Cost planning that keeps the design on budget
Budgets and cost plans that follow the design from concept to CDs.
Cost planning sets a budget at the start of a project and checks the design against it at every stage. We prepare elemental cost plans for owners, developers and design teams, then update them at schematic design, design development and construction documents.
Each update shows what changed, why, and what it means for the budget, so decisions about systems, finishes and scope are made with real numbers in front of you.
Who it's for
Project types we support
What's included
- Elemental cost plans by building system
- Design-stage estimates at SD, DD and CD
- Cost reports showing changes between stages
- Value engineering options with savings
- Escalation and contingency recommendations
- Cash-flow forecasts for funding
What you receive
- Excel estimate organized by CSI division
- Quantities with waste factors
- Unit material, labor and equipment costs
- Summary sheet with cost per square foot
- Colour-coded marked-up plans (PDF)
- Written assumptions, clarifications and exclusions
Our process
Send your plans
Email PDF drawings and specs, or share a Dropbox, Google Drive or bid-portal link. Bid sets, schematic, design development, construction documents and conceptual drawings all work.
Get a fixed quote
We review the set and reply with a price, turnaround time and delivery date for your scope. You approve before any work starts.
NDA and 50% deposit
We sign an NDA so your plans stay private. Work starts on a 50% deposit by card through our secure online checkout. A W-9 is available on request.
Receive your estimate
You get quantities and material and labor pricing in Excel, organized by CSI division, plus marked-up plans. The remaining 50% is due on delivery.
Cost Planning: common questions
Can't find your answer? Call (850) 343-4090 or email info@premiumestimatings.com.
What is an elemental cost plan?
It breaks the budget down by building element, such as substructure, frame, envelope, interiors and services, rather than by trade. That makes it easy to see where design decisions affect cost.
How often should a cost plan be updated?
At each design milestone at a minimum, and whenever a major design decision is made.
Can you include escalation?
Yes. We apply escalation to the midpoint of construction and state the rate used.
What file formats do you accept?
PDF drawings are best. We also work from DWG/DXF files and from plan links on bid portals, Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive. Include specifications and addenda if you have them.
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