It might sound like a gimmick. Why would anyone turn down the opportunity for work? And if other professionals won’t provide a price, why would I? The answer is simple: risk, knowledge, and most importantly, the need for transparency.
Understanding the Gap in Project Planning
You’ve decided to take on a construction project at your home. You’ve approached an architect or draftsman, and they’ve outlined the process from concept to completion. You’ve had detailed discussions about the design, the look, and the goals of your project. Once your designer produces the initial planning drawings, these are submitted to the local council for approval alongside your planning application.
At this point, one of the most crucial questions arises: How much is this going to cost? Unfortunately, this is where most professionals hesitate to provide an estimate. This is where I step in to help bridge the gap.
Planning Drawings vs. Construction Drawings
Most planning drawings provide only a high-level overview of what you want to achieve. They typically include exterior elements like:
● Roof tiles
● Render, brick, or cladding colors
● Window and external door finishes
However, they lack the intricate details required for precise costing. In contrast, construction drawings, which come after planning approval, include a wealth of critical details, such as:
● Structural sections
● Plumbing and electrical layouts
● Engineer designs
Whereas planning drawings may consist of just one or two documents, construction drawings can span 20+ pages, packed with essential technical information.
Why Most Professionals Don’t Offer Pricing at the Planning Stage
It’s difficult to find professionals willing to estimate costs based on planning drawings alone. While some may offer rough pricing based on square footage or square meter rates, these methods fail to reflect the true cost of procurement and construction. With fluctuating material prices, varying labor costs across regions, and different build specifications, these rough estimates can be wildly inaccurate. The most reliable way to estimate costs is through a detailed construction work schedule and a take-off with a written scope of work.
However, I take a different approach, a practical, experience-driven method that helps clients make informed decisions early in the project planning phase.
Bridging the Gap with Early-Stage Cost Estimation
I believe it’s more beneficial for clients to have an accurate guide price early in the process rather than investing thousands into construction drawings only to later realise the project is beyond their budget. In my 20+ years in the procurement and construction industry, I’ve seen countless clients start projects with enthusiasm, only to be blindsided by unexpected costs once all the drawings and specifications are finalised.
By offering a detailed pricing estimate at the planning stage, I help clients:
✔ Understand the realistic cost before committing substantial funds
✔ Make necessary design adjustments early, avoiding costly redesigns later
✔ Streamline the project planning process to align with their budget
The Importance of a Construction Work Schedule
A well-prepared construction work schedule plays a vital role in cost estimation. It outlines every phase of the build, from materials procurement to labor allocation, ensuring that no aspect of the project is overlooked. With this structured approach, my clients gain clarity on expenses and can make informed financial decisions before advancing to the next stage.
Get in Touch
If you find yourself in the position of needing an accurate early-stage price estimate to guide your construction project, I’m here to help. Reach out, and let’s ensure your project is planned efficiently, saving time, money, and frustration.