Estimating

Cost Plan

An organised forecast of project cost, commonly arranged by element or work package and updated as the design develops.

Alphabetised construction reference cards beside a drawing and scale ruler
Construction glossaryCategory: Estimating.
Definition

An organised forecast of project cost, commonly arranged by element or work package and updated as the design develops.

Why it matters

A cost plan supports design decisions before every item is fully specified or tendered.

Example in practice

The cost plan separates substructure, frame, envelope, services and finishes at the current design stage.

Use the term carefully

State the scope, amount, adjustment method or contract meaning whenever this term could change who carries cost or risk.