Building Cost Information Service
BCIS is the Building Cost Information Service of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is described by RICS as ‘the leading provider of cost and price information to the construction industry and anyone else who needs comprehensive, accurate and independent data.’
It was established in 1961 to facilitate the preparation of elemental cost plans, where an 'element' is defined as, ‘a major physical part of a building that fulfils a specific function or functions, irrespective of its design, specification or construction’.
The BCIS website was launched in 1997.
Cost and price information is collected by BCIS from across the UK construction industry, then collated, analysed, modelled, interpreted and made available to the industry to facilitate accurate cost planning.
Information is made available online, by data licensing and through publications. It is broken down into five key areas:
- Construction.
- Maintenance.
- Rebuilding.
- Consultancy.
- Insurance.
BCIS information can be used by clients, consultants, quantity surveyors, contractors and suppliers to help:
- Preparing construction budgets.
- Benchmarking.
- Preparing cost plans.
- Preparing insurance quotes.
- Carrying out options appraisals.
- Value engineering.
- Preparing performance specifications.
- Procurement.
- Preparing maintenance budgets.
- Carrying out market research.
- Forecasting.
- Assessing price movements.
BCIS also offers consultancy and research support and publishes survey-based international cost information.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BCIS elements.
- Benchmarking.
- Budget.
- Cost information.
- Cost planning.
- Elemental cost plan.
- International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS).
- New Rules of Measurement.
- Quantity surveyor.
- RICS.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.