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COST PLANNING

THE PROBLEM WE SOLVE

Across the lifecycle of a construction project, inaccurate budgeting, unclear scope, and poor cost visibility often lead to unexpected overruns and delays. These challenges not only impact project viability but also reduce stakeholder confidence. Our cost planning service is designed to eliminate uncertainty and deliver financial clarity at every stage.

Problem

  • Unclear or incomplete project scope
  • Budget estimates based on assumptions, not accurate data
  • Escalating material and labour costs
  • Limited visibility of risk and contingency
  • Misalignment between client expectations and actual project cost
  • Delays caused by reactive, not proactive, cost control

Solution

  • Early-stage cost modelling for accurate financial forecasting
  • Data-backed estimating based on market rates and benchmarking
  • Clear breakdown of costs, risks, and allowances
  • Continuous refinement as design evolves
  • Transparent communication with all project stakeholders
  • A cost roadmap that keeps the project on time and within budget

A Methodology Built for Accuracy & Assurance

Our 5-step approach combines deep industry expertise with data-driven analysis to deliver reliable cost insights from day one. This framework ensures disciplined planning, realistic budgets, and smarter decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Initial Brief & Data Review
We analyse your design intent, objectives, constraints, and scope. Where needed, we assist in defining a clear project brief and financial baseline.
Detailed Elemental Cost Plan
We produce a structured cost plan broken down by elements, work packages, and stages — fully aligned with RICS NRM standards.
Reporting, Risk Allowances & Ongoing Updates
As designs progress, we issue updated cost plans, risk reviews, and financial snapshots so you remain in control at every milestone.
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Benchmarking & Market Analysis
Using industry benchmarks, live market rates, and historical data, we prepare early cost targets and identify potential risk areas.
Design Alignment & Value Engineering
We align your design and budget, working with architects and engineers to refine specifications and maintain cost certainty.

Outcomes - What You Gain

With our cost planning support, you can expect:

  • Accurate budgets and predictable cost outcomes
  • Reduced financial risk and exposure
  • Fewer design changes and delays
  • Optimised specifications without compromising quality
  • Transparent reporting for stakeholders and funders
  • Full confidence in project viability

Our goal is simple: deliver cost certainty long before construction begins.

Our Experience Is Your Advantage

Hear what our incredible customers have to say!

We have worked closely with Jake Suthers of The QS Co across a number of projects and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Jake is an excellent Quantity Surveyor who consistently delivers affordable, high-level and highly detailed cost consultancy for both residential and commercial schemes. His approach is thorough, clear, pragmatic and incredibly supportive to both client and consultant teams. Jake adds real value at early stage concept pricing right through to delivery cost control – and his input regularly strengthens feasibility, stakeholder confidence and project decision making. We also collaborate together offering multi-disciplinary services across the UK, which has proven to be a huge benefit to our clients and partnering consultants. Jake is professional, responsive, reliable – and genuinely an asset to any project team.

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John Bridge
Studio John Bridge

I’d highly recommend Jake Suthers to anyone preparing for their RICS APC. Jake has been an outstanding counsellor. He is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely committed to helping me succeed. He guided me through the process with clarity and confidence, showing me exactly what was needed at each stage and helping me stay focused and on track. What really stood out was how he made the journey enjoyable. His video content and course materials are first class, practical, well-structured, and incredibly effective in preparing for the final interview. Thanks again, Jake. I couldn’t have done it without your support.

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Wayne Best

Jake is a superb MRICS qualified Quantity Surveyor with deep expertise in all things Quantity Surveying. He is professional and punctual with a great attention to detail. Jake’s mentoring work in guiding many on their APC journey to RICS accreditation is also commendable. I recommend Jake for any QS role or project.

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Adrian Townsend
Director Approved Inspectors Limited

We have had the pleasure of working with Jake and highly recommend him. His strategic thinking, professionalism, and ability to navigate challenges make him an invaluable asset. Jake is a strong communicator and collaborator, always driving projects forward with precision and dedication.

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Haroon Saeed
Founder & CEO SINTL

Impressive attention to detail, and professional courtesy. I want to say thank you to Jake for his firm providing us a speedy and unbiased analysis and estimate on a tricky development site. We struggled to understand several cost elements of a new build project, but Jake’s knowledge and the benchmarking Your QS Co provided, brought clarity and helped us building the correct project costs into our business case. ”Your QS Company” understood our needs instantly and provided a detailed QS report within a week from contacting Jake. The process was simple and well managed from the initial briefing right to the end when he explained to us the detailed estimates.

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Tamas Rigo
Operations Director Recast Property

Myself and associates have worked with Jake over the last few years and he is a consummate professional. Highly recommended.

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Tony Lynott
Managing Director ADL Health & Safety Ltd

I have worked with Jake on a number of projects, he is great to work with, paying attention to detail and ensuring a great all round professional service is provided. I have no hesitation in recommending Jake or The QS Company.

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Lyn Eccles-Sargeant
Director Ecology Services Ltd

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jake Suthers on multiple projects, and he’s proven to be an outstanding Chartered Quantity Surveyor. His expertise in cost management, contract administration, and procurement ensures projects are delivered efficiently and within budget. Jake’s attention to detail and strong analytical skills make him a key asset on even the most complex construction projects. He excels at building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders and communicates complex information clearly and effectively. A proactive and reliable professional, Jake consistently delivers exceptional results. I highly recommend him for any organization seeking a talented and dedicated Quantity Surveyor.

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Jonathan Baron

Jake and his team have helped bring our latest development to life. He initially helped us validate project viability through a detailed cost assessment, and appraised several design options so we could understand which offered the best return on investment. He has consistently provided accurate cost advise and played a pivotal role during lengthy contract negotiations with our preferred Main Contractor. Top class operator and comes highly recommended.

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Alex Impey

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