Design Economics and Cost Planning: An Assessment of Two Construction Design Solutions

LO1 Examine key features of design economics, cost planning and the principles of precontract cost control.

LO2 Analyse alternative construction design solutions using established methods and techniques and assess their impact on initial and lifecycle costs.

LO3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the processes and methods involved in preparing cost estimates, cost plans and lifecycle costs associated with the construction and lifecycle of new building.

You are scheduled to have a meeting with the client to discuss these two options. The client does not fully understand why the cost of the two options would be significantly different. The client is keen on option 2 as this would offer more space on site for parking and the possibility of future development on the site. In a report to the client:

1. Critically evaluate the cost effect that these design options would have on the various elements of the building in the short and long term.
2. The local authority has decided to take up option 1. Critically review the various methods of cost estimating that could be used to provide appropriate cost advice prior to the preparation of detailed drawings. Include details of the type and source of cost information that you would use.

Your work will be assessed in relation to the requirements set out in the assessment criteria marking guide at the end of this document and the grading guidance section below.

It is recommended that you read both of these sections before starting your assessment to learn what will help you to achieve the highest marks. Once you have finished you should review the assessment before submitting it, to check you have done what is required to achieve the highest marks.

When you receive your feedback from your tutor you should clearly be able to see which categories you gained marks in and, where relevant, recommendations about how to improve yourperformance going forward.

You will have met the criteria for Threshold by demonstrating sufficient understanding of design factors and how these affect the cost of building elements in relation to the assignment scenario. Your report will demonstrate sufficient understanding of pre-contract cost control and the methods of producing an estimated cost with particular application to the stage of the project and the sources of cost information used.

You will have met the criteria for Threshold and you will also demonstrate a good understanding of the design factors and how these affect the cost of building elements in relation to the assignment scenario. Your report will include relevant examples, sketches and impacts of the analysis of both design options in the assignment scenario. You will have demonstrated good understanding of precontract cost control and the methods of producing an estimated cost with particular application to the stage of the project and the sources of cost information used.