Practicost Quantity Surveyors

27/03/2026

🥂Five years. Countless projects. One unwavering commitment — our clients.

As we look back on this journey, it has not allways been easy but we are incredibly grateful for the trust, support, and partnerships that have shaped our growth. Every completed project in this video represents more than bricks and mortar — it reflects relationships built, challenges overcome, and a shared vision brought to life.

To our clients: thank you for choosing us, for believing in our team, and for allowing us to be part of your journey. Your continued support has been the foundation of our success.

To our team and partners: your dedication, craftsmanship, and passion make every milestone possible.

Here’s to the past five years of excellence — and to building even more, together.

13/03/2026

🔍Partial Service Appointment - New Celtus Townhouse Complex in Wind Olive Estate Bloefontein

In the construction industry, one of the most powerful tools for cost control and transparency is the Bill of Quantities (BOQ).

A BOQ is a detailed document that itemises all the materials, labour, and work required to complete a construction project. By clearly quantifying each component of the project, a BOQ allows contractors to price work accurately and consistently, giving clients a reliable basis for comparing tenders.

Without a BOQ, quotations are often based on assumptions. This can lead to inconsistent pricing, hidden costs, and disputes during construction. A well-prepared BOQ reduces these risks by ensuring that every contractor is pricing the same scope of work, which leads to more competitive and transparent tender outcomes.

Beyond the tender stage, a BOQ also plays a critical role during construction. It assists with cost management, variation evaluation, progress payment assessments, and financial tracking, helping the project remain aligned with the original budget.

Many clients assume that appointing a Quantity Surveyor means engaging them for the entire project lifecycle. However, that is not always necessary.

Our company can also be appointed specifically to prepare a professional BOQ, even if you already have a contractor, architect, or project team in place. This partial service gives clients the benefit of accurate cost documentation without committing to a full Quantity Surveying service.

This approach is particularly useful for:
- Developers who want accurate tender documentation
- Contractors who wants to price on a project
- Homeowners seeking comparable contractor quotations
- Architects who need professional cost documentation for their projects
- Clients who want an independent cost breakdown before construction begins

A professionally prepared BOQ can be the difference between a project that stays within budget and one that experiences continuous cost surprises.

If you are planning a construction project and need a clear, reliable BOQ, feel free to get in touch. We would be happy to assist.

27/02/2026

27/02/2026

🚧 New Project Announcement 🚧

We’re excited to announce the commencement of a new residential project in Outeniqua Strand.

This bespoke coastal home has officially cleared site and is in the early stages of construction. We are thrilled to be part of the professional team guiding the project from inception through to completion.

With its prime seaside location, this build presents both exciting opportunities and important technical considerations ranging from environmental conditions, material durability to cost planning and programme management. Careful coordination and proactive cost control will be key to delivering a high-quality home that aligns with the client’s vision and budget.

Our role will focus on:
✔️ Detailed cost planning and budgeting
✔️ Procurement strategy and contract administration
✔️ Financial control throughout construction
✔️ Ensuring value without compromising quality

We look forward to collaborating closely with the ARD Architects responsible for the design and layout and Cividraft Civil and Structural Engineers to bring this coastal residence to life.

Stay tuned for progress updates as the project unfolds.

20/02/2026

In today’s construction environment, margins are tight and material costs fluctuate constantly. Yet we still see the same costly budgeting mistakes repeated across projects.

Here are the Top 5 Budget Mistakes Property Developers Make:

1️⃣ Starting Without a Detailed Cost Plan
Rough estimates based on m² rates are not enough. Without a structured elemental cost plan, risk is built into your project from day one.

2️⃣ Underestimating Professional Fees & Statutory Costs
Developers often focus on construction cost only — forgetting design fees, approvals, utility connections, and compliance costs.

3️⃣ Ignoring Escalation & Inflation
Tender delayed? Materials increased? If escalation isn’t factored in early, your feasibility becomes inaccurate very quickly.

4️⃣ Signing a Contractor Without Proper Tender Adjudication
Choosing the “cheapest” price instead of the “most accurate” one is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.

5️⃣ Poor Variation Control During Construction
Uncontrolled changes = uncontrolled budget. Every variation must be measured, valued and verified.

⸻

💡 The common thread?
Most overruns happen before construction even starts.

Engaging a Quantity Surveyor early in the feasibility and design stages protects your margins and improves bankability.

If you’re planning a development — whether new build or alteration — make sure your numbers are built on strategy, not assumption.

