The construction cost line in a development appraisal: getting it right
The single number that decides whether a scheme is viable. Why developers under-budget it, and how an independent cost expert appraises it.
8 min read
Independent cost experts for developers, architects, contractors and lenders.
Pre-contract cost certainty, post-contract control, clean final accounts. Cost plans, priced specs, contract administration and lender monitoring across London and the Home Counties.
Developers
Independent cost plans, priced specs, builder quotes analysis and monthly monitoring across SME and mid-market schemes.
Architects
Cost plans aligned to design stage so design progresses on budget. We sit alongside, we do not compete.
Contractors
Adjudication support, EOT and loss & expense narratives, final account negotiation under JCT or NEC.
Banks & lenders
Independent monitoring surveyor reports, drawdown certification and end-of-loan reconciliation.
Pre-contract. Post-contract. Closing out the build.
Cost planning
Pre-quote cost plans, design stage to 4.
Bills of quantities
priced specs from drawings and specifications.
Procurement
Quote strategy, contractor lists, returns analysis.
Contract administration
Valuations, variations, instructions, EOT review.
Loan monitoring
Independent monitoring surveyor reports for lenders.
Closing out the build
Closing the commercial position. Defects and retention.
Three steps. No mystery.
- 01
Send the brief
Drawings, scope or a few lines. By email or upload.
- 02
Fee proposal in one UK working day
Fixed fee, VAT inclusive. Scope, deliverables and timeline set.
- 03
We deliver
Cost plan, priced spec, quote analysis or post-contract control. Issued in Excel and PDF.
Pre-quote. Post-contract. Closing out the build.
Priced Spec Preparation
What a Priced Spec is, what it costs, and when you need one. -compliant priced specs from an independent London cost expert.
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Cost Planning
Independent elemental cost plans through design stage, benchmarked to current London rates. Lock your budget before design commits you to it.
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Quote Analysis
Line-by-line comparison of returned quotes. Anomaly flagging, qualification analysis and contractor recommendation. Independent. London-based.
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Monitoring Surveyor
Independent monitoring surveyor (IMS) for UK development lenders. Drawdown reports, valuation sign-off, cost-to-complete and risk advice.
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Build Cost Oversight
Monthly valuations, variation control, cost reporting and your build contract build cost oversight. Independent post-contract cost expert for London projects.
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Closing Out The Build Negotiation
Closing out the build preparation, scrutiny and negotiation. Independent cost experts closing out construction projects at the right number.
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Dispute Support
Quantum analysis, expert reports and adjudication-ready evidence for UK construction disputes. Independent cost experts.
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How we think about cost.
Contractor overclaim: ten warning signs to spot before you pay
A monthly valuation is the contractor's invoice. These are the patterns an independent monitoring surveyor checks for before signing it off.
8 min read
London construction costs in 2026: the Costed benchmark
What it actually costs to build in Greater London right now, by sector and project type, with the labour and material drivers behind the numbers.
10 min read
Know what your project should cost. Before you build it.
One UK working day response. Fixed-fee proposal, VAT inclusive. No retainer. No obligation.