Avoid Wasteful Re-Designs by Managing Budget at Sketch Stage

.

Re-designs, begrudgingly accepted as a project risk, can now be eliminated from the design process while avoiding client upsets.

Traditionally, architects and designers gather the client’s brief then develop sketches and ideas that will deliver their client’s requirements.

As your design progresses the client provides feedback plus the requisite scope creep(!) to arrive at a concept that’s sufficiently mature to enable a builder or quantity surveyor to provide construction cost estimates.

Typically, this is the first time the design has been assessed practically for cost, creating a few anxious moments for all involved.

Sadly, sometimes the feedback blow’s the client’s budget to pieces.

When this happens, everyone feels the pain. The client’s dreams are shattered and they’re now asking you what went wrong….

As the professional, you’re placed in the awkward position of having to justify budget and explain that the client’s choices and directions contributed to the cost escalation.

To add insult to injury:

  1. You’ve spent so many hours and inspiration on a design that probably won’t be built
  2. The client’s demanding a re-design where you value manage – at your own expense!
  3. If the build doesn’t go ahead, you don’t see your vision in built form.
  4. You miss out on positive client referrals

Instead, Why Not Manage Budget at Sketch Stage?

To eliminate all this pain, why not check construction costs earlier in the design process?

That is, test each of your pre-concept sketches (and iterations) with ProCalc (free trial) for the likely budget impacts before the client even sees your ideas.

Then when you’re ready to share your initial thoughts with the client, you can present them more confidently with the knowledge that you already understand the likely construction costs.

This means you won’t waste hours refining a design the client can’t afford.

Additionally, you can provide budget estimates to clients early on, empowering them to approve progression or request value management much earlier in the process should it be needed.

This approach also prepares the client for the builder/quantity surveyor’s figures to avoid any ‘client-shocking’ surprises.

It puts you and your client in control.

See ProCalc Demo Video (4 mins)

Importantly, this allows the client to view you as a fellow collaborator rather than the professional who ‘has to make good at their own expense’.

For icing on the cake, the client is far more likely to progress to build because you’ve addressed any budget issues when the design was still at sketch phase.

If they needed a greater budget, they’ve approved it. If they needed reduced scope, you’ve solved it. No stress.

This approach allows you to support your designs with the required budget estimates all the way through your design process. It helps you manage client expectations (and scope creep) while eliminating those anxiety-riddled budget conversations that clients struggle to digest.

You Might Also Like:

A Client Who Wants to "Think About It" Actually Needs Help - Here's What to Do

We’ve all heard those crushing words from clients…” We’d like to think about it”. After weeks of empathy, inspiration and perspiration, they’ve become stuck – and indecisive. Here’s how to help them move forward…

Costing Concepts at the Right Time Supports Great Design & Reduces Budget Stress

We surveyed architects and designers to see when and how they use ProCalc in their design process to improve their design outcomes and minimise budget stress. See how others approach budget management.

The Earlier a Client Grasps Costs, The More Likely They are to Build – Here’s Why

When clients receive their first cost guide they respond in one of four ways (hint: three of them are positive). See how early, reliable information can help you can guide clients to a smooth, constructed landing.

Be the Informed Sherpa, Not the Fearful Professional – How & Why

With volatile price increases, many design practitioners have become reluctant – even fearful –advising clients. See how to provide informed, low risk advice to clients that builds relationships.

Ditch the Crystal Ball for Construction Pricing – Here’s Why

Clients always want to understand construction costs for the future to reduce surprises. Here’s why you should be wary of future forecasts.

One Simple Email Can Dial Down Budget Stress –Here’s how...

Historically, re-setting client budget expectations has been fraught with challenges and risks for design professionals. See how one simple email template can make your life easier…

Free Webinar: Stop Losing Sleep Over Client Budgets

. Re-designs, begrudgingly accepted as a project risk, can now be eliminated from the design process while avoiding client upsets. Traditionally, architects and designers gather the client’s brief then develop sketches and ideas that will deliver their client’s requirements. As your design progresses the client provides feedback plus the requisite...

Dissatisfied Clients Can Improve Your Practice – Here’s how….

It’s not easy to deal with an unsatisfied client. Typically, they require extra time, effort and expense. But what if you could harness their message to improve your practice? Here’s how….

Builders Sentiment Towards Projects Affects Pricing – What to do…

Builders’ sentiment towards your project has always been difficult to quantify leading to uncertainty about your project’s attractiveness to the market and the effect on pricing…wonder no more.

$/m2 Construction Rates Are No Longer Relevant – What to do…

$/m2 construction estimates have always been questionable but with recent price volatility they’ve become even less accurate. Here’s why and what to do…