This (slightly condensed) sample cost plan report is for a residential alterations & additions project. It shows the general format & content of a measured Schematic Design Stage Cost Plan report that I prepare. (The information included is general only and is intended to show the layout of this report type. The content, quantities & rates are not to be used for any other ...

These 2 samples provide an indicative format and content for some specification notes you can use to provide the Cost Planner to help with preparing a Sketch (or Schematic) Design Stage Cost Plan Report. 2 templates are for provided – One for New and one for Alterations & Additions residential projects. These samples, of course, don’t cover all items required or all possible circumstances that may be encountered – or all design or specification possibilities – but they will help the Cost Planner prepare a cost report for you. If other items, works or potential costs are required (i.e. difficult access or proximity to neighbours; specific major repairs, etc.), then notes should be included to acknowledge them. Indicative $/unit allowances (such as, “Stove supply: $2,000”) are more helpful at this early stage than are brand names (or ...

Prime Cost Sum A fitting or item that is part of the contract (of works), but the specific type, model or brand of the item has either not been selected, or its price cannot be confirmed at the time the contract is entered into. The Builder is also to make a reasonable allowance for the supply, storage, supervision, installation and delivery of these items, as appropriate, within the contract price. Provisional Not fully worked out, agreed upon or final and is provided to serve or act as sufficient for the time being, and is subject to review, adjustment or change. Provisional Sum A reasonable estimate of the cost (or price) of certain works, if the builder, after making reasonable inquiries, cannot give a definite price ...

Different words may be used for each phase of design by various people… and this can affect, or confuse, the timing, content and quality of documentation and cost planning advice… In other words ‘What to do when, and how to do it…’ The Phases of Design are as follows (though some client submissions may be worded differently): Phase Cost Plan 1 Master Plan Briefing A 2 Feasibility Study * Planning / Outline Proposal B 3 Schematic Design * Design C1 4 Design Development Detailed Design C2 5 Contract Documentation Documentation / Tender D 6 Contract Administration Construction   7 Post Occupancy Evaluation Afterwards / Implementation   Now, these are not always adhered to on small and residential projects, but it is important to ‘sign off’ on Design, Cost & Budget at the end of each phase before proceeding to the next phase. Cost & Budget Planning should commence (and is most effective) ...