Here’s what you’ll know after taking this course:

Learn how to design effectively within financial constraints, ensuring quality and functionality while fostering collaboration between architects and builders.
Enroll today and take the first step toward mastering building costs with confidence!

  • Empower Yourself to Cost Your Projects from the Drawing Board.
  • Master Risk Mitigation Strategies
  • Achieve Harmony Between Design and Budget

Enrol now

Mastering Building costs

Accredited For 1 CPD credits (CAT 1) with SACAP

Accurately calculating building costs has always been a challenge for the architectural profession.

This process becomes even more engaging as you navigate the dynamic evolution of design from a blank sheet to a completed project. This CPD training course empowers professionals with a comprehensive view of the construction industry and its mechanisms, showing you how to leverage information to compile precise cost calculations. 

You will learn to cost your building projects from the drawing board with confidence, allowing for accurate estimations of professional fees based on the project sum. While primarily referencing residential building projects, the methods taught can be applied to all types of construction. You'll discover the vital role of price build-ups and Building Information Modelling (B.I.M.) in the accurate calculation of quantities and costs.

COURSE CONTENT

A. Introduction to Building Costs

Gain a foundational understanding of what constitutes building costs, including material, labor, and overhead expenses.

B. Why Do So Many Building Projects Fail?

Explore common reasons behind project failures and learn how to anticipate and mitigate risks in your own projects.

C. Quantity Surveying in the Building Industry

Discover the role of quantity surveying in managing project costs, from initial estimates to final accounts.

D. Square meter Building Costs

Understand the significance of square meter costs in budgeting and estimating building expenses.

E. Professionals, Organisations, and People Involved in a Building Project

Identify key players in the construction process and their roles, ensuring effective collaboration throughout the project.

F. The Design Process: Is the Architectural Professional Responsible for Calculating Costs?  

Examine the responsibilities of architects in cost estimation and the importance of integrating design with budget considerations.

G. Documents Required for Tendering

Learn about the essential documents needed to prepare for and submit tender proposals, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

H. Designing to Budget

Master strategies for designing within financial constraints while maintaining quality and aesthetics.

I. Price Categories

Categorize different pricing structures within the industry, including fixed, variable, and cost-plus models.

J. Stages/Order of Construction

Review the sequence of construction stages, from site preparation to final inspections, to better manage timelines and costs.

K. Price Build-ups and Building Information Modelling (B.I.M.)

Explore the methodologies in building cost estimation and how B.I.M. can enhance accuracy and efficiency in project planning.

L. Measuring & Calculating Quantities & Costs  

Develop practical skills for accurately measuring quantities and calculating costs to create reliable budgets and forecasts.

OPEN MIC DETAILS:

Online workshop date and time

20 May @ 8am-2pm

Online workshop details: 6 hour contact sessions, 2 hour self study
CPD weighting 1 CPD Credits (Category 1)
Full Price R1165 *early bird (Lapses 19 May)
R1465 *full Price

A CPD certificate of completion will be awarded to each attendee. This course is proudly validated by SAIAEC and accredited with SACAP.

JOIN US

take the first step toward mastering building costs with confidence!

Meet your instructor

Senior Architectural Technologist Graham Alexander

Graham Alexander is an accomplished author, radio host on Mix93.8 FM, and seasoned architectural professional with nearly four decades of experience in the building industry. He pioneered innovative software for calculating building costs, achieving a global first in 1989 by linking the system to CAD for automatic quantity generation from drawings. In 1988, Graham founded Buildaid, a platform for his various initiatives, including the publication of 46 books. His Buildaid Building & Pricing Guide, published since 1992, is a key reference for over 20,000 readers in South Africa. He also authored the NHBRC Home Builder’s Guide and produced a related video. Beyond publishing, Graham provides training to the building industry and has practiced as a registered Senior Architectural Technologist, completing hundreds of projects with a focus on accurate cost calculation.

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Thank you to our sponsor!

This workshop is proudly sponsored by SAFAL Steel

SAFAL Steel is Africa’s thought leader in world-class sustainable building solutions. Their goal is to positively and meaningfully impact the economy, together with the makers, developers and creators who wish to make their mark on African soil. They believe a building is a story about purposeful creation and human flourishing and our dream is to bring this to life.