Order Of Cost Estimates Level (0)

Question 1

RIBA stage?

Answer 1

Order of cost estimates are produced as an intrinsic part of RIBA Stages 0 and 1, or OGC
Gateways 1 and 2. The requirements of RIBA Stages 0 and 1, as described in the RIBA Plan of
Work, are described 5in more detail here.

Question 2

Information required/expected?

Answer 2

Outcome: The best means of achieving the client requirements.

The primary goal of Stage 0 is strategic – to ratify that a construction project, or otherwise, is the
best means of achieving the client requirements. Stage 0 focuses on making the right strategic
decisions and capturing them in a business case and developing the strategic brief before the
initial project brief is developed. The Stage involves considering the pros and cons, project risks
and project budget for a range of options and, where necessary, carrying out site surveys and
corresponding planning appraisals, before undertaking a comparative analysis, recommending
and ratifying the best option for delivering the client requirements.

Question 3

Measurement format expected? (eg GIFA, M2, Functional Unit)

Answer 3

Task: The quantity surveyor/cost manager is to prepare a rough order of cost estimate of one
or more option, which captures a very high-level calculation of the construction costs to meet
the client requirements including high-level spatial requirements, taking into consideration
any project risks. The estimated construction cost will be stated in terms of estimated cost per
square metre of gross internal floor area (cost/m2 of GIFA) or by reference to the estimated cost
of a functional type (e.g. school place, bed space, etc.) (cost per functional unit), taking account of
feedback from previous similar construction projects.
The estimated construction costs will be used to inform the initial project budget, which forms
part of the business case, with the addition of professional fees and land acquisition costs.

Question 4

Level of cost estimate expected?

Answer 4

Task: The quantity surveyor/cost manager is to prepare a rough order of cost estimate of one
or more option, which captures a very high-level calculation

The estimated construction cost will be stated in terms of estimated cost per
square metre of gross internal floor area (cost/m2 of GIFA) or by reference to the estimated cost
of a functional type (e.g. school place, bed space, etc.) (cost per functional unit), taking account of
feedback from previous similar construction projects.