This article is all about ‘The RICS formal cost estimating and cost planning stages in context with the RIBA Plan of Work and OGC Gateways (adapted from the RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2007).
It is best practice for good Architects and design teams to 1) agree a brief with the Client and then 2) prepare outline designs and eventually detailed designs.
At the same time, the Client needs accurate cost advice. So when the Client is agreeing a brief with the Architect he or she will also want to know a budget construction cost.
And then while the Architect develops detailed construction drawings there will also be a need for detailed construction costs.
At every stage of the design process there must be a corresponding construction cost budget developed parallel to or in tandem with the design stages.
These are the RIBA work stages:
A. Appraisal
B. Design Brief
C. Concept
D. Design Development
E. Technical Design
F. Production Information
G. Tender documentation
H. Tender action
J. Mobilisation
K. Construction to practical completion
L. Post Practical Completion
The RICS stages are design to run parallel to or in tandem with the design stages.
These are the RICS stages and we will reference which RIBA stages they run in tandem with.
(as required to set authorised budget).
This cost estimate is based on the RIBA ‘preparation stage’. The Architect carries out the appraisal with the Client and agrees a clear brief with the Client.
Now the quantity surveyor must prepare an order of cost estimate which will give a maximum cost for the construction.
This cost allows the Client to make a financial decision whether to proceed or not.
Once the Client approves the design brief the Architect can create a concept design. Then the Quantity surveyor can create a Formal cost plan 1.
Then the Architect can develop the design and the quantity surveyor can create the Formal cost plan 2.
Once the Architect has created the technical design the quantity surveyor can create the Formal cost plan 3.
At this point the quantity surveyor can create a Pre-tender estimate which predicts that the final average tender return will be.
Once the Client has given approval, the Architect can complete and print all of their drawings and specification and the Quantity surveyor can complete their pricing document.
This pricing document will be one of the following: