In chronological order, our range of pre-tender QS services includes
a) Study of Client’s Brief and Scope Definition
The client’s needs and requirements for the proposed facility are carefully noted before drawing up a scope for the proposed development. In the case of educational facilities, influencing factors might include the number of students and the type of education offered.
For health facilities, the variable might be number of beds or the services to be provided. Other factors to be considered will include the particular requirements implied by the physical site (if it has already been acquired) as well as the specific requirements of the client. Osborne+Song draws up the scope of works by taking these factors and requirements into account.
b) Order of Cost Estimate
Osborne+Song prepares the Order of Cost Estimate based on the defined scope of works. The base facility requirements (number of students etc) will form the basis of the estimate. Other variables including the type of construction, the number of stories as well as physical constraints are then factored into the estimate.
The Order of Cost Estimate is forwarded to the client for approval to proceed to the next stage. If the costs are deemed to be too high, base requirements as well as other variables will need to be re-examined and adjusted to suit the client’s budget.
c) Concept Cost Planning (Elemental Format)
After gaining approval, the architect proceeds to the concept design phase. Here, the design begins to take on a three dimensional form. The architect then produces dimensioned sketches of the general floor plan arrangement as well as the elevations and sections. Osborne+Song puts together an elemental Cost Plan Estimate for the project.
d) Cost Engineering
During concept cost planning, Osborne+Song can offer advice and recommend alternative types of construction and/or reduction of elemental areas in an effort to bring the costs back to budget without sacrificing the base requirement of the project like for example the preserving the number of beds required within the facility.
e) Formal Cost Planning (Trade Format)
The approved Cost Plan will now be the budget that the Architect and the rest of the design team have to work to complete the design. They will now proceed to the next stage of design where detailed engineering alternatives, materials, equipment, fixtures are selected.
When these documents are available, Osborne+Song will prepare the trade based Formal Cost Plan Estimates to check that costs are within budget. There might be two to three cost plans in total as methods of construction, material selection and scope changes are modified to keep the project in budget.
f) Cost Advice
During Formal Cost Planning, Osborne+Song will assist the design team in providing cost advice on both engineering design and materials selection.
g) Pre-Tender Estimate (Trade Format)
After settling on the final design parameters, the architect and other consultants will prepare the tender documentation. Osborne+Song inspects the final documentation and prepares the pre-tender estimate. This estimate will ensure that the project cost will fall within the allocated budget. The pre-tender estimate will also set the benchmark price for tender assessment and evaluation.
