If you want to carry out a building or redevelopment project having a realistic budget at the outset may make the difference between getting the building of your dreams and a building that you have had to make compromises on at every stage of construction.
Having a quantity surveyor as part of the building team from day one can help you to meet both your build objectives and your budget, and may ultimately save you money too. An Architect and a Quantity Surveyor working in partnership from the design process stage onwards is the ideal way to help provide you with the cost certainty you need.
Industry experts
We work to your Architect’s plans, scope and site specifics and use our industry knowledge and expertise to produce an early budget cost known as an Order of Cost Estimate (“OCE”). Once signed off, the OCE becomes your starting budget and reference point for comparison as the project and costs develop.
At Timms Eida and Associates, we have been providing quantity surveying services for almost fifty years. We provide a full range of services from early budget estimates, cost plans and bills of quantities through to tender documents, contracts, and final account negotiations and dispute resolution.
Every project is different
Every building project is different, so we take the time to fully understand your specific scheme objectives. This means that we can give bespoke advice, set a reliable budget, and help you to make informed decisions.
During the construction phase it is important to monitor cash flow and ensure works are on budget. An unexpected budget overrun could stretch your financial resources to the extent that the project must be delayed or shelved. In the worst-case scenario, unexpected variations and increased costs could lead to a legal dispute.
TIMMS EIDA’s top tips
Budget
Be realistic! Too low & you could run out of money and have to make cut backs during construction. Get expert advice before you start.
The right builder
Go by word of mouth – a personal recommendation is best. Ask friends and family or neighbours. If your builder has not been recommended to you personally ask them for references & for details of previous work they have completed.
Stage payments
Agree how to manage stage payments, you don’t want to pay too much money up front. Make sure someone is managing the project and monitoring progress. Only pay the next instalment when you are happy the work for that stage has been completed.
Use a QS
Using a quantity surveyor like Timms Eida & Associates to set a reliable and adequate budget and monitor the construction will allow your funds to be allocated effectively leading to successful completion of the project and providing value for money for the build.
