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AI tools and documents for engineering and project management.

Basis of Cost Estimate

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Record estimate purpose, base date, scope, quantities, rates, currency, taxes, exclusions, escalation, contingency and accuracy range.

How to use this template

This Word template contains prepared headings, tables, project fields and completion notes. Add your information, review the completed document and remove the notes before issue.

Prepare project brief

The form prepares a separate brief; it does not fill the Word or Excel file.

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Learning

How to use this template

When you need it

Prepare the estimate basis alongside a cost estimate for an investment, design or procurement decision. Update it when scope maturity, quotations, quantities, price dates or commercial assumptions change enough to affect interpretation of the figure.

What it helps you decide

It explains what the estimate buys and how uncertain it is. Decision makers can compare alternatives on a consistent basis and avoid treating a preliminary allowance as a supported commitment.

How to complete it

  1. Define estimate purpose, scope and quantity basis, identifying source quotations or rates and the maturity of the underlying design information for each major element.
  2. Record price date, currency, inclusions and exclusions; explain tax, escalation and contingency assumptions in the commercial sections with sources or clearly identified unverified inputs.
  3. Assess uncertainty and significant sensitivities, reconcile the basis with the estimate, and present any missing information that could materially change the proposed decision.

Who prepares and reviews it

The estimator prepares the basis with design, quantity, procurement and commercial contributors. An independent cost reviewer checks coherence; the sponsor or delegated manager decides use of the estimate under project governance.

A mistake to avoid

Do not compare estimates with different tax, scope or price-date assumptions as though their totals measure the same thing; reconcile the bases first.

Illustrative example

Illustrative example: an early estimate for a logistics building uses budget supplier quotations and concept quantities. The basis identifies excluded utility reinforcement and its uncertainty. The sponsor can then commission the missing utility assessment before treating the total as an investment approval basis.

Explore the wider topic

Document contents

  • Estimate definition
  • Build-up basis
  • Commercial assumptions
  • Uncertainty
  • Project records
  • Preparation, review and approval

Required inputs

  • Scope definition and quantity basis
  • Source quotations, rates and price date
  • Currency, tax, escalation and contingency assumptions

Practical tools.
Professional judgment.

Confirm the adopted edition, local amendments, National Annex where relevant, and contract requirements.

Prepare project brief