Insights on AI, cost estimating and construction economics
Articles for quantity surveyors, estimators and project teams: how the methods work, where the numbers come from, and what is changing. Written to be useful whether or not you use Caprix AI.
Latest articles
AI in quantity surveying: what it can and cannot do
Artificial intelligence · How language models answer cost questions, why they invent numbers, and a checklist for judging any AI cost tool.
Why construction costs rise: the economics behind escalation
Construction economics · Input costs versus tender prices, the building cycle, exchange rates, labour, interest rates and the productivity gap.
Estimate accuracy and contingency: how sure can you be?
Cost estimating · Accuracy ranges by design stage, why projects overrun, and how to build contingency from identified risks.
Managing material price risk in construction contracts
Construction economics · Fixed price versus fluctuation contracts, how a price adjustment formula works, and practical ways to cut exposure.
Elemental cost planning: how to design to a budget
Cost estimating · Cost limits, elements, cost per m² and element unit rates, and how to keep a design on budget stage by stage.
Life cycle costing: the cost of owning a building, not just building it
Construction economics · Capital versus running costs, discounting and net present value, and a worked comparison of two options.
Tender analysis: how to compare priced BOQs like for like
Cost estimating · Arithmetic checks, rate by rate comparison, front loading and abnormally low rates, and benchmarking across time and place.
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