What Is This Service?
A budget that gets more precise as your design does
Cost planning establishes realistic financial benchmarks at successive stages of design — from an initial order of cost estimate at concept, through to a detailed pre-tender estimate once technical design is complete.
A robust cost plan does more than give a number. It lets the design team test design options, understand where budget is being spent, identify overruns early, and make informed specification decisions before the tender goes out.
How Accuracy Improves
Cost certainty grows as your design develops
We re-issue your cost plan at every design stage, narrowing the accuracy range as more information becomes available.
RIBA Stage 1
Strategic Definition
RIBA Stage 2
Concept Design
RIBA Stage 3
Developed Design
RIBA Stage 4
Technical Design
Estimate Types We Prepare
Four estimate types, matched to your design stage
Order of Cost Estimate
Concept / Feasibility
An early budget figure based on floor area, unit rates and benchmark data — used to test whether a project is financially viable before design begins in earnest.
Elemental Cost Plan
Concept → Developed Design
A cost plan broken down by building element (substructure, superstructure, MEP, finishes) — refined as the design develops, tracked against the approved budget.
Detailed Cost Plan
Technical Design
A comprehensive cost plan with quantities and rates for every significant item — the direct precursor to the tender Bill of Quantities.
Pre-Tender Estimate
Pre-Tender
A final independent cost check immediately before tender issue — validating the budget and flagging any late-stage design cost risk.
The Cost Plan in Practice
From first sketch to final pre-tender figure
What You Receive
Every cost plan includes
Cost plan formatted by building element or work section
Benchmark comparison against similar completed projects
Cash flow forecast aligned to the project programme
Risk and contingency allowance, clearly identified
Cost report narrative explaining key assumptions
Design option cost comparisons where required
Sectors We Serve
Cost planning across every sector
Service Coverage
Cost planning in Dubai, UAE and internationally
We prepare cost plans for projects across the UAE and GCC from our Dubai office, and provide remote cost planning services to clients in Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cost planning
Get in Touch
Discuss Your Cost Plan
Share your project details and we will respond with a clear proposal. Whether you have drawings ready or are at feasibility stage — we are here to help.