Capital cost is often the most influential factor affecting decisions about a project. The earlier capital cost is known, the better the decision-making process − and with CostPlan you can estimate building costs within a few seconds of creating a <VE> model. So you, and your client, can be sure that costs are under control throughout the design process.
What CostPlan Does:
In theory, you and your client should know the cost of a building, but it's not always that simple − or could it be? CostPlan makes it easy for you, right from the start.
With CostPlan, you can prepare customised capital cost estimates at any stage of a project. As soon as your model is available, you can estimate the cost of the building. As the design evolves, the data can be enhanced to ensure greater accuracy. CostPlan enables you to establish and keep track of:
• the capital cost of the whole building
• systems costs − including pipework, ductwork and electrical cables.
How CostPlan Works:
Building Costs Methodology
CostPlan calculates capital cost by applying independent cost data to your building model.
First, CostPlan generates all the measurements needed to ensure your estimates are as accurate as possible, such as floor areas, the area of each construction type, and the number of windows and doors.
Next, Cost Data Files are created. You can customise these to produce any cost plan you need, by defining the categories you want and the elements within them. Cost Data Files contain the following information:
1. The layout of your cost plan.
2. A ‘code’ for each element. This code tells CostPlan which measurement is used to calculate the cost of the element.
3. Assign a cost to each element code.
When a cost data file is applied to a <VE> model, CostPlan calculates the information you require. CostPlan is completely flexible − you can change the model, use the same Cost Data File or alter it as required, and instantly have a revised capital cost.
IES provides indicative cost plans with the system. Alternatively, a Quantity Surveyor can provide you with appropriate cost information, or you can use the Cost Data Files to store your proprietary information, giving you a commercial edge.
System Costs Methodology
CostPlan calculates systems costs by importing cost data files generated by our Mechanical and Electrical applications, which generate a Bill of Quantities for ductwork, pipework and electrical cable systems. This Bill of Quantities is held in a cost data file, enabling you to assign cost rates to systems quickly and efficiently, and to predict the appropriate capital costs.
CostPlan Cost Data File
The data entered in CostPlan is stored in the CostPlan cost data file, and can be amended at any time. It can also be used in other projects.
Commercial Benefits
CostPlan gives you a commercial edge as you can:
• calculate cost implications quickly and easily
• store your cost data information
• use the cost data in our other systems; for example in Deft value engineering studies or LifeCycle analyses.
