A question that often comes up on projects:
In early project stages, do you prefer:
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A detailed Bill of Quantities, or
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A high-level estimate with allowances?
In reality, we often don’t have enough information early on, but clients still want reliable numbers.
Some approaches I’ve seen:
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Start high-level, then refine as design develops
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Build early BoQs with assumptions
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Use historical project data
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Apply cost/m² benchmarking
My personal view is that it depends heavily on:
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The stage of design
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The client’s expectations
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The risk you are willing to carry
Would be great to hear how others handle this in practice.