Cost Planning is a statement of how the design team proposes to distribute the available money among the elements of the building. The cost planning can be adjusted to design requirement. In practical sense, the CP starts with the development of a figure (or cost) to allow client to decide whether the project is feasible.
Advantages of cost planning
Early cost checks ensure preliminary estimate is more accurate.
Saves time if architect of redrawing and, of Quantity Surveyor and contractor on agreeing amendments
A balanced expenditure distribution may produce a more rationalized design.
Rational distribution of expenditure throughout the design is achieved
Closer alliance between design team assist in understanding each others
QS is familiar with the design at the earliest stags
Better chance of comparing different projects
Working drawing are likely to be available sooner
Cost consideration will be given more attention since the QS is involved in the early stage of the design process.
Since there is a checking system on the cost,there is possibility that less changes will be made to the BQ. Discussions among designers can be made before theproduction of the final design. This will definitely save time in making adjustment to any changes to the cost and design.
Cost planning provides basic information oncost comparison between different projects.
Disadvantage of cost planning
More preparation is necessary in the early stages of design
Architect is likely to be more restricted in his method of working
QS requires a greater knowledge of pricing of the design factors that affect the cost
Architect and QS are likely to b involved in more work
The designers may have some limitation intheir work style.
The QS need to be equipped with past experience and knowledge pertaining to costand factors influencing the cost.
Both designer and QS are involved with a lot more work at the design stage as compared to when no cost planning is used.