Conceptual Estimating by Building Type and Floor Area
Before there are drawings to measure, a conceptual estimate gives the client a budget to test feasibility. It rests on benchmark rates and honest adjustment.
The base calculation
Choosing the rate
Benchmark cost-per-m² rates come from completed-project data, banded by:
| Building type | Relative rate |
|---|---|
| Warehouse / industrial shed | Low |
| Residential (mid-rise) | Moderate |
| Office (fitted) | Moderate–high |
| Hospital / laboratory | High |
| Data centre / clean facility | Very high |
Within a type, pick a specification level — basic, standard, premium.
Adjustment factors
- Location: regional cost index vs the benchmark’s location (labour and material availability, transport).
- Height: high-rise adds cost per m² (structure, cores, vertical transport, faade access).
- Site: poor ground, sloping site, restricted access, demolition, services diversions.
- Time: escalate the benchmark to the expected construction midpoint.
- Externals & abnormals: add separately — they do not scale with GFA.
Present it honestly
Add the exclusions list (land, finance, professional fees, loose furniture, VAT unless stated) so the client knows exactly what the number covers.
EngEst Pro’s Conceptual Estimate generates a preliminary cost from building type and floor area with location and specification adjustments — ideal for feasibility and early budgeting before detailed design.
Put this on autopilot with EngEst Pro
Create a free EngEst Pro account — 5 projects a month, all 8 calculators, PDF BOQ export. No credit card required.
Create Free Account → Run your first estimate in under 10 minutes.