Cost Control & Value Engineering
Reviewing Costs Against the Work
We check whether the price covers the design and compare options that meet the project’s requirements.
- 01
Estimate Review
Check quantities, allowances, exclusions, and missing work.
- 02
Construction Alternatives
Compare suitable materials, systems, and methods with the design team.
- 03
Cost Forecasts
Track commitments, approved changes, and costs still to be confirmed.
Cost Planning, Bid Review, and Value Engineering
We can review costs during design, bidding, or construction.
- Budgets during design
Estimate the proposed work and identify costs that depend on further design, selections, or investigation.
- Contractor bid comparisons
Check that bids cover the same work, materials, and installation, then resolve omissions and differences.
- Change-order review
Assess proposed work and supporting costs, including its effect on the remaining budget and schedule.
- Cost forecasts
Track committed costs, approved changes, and remaining allowances against the projected final cost.
Comparing Construction Alternatives
A lower price is useful only if the option meets the project’s requirements.
- 01
Performance
We compare options against the durability, capacity, and technical requirements identified by the design team.
- 02
Long-term costs
Where relevant, we review maintenance and operating information from the owner, design team, or manufacturer.
- 03
Availability
We check product lead times and installation requirements against the schedule.
- 04
Design changes
We identify drawings, specifications, or approvals that need to change before an option is adopted.
How We Review Construction Costs
We agree on the question to resolve, review the available pricing, and present the options.
- 01
Define the Review
We discuss the estimate, bids, or cost question you need help with, then agree on the review and fee in a signed engagement agreement.
- 02
Check the Estimate
We compare drawings and scope with quantities, allowances, exclusions, and contingencies. We identify missing or provisional costs.
- 03
Compare Alternatives
We review suitable materials and methods with the design team, including price, availability, and installation.
- 04
Present the Options
We explain the tradeoffs and cost and schedule effects so you can choose an option. We record the decision and update the budget.
- 05
Update the Forecast
We track commitments, selections, approved changes, and outstanding pricing and reconcile applicable final costs.
Cost Control and Value Engineering Questions
How do cost control and value engineering differ?
Cost control tracks the budget as the project develops. Value engineering compares alternative ways to meet a requirement, considering cost, performance, availability, and timing.
Does value engineering reduce required performance?
No. We evaluate alternatives against the project requirements. The design team reviews technical suitability and any required revisions or approvals.
Can you review costs before design is complete?
Yes. We estimate from the available drawings and scope, explain our assumptions, and identify costs that depend on further design or selections. We refine the estimate as those details are resolved.
Can you compare contractor bids?
Yes. We compare the work included, quantities, allowances, exclusions, and schedule assumptions so differences between prices are understood.
Can you help after construction begins?
Yes. We can review change orders, commitments, remaining allowances, and the cost forecast.
Who approves a change?
The owner approves the cost and scope of a change. The design team reviews technical requirements, and the contractor carries out the authorized work.