13/02/2026

🔍 Quantity Surveying Isn’t Just for New Builds

When people think of a Quantity Surveyor, they often picture large, brand-new construction projects. But at Practicost, our work goes far beyond new builds.

We also provide comprehensive quantity surveying services for alterations, renovations, extensions, and refurbishments of existing buildings—projects that often come with their own unique challenges.

💡 Why using a QS on alteration projects is essential:
• Cost certainty from the start: Alterations frequently uncover hidden conditions. A QS helps anticipate risks, prepare realistic budgets, and manage variations effectively.
• Value for money: We assess whether proposed changes are cost-effective and ensure your budget is spent where it matters most.
• Accurate pricing & documentation: Clear scopes, measured works, and fair contractor pricing reduce disputes and unexpected costs.
• Financial control throughout the project: From feasibility to final account, a QS keeps a close eye on expenditure and cash flow.
• Risk management: Alteration projects often involve working around existing structures, services, and occupants—financial risks that need professional oversight.

Whether you’re upgrading a commercial space, extending a residential property, or refurbishing an existing building, professional cost management is just as important as it is on a new build—if not more so.

At Practicost, we help our clients make informed decisions, control costs, and achieve successful outcomes on all types of projects.

If you’re planning an alteration or renovation, let’s talk.

06/02/2026

🚧 New Project Announcement 🚧

We’re excited to announce the commencement this new private residence!

The beautifully elegant home was designed by the remarkable Xeno-Urban Architects for a property in Breakwater Bay, Garden Route.

This project marks another great milestone for our team, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with all consultants, contractors, and stakeholders involved to deliver a successful outcome.

Thank you to our client for the trust placed in us. We’re eager to get started and keep you updated with shared progress as the project unfolds.

For a more comprehensive overview of the project please follow the link below:

https://lnkd.in/dwGDqKZ6

Here’s to teamwork, quality delivery, and building something great together.

03/10/2025

🔍 FridayFocus: The Critical Role of Accurate Take-Offs in BOQ Production:

In the world of construction and cost management, accuracy in take-off measurements is not just a technical step — it’s the foundation of a successful project.

When producing a BOQ, even the smallest measurement error can snowball and not only result in budget overruns but also in project delays, misallocation of resources and even lead to disputes between stakeholders

A well-executed take-off ensures:
• Precise quantity forecasting
• Fair and transparent tendering
• More predictable cost control
• Improved project planning and procurement
• A clearer vision for the project to ensure a conflict free environment

It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being deliberate, consistent, and thorough. With digital tools and 3D models now more widely available, we have more opportunities than ever to get it right — but it all starts with the mindset that accuracy matters.

To the estimators, QSs, and project planners out there: your attention to detail at this stage builds trust, saves money, and sets the tone for project success. 💡

REPUTATION MATTERS

26/09/2025

✨ Project Completion Announcement ✨

We are thrilled to share the successful completion of the youth ministry hall at NG Church Pellissier! 🙌

This milestone represents more than just the end of construction phase—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for our church family and the community we serve.

🏗️ Project Highlights
📍New youth ministry hall complete with a storage basement, entertainment stage, classrooms and first floor slab to be multi-functional.
💒 Designed to better serve our congregation and community
🤝 Completed through collaboration and perseverance

Shoutout to everyone who played a part in another successful completion. We can’t wait to see how God will use this space for His glory.

Here’s to new beginnings and continued growth. 🙏

19/09/2025

📐💰 Proper Planning = Profitable Projects 💡🔨

In construction, success doesn’t start on site — it starts before the contract is signed.

🔍 Precontract planning and accurate cost estimates are the foundation of every successful build. Why? Because they:

✅ Prevent budget overruns
✅ Minimize delays
✅ Clarify scope and responsibilities
✅ Reduce change orders
✅ Build trust between stakeholders

Whether it’s a small residential job or a large-scale commercial project, getting the numbers and planning right from day one ensures smoother ex*****on and healthier margins.

💬 Don’t just build — build smart.

28/02/2025

PROJECT PLANNING: New residence in Wilderness, George Municipal Area

We are happy to announce our appointment on a proposed new residential dwelling located in the beautiful Wilderness. We are excited to see what this project holds as this 4 story house are to be constructed on a 75% slope that will hold some challenges. We are looking forward to another exciting project.

Employer: Private
Architect and Principal Agent: Incline Architects
Quantity Surveyor: Practicost Quantity Surveyors
Engineer: Shama Consulting