Independent Cost Advice for Complex Projects
Cost Estimator Pty Ltd provides quantity surveying, estimating and commercial cost support for mining, resources, civil and infrastructure projects throughout Australia.
We assist project owners, mining contractors, civil contractors, engineering consultants and specialist subcontractors with accurate measurement, market-based pricing, tender evaluation, contractor claim assessment and project cost control.
Our practical approach combines construction measurement, civil estimating, contract administration and commercial analysis to provide clear cost information throughout the project lifecycle.
OUR MINING AND RESOURCES CAPABILITY
Cost Control Across the Project Lifecycle
Mining and resources projects require disciplined quantity management, reliable forecasting and clear assessment of contractor costs.
Cost Estimator can support projects from early planning and feasibility through procurement, construction, commissioning and final account.
Our services may be provided as a standalone assignment or as additional estimating and commercial support to an existing project team.
OUR SERVICES
Conceptual and Preliminary Estimates
Early-stage estimates to support project planning, funding decisions, option analysis and budget development.
We can assist with:
Preliminary construction budgets
Concept estimates
Order-of-cost estimates
Option comparisons
Infrastructure allowances
Escalation and contingency assessment
Project cost benchmarking
Capital expenditure planning support
Detailed Quantity Take-Offs and BOQs
Structured quantity measurement based on drawings, specifications, models and available project documentation.
Our measured work may include:
Bulk earthworks
Cut and fill quantities
Excavation and disposal
Roadworks and pavements
Concrete and reinforcement
Structural steel
Drainage systems
Sewer and water infrastructure
Electrical and communications infrastructure
Buildings and operational facilities
External works and site development
Temporary and enabling works
Deliverables can include detailed Excel take-offs, Bills of Quantities, measurement schedules and trade-based cost breakdowns.
Tender Pricing and Bid Support
Commercial estimating support for contractors and subcontractors preparing competitive mining, civil and infrastructure tenders.
Our services include:
Tender document review
Scope interpretation
Quantity verification
Labour, material, plant and subcontractor pricing
Construction methodology allowances
Preliminary and temporary works
Supplier and subcontractor quote comparisons
Tender clarifications
Scope-gap identification
Tender risk assessment
Priced BOQs and schedules of rates
Our objective is to support commercially competitive pricing without overlooking material scope or delivery risks.
Tender Evaluation and Procurement Support
Independent comparison and evaluation of contractor and subcontractor submissions.
We can assist with:
Tender comparison schedules
Normalisation of tender returns
Scope-compliance reviews
Rate analysis
Identification of exclusions and qualifications
Commercial clarification schedules
Value-for-money assessment
Procurement recommendations
Negotiation support
Progress Claim Assessment
Independent assessment of work completed and contractor payment claims.
Our services may include:
Measurement of completed work
Assessment of percentage completion
Verification of claimed quantities
Review of supporting documentation
Assessment against BOQs or schedules of rates
Identification of overclaims or unsupported amounts
Progress payment recommendations
Updated cost-to-complete forecasts
Quantity Verification and Remeasurement
Independent quantity verification for project owners, contractors and commercial teams.
This may include:
Remeasurement of completed works
Verification of contractor quantities
Comparison against tender or contract quantities
Reconciliation of drawing revisions
Assessment of quantity growth
Review of dayworks and measured works
Preparation of supporting measurement records
Variation and Change Assessment
Independent valuation and review of changes arising during project delivery.
We can assist with:
Variation pricing
Review of contractor variation claims
Quantity and rate verification
Scope-change assessment
Latent-condition cost assessment
Daywork and time-charge reviews
New-rate development
Reconciliation of additions and omissions
Variation registers
Commercial negotiation support
Cost Forecasting and Reporting
Ongoing commercial reporting to provide visibility over current and forecast project costs.
Reporting may include:
Approved project budget
Committed costs
Actual expenditure
Variations and pending changes
Forecast cost to complete
Forecast final cost
Contingency position
Cash-flow forecasts
Cost variance analysis
Commercial risk commentary
Schedules of Rates and Rate Analysis
Preparation and review of project-specific schedules of rates.
We can assist with rates for:
Excavation and earthworks
Haulage and disposal
Pavement construction
Concrete works
Reinforcement
Structural steel
Pipework and drainage
Labour and plant
Temporary works
Site establishment
Maintenance and minor works
Rates can be supported by labour, material, plant, productivity and subcontractor cost build-ups.
Cost-to-Complete Assessments
Independent assessment of the cost required to complete remaining works.
Our assessment may consider:
Current physical progress
Remaining measured quantities
Outstanding procurement
Committed subcontract costs
Variations and unresolved claims
Site conditions
Remaining preliminaries
Escalation and contingency
Identified commercial risks
Claims and Commercial Support
Commercial cost support for disputed or complex project matters.
Services include:
Assessment of contractor and subcontractor claims
Quantum analysis
Variation reconciliation
Cost records review
Productivity and quantity analysis
Rectification and replacement costing
Independent cost reports
Expert Witness and dispute support where required
PROJECT TYPES WE SUPPORT
Mine-Site Infrastructure
Site establishment
Access roads
Haul roads
Hardstands
Laydown areas
Workshops
Warehouses
Administration buildings
Maintenance facilities
Camps and accommodation facilities
Earthworks and Civil Works
Bulk excavation
Cut and fill
Rock excavation
Embankments
Retaining structures
Pavements
Road construction
Culverts
Drainage
Erosion and sediment control
Utilities and Services
Sewer infrastructure
Potable and process water
Stormwater systems
Pump stations
Fire services
Electrical infrastructure
Communications
Underground services
Service corridors
Processing and Operational Facilities
Concrete foundations
Equipment bases
Structural steel
Pipe supports
Plant buildings
Workshops
Materials-handling infrastructure
Supporting civil and structural works
Rehabilitation and Closure Works
Demolition
Site remediation
Earthworks
Drainage
Rehabilitation infrastructure
Asset removal
Rectification and reinstatement costing
WHY COST ESTIMATOR
Practical Construction Knowledge
Our advice is informed by hands-on construction estimating, quantity surveying and commercial project experience.
Detailed Measurement
We provide traceable quantities, structured cost breakdowns and clearly documented assumptions.
Commercial Focus
Our work is directed toward stronger tenders, reliable budgets, controlled changes and defensible commercial outcomes.
Independent Advice
We provide objective cost assessments based on project documentation, measured quantities and available market evidence.
Flexible Project Support
We can assist with individual estimates, tender deadlines, project overflow, independent reviews or continuing commercial support.
Australia-Wide Service
Cost Estimator supports clients across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and other Australian locations.
OUR DELIVERY PROCESS
1
Project Review
We review the project brief, drawings, specifications, contract documents and required deliverables.
2
Scope Confirmation
We define the measurement scope, pricing basis, exclusions, assumptions and reporting requirements.
3
Quantity and Cost Assessment
We complete the take-off, rate build-ups, market review and commercial analysis.
4
Quality Review
Measurements and cost outputs are checked for consistency, scope coverage and commercial reasonableness.
5
Report and Handover
We issue the agreed BOQ, estimate, report, claim assessment or commercial schedule and remain available for clarification.
SUPPORTING BETTER PROJECT DECISIONS
Accurate quantities and reliable cost information are essential to controlling risk across mining and resources projects.
Cost Estimator provides practical quantity surveying, estimating and commercial support to help clients:
Establish realistic project budgets
Prepare competitive tenders
Verify contractor claims
Control project changes
Forecast final costs
Identify commercial risk
Make informed project decisions
Need an Experienced Quantity Surveyor?
Contact our team today for professional quantity surveying and construction cost management services.