Cost Control During Project Design

As a design/build company, BCM integrates design and cost estimating tasks to control the design detail development and bring projects in on budget.

Estimating the cost of a building project before design completion is an art based on proprietary systems and previous experience. Guiding development of the design within budget objectives, BCM allows a contingent line item for design elements not shown or specified.

BCM project managers provide our designers with frequent budget updates, immediately showing the cost impact of design decisions. If an item significantly exceeds it budget, BCM researches the market for alternative materials and methods consistent with the design intent. Cost data can be developed and shared by all parties. Additionally, computer-aided conferences allow us to work collaboratively with clients, consultants and agencies in remote locations to quickly explore design alternatives. The result is a continuous and immediate exchange of design and cost information with the client.

As design details are developed, contingent line item budgets are changed to more accurate cost estimates, supported by quantitative analysis. Upon square foot costs from BCM's proprietary database or preliminary subcontractor estimates. At this point, our estimates are typically within a range of 10% to 15% of actual construction costs.

During preparation of construction documents, remaining contingencies are removed as construction details and specifications are completed. Upon completion of construction documents, all contingencies are removed, sub-contracts obtained and the final project cost is determined.