First Principles Estimating – Building Services
Applying the rigour of first principles estimating gives our clients the absolute truth of their costs – no surprises.
Capisce QS prides itself on the understanding of providing a comprehensive outcome. We have the knowledge and experience in undertaking Building Services estimating, which includes Building Services within New or Refurbishment facilities, and Services infrastructure. All Building Services estimates, including Services Infrastructure estimate, are built up using a first principal model. This allows us to not only provide an accurate outcome but ensures we understand the scope of works involved.
In lieu of using m2 rate, we will build up the estimate by nominating quantities for such items as plant, ductwork, lighting, power and communication outlets, pipework etc. This allows transparency of our Building Services estimate and also a sense of security to the client / stakeholders, so that they are aware as to how the cost has been built up. When preparing Building Services estimates, understanding the constructability method is a key part to providing a precise outcome. This ensures that we deliver a result that reflects what will be constructed on site.
Capisce QS offers the following First Principles Estimating for Building Services:
- Feasibility Estimates
- First Principles Estimating
- Benchmarking and Comparative cost studies
- Advice on cost effective design and project solutions
- Alternative material and methodology advice
- Value and cost engineering
- The ability to challenge electrical design solutions and costs with full technical knowledge and ability to demonstrate knowledge to engineers and sub-contractors
- First hand “on the tools” experience and understanding
Project highlights
Role: First Principles Building Services Estimating
Scope: The University of Adelaide required an order of cost estimate for the Nexus 10 University Facility Building electrical, mechanical and fire services proposed upgrade.
Challenges: Working within an existing operational facility and capturing costs of maintaining operation during upgrade works while also encountering latent conditions.
Capisce Solution: We added value to the project by identifying the full scope of works, ideal methodology, and constructability method, and determining the most practical solution and applying this knowledge in preparing the first principles cost estimate.
Success: Our advice provided the University of Adelaide the confidence to challenge tender prices received for the proposed works and ensure value for money was obtained on the project.
Role: Cost Manager
Scope: Upgrade of electrical infrastructure to regional hospitals including replacements of Main Switchboards, Consumer Mains cabling, Distribution Boards, Sub-Main Cabling, and upgrades to existing Standby Generator
Challenges: Scheduling works to maintain healthcare services during upgrade work
Capisce Solution: First principal estimating allowed both the stakeholders and the engineers to understand the methodology required for changeover and upgrades
Success: Detail of first principal estimates has made construction methodology simpler to plan around essential services operations for the hospitals.
