It seems time and time again clients are engaging a Quantity Surveyor and Builder very late on in the design process.
We are often working along side builders who have received plans from an architect with an unrealistic budget in mind.
Unfortunately, the plans are already in for consent and not once has anyone thought to get budgets completed to ensure the client can proceed based on the current scope of work.
We would always suggest that if a builder is contacted in the early stages that they suggest a high level estimate or budget costs are produced before their client spends more money on a design which isn't viable.
We have recently seen a design that was 20% over budget and with a client not willing to compromise on their end product this leaves for a very awkward conversation to be had.
Speak to a QS sooner rather than later and protect yourselves!