Cost planning
Plan materials, labour, and machinery together
Construction cost planning combines measured quantities with rates for materials, labour, equipment, preliminaries, risk, and taxes. Quotify helps project teams bring those inputs into one structured view while preserving the assumptions behind each rate.
Geographic scope: Early estimates, tender pricing, and project cost review in Zambia
Four cost groups to review
| Cost group | Typical basis | Common risk |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Supplier offer and quantity | Specification or price movement |
| Labour | Role, productivity, and time | Productivity assumption |
| Machinery | Hire period and operating basis | Idle time and mobilisation |
| Preliminaries | Project duration and site requirements | Scope assumptions |
State assumptions before adding contingency
Contingency should respond to identified uncertainty, not hide missing scope. Record what is included, what is excluded, the pricing date, the project location, and the level of design information used.
Review as the design develops
An early cost plan is a decision tool, not a fixed promise. Update quantities, rates, and risk allowances when drawings, specifications, procurement strategy, or market evidence changes.