Cost engineering
Cost engineering is the practice of managing the costs involved on a construction project. This includes activities such as cost control, budgeting, forecasting, estimating, investment appraisal and risk analysis.
While cost engineering relates more to engineering projects and processes, it can also be used as a broad term for the responsibilities of different roles, including:
The primary aim of cost engineering is to achieve the ideal balance between the price, quality and time obligations of a project.
Those responsible for cost engineering are typically concerned with the relationships between the physical and cost components of what is being designed.
A cost engineer is a professional who, as a result of training and experience, is competent in the use and development of the principles of cost engineering.
Cost engineers can be employed as consultants to manage and/or assess the costs of a project or organisation. They may be consulted before a project begins, or before a tender is submitted, so that budgets can be assessed and forecasts made.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Accounting.
- Budget.
- Business plan.
- Commercial manager.
- Cost.
- Cost consultant.
- Cost plans.
- Cost control.
- Estimator.
- Expected market cost.
- Mixed economy.
- Pre-tender estimate.
- Quantity surveyor.
- Relevant cost.
- Whole-life costing.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.

















