Design Economics and Cost Planning Flashcards
Can you give me a brief overview of how RIBA and NRM inform design development and costing through the stages up to Stage 4?
Structured framework for project stages.
Detailed measurement methodologies.
Guides architects and quantity surveyors.
Refines designs and estimates costs.
Ensures alignment with objectives and quality standards.
Facilitates efficient project delivery.
Why might costs need adjusting?
Design stage adjustments to costs.
Changes in project scope considered.
Ensures budget aligns with project requirements.
Accounts for design refinements.
Can you give me some examples of
i) ‘designing out?
ii) changing spec?
III) reducing risk??
Design simplification lowers construction costs.
Material substitutions maintain quality while reducing expenses.
Risk mitigation strategies minimize delays and issues.
Briefly, what the difference between value management and value engineering?
Value management optimizes project value based on client needs [at the start of the project]
Value engineering cuts costs without compromising quality.
Both methods aim to maximize client value.
How do you obtain costs from the BCIS?
Ref other flashcard
What is a cost model?
Ref other flashcard
What ‘special considerations of site’ might there be?
Such as terrain, soil conditions, utilities, environmental factors, and any site-specific requirements or regulations that may impact construction methods, costs, and project scheduling.
How do you make adjustments for ‘market conditions and economic factors’ within your estimate?
Analyzing trends, forecasts, and indicators like inflation and labor costs.
Adjustments ensure estimates align with current economic conditions.
How did you use the BCIS cost models to obtain costs for the estimate? (Firemen’s)
BCIS database contains pricing info for building elements, materials, labor.
Estimates adjusted for location, complexity, market conditions.
Cost models use project parameters for estimates.
Reliability for budgeting and cost planning.
What value engineering exercise was taken and how did you advise keeping the estimated costs within budget? (Hubs)
Omitted managerial areas from contract.
Corridor works: cleaning instead of renewing.
Approx. £30k cost saving.
Advised client on estimated savings.
What was the money saved as a result of not needing to replace the roof? (Firemen’s)
£140k roof; £30k top hat
How did you discuss with the design team following this saving? (Firemen’s)
Ongoing discussion with design team.
Original Cost Estimate (OCE): £900k (Preparation and Brief) reduced to £750k (Spatial Coordination).
Iterative process: updated costs based on survey reports.
Reconfiguration of loft spaces: abandoned rooms refurbished.
Upgrading quality of works: intercom system, landscaping.
How was it determined the money saved could be reallocated to other elements? (Firemen’s)
I would update costs based on the survey information (eg omit roof replacement) which informed the design team what other works could be included to stay within budget:
Updating costs based on survey info.
Reconfiguration of loft spaces: refurbishing abandoned rooms.
Upgrading quality of works: intercom system.
Landscaping: removing and planting vegetation.
How was ventilation and fire compartmentation improved? (Firemen’s)
Fire-resistant materials like treated timber and plasterboard, fire barriers, partitions, sealed penetrations, restricted access, fire stopping, and controlled ventilation.
What does reconfiguration of existing loft spaces mean, and what was involved? (Firemen’s)
Abandoned rooms existing in the loft area which were in very poor condition and were proposed to be replaced with new internal walls, ceilings, flooring, M&E, to become usable space again (1 person occupancy).
