Construction Cost Consultants
Construction Cost Consultants
We give independent advice on what a construction project should cost, from the first concept estimate through to the final account. It suits developers, commercial building owners and anyone who wants their cost figures checked.
What we do
What a construction cost consultant does
A construction cost consultant advises on what a building project costs, from the first estimate to the final account. At AMS, we do this as part of our quantity surveying services for developers, building owners and homeowners across New Zealand.
You might need a cost consultant when a decision depends on what the project will cost. That could be a developer weighing up a site before making an offer, or a board or investor wanting an independent construction budget. It might also be a building owner checking a tender, or a project under way where the final cost is unclear.
Construction costs can change while a project runs. Stats NZ reported non-residential construction prices up 2.2 percent in the year to June 2026. A cost figure set once at the start can be out of date by the time you rely on it.
What we handle
What a cost consultant covers
The advice you need changes as a project moves forward. Our cost estimation service covers the estimating stages in more detail.
Concept drawing cost estimate
We prepare an early cost figure from concept sketches, before detailed drawings exist.
Design development
We split the estimate into building elements and update it as the design develops.
Pre-tender
A detailed estimate is prepared from the tender documents, before the tenders come back.
Tender analysis
We compare the tenders like for like and set the result against the pre-tender estimate.
Construction
While the build is under way, we assess payment claims and variations against the contract and recommend what to pay. Cost reports can show where the project stands.
Final account
As the project closes out, we help prepare and settle the final account.
Independent of the build
What independent advice adds
An independent cost consultant works for you, rather than for whoever is pricing or building the job. We look at the project budget as a whole, including any prices you've been given.
Tender totals aren't always directly comparable. Two builders pricing the same drawings can still leave out different things. Totals can need adjusting for exclusions and provisional sums before you compare them.
What you get
A cost figure to work from
What you get depends on the stage of the project and the decision the figure has to support.
Not a bank or lender report
Our cost advice is for you, the client. We don't provide bank or lender drawdown reporting.
Who it suits
From developers to homeowners
Developers, body corporates and commercial building owners can use cost advice to test a project before they commit to it.
Architects and project managers can ask for cost advice alongside a design as it develops. Homeowners planning a new build or a major renovation can get the same independent advice at a smaller scale.
Main contractors, builders and subcontractors who need pricing support or tender preparation should see our measurement and estimating services.
Cost consultancy covers the same work as our pre-contract and post-contract services.
How it works
How a cost consultancy engagement runs
- 01
Get in touch
Tell us about the project and where it's up to. You can send whatever you have, such as drawings, a site address or a tender.
- 02
Work out what you need
We work out which stage of cost advice answers your question.
- 03
Work begins
We prepare the estimate, cost plan or review from what you've sent us.
- 04
Review the figure
You get the figure or review back, and can ask us about anything in it.
Why AMS
Why clients use AMS as their cost consultant
A figure prepared for you
You get an independent cost figure to base your decisions on.
Concept through to final account
Our cost advice can cover a project from concept to final account, so you can get help with cost at each stage.
Costs checked against the contract
You can pay a claim or agree a variation knowing it has been checked, rather than taking it at face value.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a quantity surveyor and a construction cost consultant?
They work in the same field. In New Zealand, quantity surveyors, estimators, cost managers and cost consultants share the same professional body.
How is this different from a builder's quote?
A builder's quote is that builder's price for the work they intend to carry out. It's based on their own assumptions and exclusions, so it doesn't test whether your wider budget is complete.
Do you work on both commercial and residential projects?
Yes, we work on both residential and commercial projects.
Can you be engaged for just one stage of a project?
Yes, that's possible. You might only need an early estimate or a tender check. Tell us what you need and we'll say whether we can help.
Is this the same as a bank or lender valuation?
No, a bank or lender valuation looks at what a property is worth. Our cost advice looks at what the construction itself costs.
Need a quantity surveyor for your next project?
Send through your plans or a short description of the project and we will come back to you.