. LateShield prepares cost plans for residential and commercial projects at all stages of design.

What we cover

Work covered

LateShield coordinates the required specialists and manages the process from initial review through to practical completion. The work covered on this service includes:

Discuss your project
  • Feasibility-stage cost plans
  • Concept design cost plans
  • Developed design cost plans
  • Technical design cost plans
  • Elemental cost breakdowns
  • Cost-in-use assessments
  • Value engineering reviews
  • Cost comparison of design options
  • Cost plan updates following design changes
  • Pre-tender cost estimates
  • UK-wide remote service

Who this is for

Is this service right for you?

  • Clients who need to manage costs through the design process
  • Design teams who need independent cost advice at each design stage
  • Developers who need to demonstrate project viability to funders
  • Anyone who needs a detailed cost breakdown before going to tender

What you receive

Your deliverables

  • Elemental cost plan with detailed breakdown
  • Cost comparison of design options where required
  • Value engineering recommendations
  • Cost plan update at each design stage
  • Pre-tender cost estimate

Process

How it works

01

Initial enquiry

Contact LateShield with your project details and the design stage drawings available. We will confirm the scope and timescale for the cost plan.

02

Information review

We review the design drawings and specification and identify any gaps that may affect the accuracy of the cost plan.

03

Cost plan preparation

We prepare a detailed elemental cost plan with a breakdown of costs by element and trade.

04

Review and discussion

We review the cost plan with the client and design team and discuss value engineering options where costs exceed the budget.

05

Cost plan updates

We update the cost plan at each design stage to reflect the evolving scope and specification.

Getting started

What to send us

Send us whatever you have. You do not need everything — share what is available and we will work with it.

Design drawings at the relevant stage
Specification notes or schedule of finishes
Any existing cost information
Details of any design options to be compared
Budget range if known

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question not covered here, contact us directly and we will be happy to help.

Ask a question

An elemental cost plan divides the total project cost into the main elements of the building — substructure, superstructure, internal finishes, services, external works and so on. It allows the client and design team to understand where the costs lie and to manage costs proactively through the design process.

Value engineering is the process of reviewing the design to identify opportunities to reduce costs without compromising the quality or function of the building. LateShield can carry out a value engineering review as part of the cost plan process.

A cost plan is prepared during the design process to manage costs and inform design decisions. A bill of quantities is prepared from the completed construction drawings for contractor tendering. LateShield provides both services.

Yes. LateShield prepares cost plans for both residential and commercial projects, including offices, retail units, industrial buildings and mixed-use developments.

Yes. Construction cost plans are prepared remotely and are available for residential and commercial projects throughout the UK.

Coverage

Service area

Construction cost plans are prepared remotely and are available for residential and commercial projects throughout the UK.

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Ready to discuss your project?

Describe your situation and LateShield will advise on the most appropriate support. There is no obligation.