Budgeting & Cost Estimation
Planning spend, estimating repair and build costs, and protecting against overruns.
Budgeting is the process of planning how much money is available for a project and how it will be spent — covering materials, labour, equipment, professional fees (architects, engineers), and contingency for the unexpected. Accurate cost estimation turns that budget into a realistic plan for both repairs and new builds.
Common Damage
1. Direct Costs
- Repair materials and replacement components
- Labour for skilled trades and supervision
- Specialist equipment hire
2. Indirect Costs
- Downtime and loss of use of the property
- Temporary relocation or alternative accommodation
- Disruption to surrounding works or tenants
3. Investigation Costs
- Surveys, inspections, and reports
- Structural and material testing
- Specialist consultancy fees
4. Cost Drivers
- Type and extent of damage (cosmetic vs structural)
- Accessibility of the affected area
- Urgency and out-of-hours working
Repairs
minor Repairs
- Preliminary estimate — rough cost at early stage
- Crack repairs and localised making good
- Small contingency allowance (around 10%)
moderate Repairs
- Detailed estimate with measured quantities and unit rates
- Waterproofing, structural strengthening, foundation stabilisation
- Contingency of 15–20% for hidden defects
- Allowance for temporary works (scaffolding, propping)
major Repairs
- Revised estimate updated as works are uncovered
- Full Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for large repair packages
- Contingency of 20–30% where defects are uncertain
- Cash-flow forecasting across the programme
New Installation
When Replacement Is Needed
- Before any new build or major refurbishment
- When applying for finance or insurance settlements
- Whenever scope, materials, or specification change
Installation Steps
Inspection & Assessment
- Survey the site and existing structure
- Identify required works and constraints
- Agree the basis of the estimate with the client
Quantify & Price
- Measure quantities of materials and labour
- Apply current unit rates (cost per item or per m²)
- Use elemental cost planning for new builds
Build the Budget
- Construction costs plus design and consultancy fees
- Legal, planning, and approval costs
- Contingency (typically 5–15% on new builds)
- Inflation allowance for longer programmes
Monitor & Control
- Track actual spend against the budget
- Issue revised estimates when scope changes
- Report variances early to the client
Lifespan
- Preliminary Estimate
- Early stage — indicative only
- Detailed Estimate
- Valid 3–6 months at current rates
- New Build Contingency
- Typically 5–15%
- Repair Contingency
- Typically 10–30%
Warning Signs
- Scope or specification has changed since the last estimate
- Hidden defects uncovered during opening-up works
- Material prices or lead times have shifted significantly
- Programme has extended beyond the inflation allowance
- Spend is tracking ahead of forecast at key milestones
Other Construction Services
Project Management
Planning, coordinating, and controlling works to deliver on time, on budget, and to spec.
Site Clearing & Demolition
Safely preparing land and removing existing structures before new work begins.
Excavation & Earthworks
Moving and reshaping ground safely to create a stable base for foundations and infrastructure.
Foundations (Strip, Raft, Pile)
Choosing and building the right base for the soil and the load.
Drainage Systems
Foul, surface and sustainable drainage that keeps the site dry.
Utility Connections (Water, Gas, Electric)
Safe, certified connections to mains water, gas and power.
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