Project budget and cost plan
Build a project budget by element and keep construction cost, fees, risk allowances and tax assumptions visible.
by Jack Butler-Kettle · About 3 min readShare
How to use it
Replace the fictional allowances with quantities, quotations and local project information. Use one project scenario at a time and confirm VAT treatment separately.
Project budget and cost plan
Replace the fictional allowances with quantities, quotations and local project information. Use one project scenario at a time and confirm VAT treatment separately.
Free blank template for your own project. The completed example is shown below. No email address required.
View the completed example
Completed fictional example
Westhaven refurbishment · 14 October 2026 · Version 1.0
Extension budget
Scroll across if needed to read the whole record. A dash means no value has been entered.
| Element | Quantity | Unit | Rate (£) | Allowance (£) | Basis / exclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groundworks | 1 | allowance | £18,000.00 | £18,000.00 | Normal foundations assumed; ground risk separate |
| Structure and envelope | 40 | m² | £1,500.00 | £60,000.00 | Fictional 40 m² extension; no benchmark claim |
| Services and finishes | 40 | m² | £800.00 | £32,000.00 | Agreed domestic specification |
| Fees and approvals | 1 | allowance | £12,000.00 | £12,000.00 | Design and approvals estimate |
| Risk allowance | 1 | allowance | £12,000.00 | £12,000.00 | Client allowance; release by decision |
Other project scenarios
Scroll across if needed to read the whole record. A dash means no value has been entered.
| Scenario | Construction (£) | Fees (£) | Risk (£) | Budget before VAT (£) | Scope assumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renovation | £120,000.00 | £15,000.00 | £18,000.00 | £153,000.00 | Existing house; no major structural replacement |
| Office fit-out | £220,000.00 | £25,000.00 | £22,000.00 | £267,000.00 | Internal fit-out; lease and landlord works excluded |
These are invented teaching allowances, not current market rates or project quotations. Add the correct project-specific tax, land, finance and client costs before setting a funding requirement.
Understanding your results
These are invented teaching allowances, not current market rates or project quotations. Add the correct project-specific tax, land, finance and client costs before setting a funding requirement.
How it works
The workbook provides blank working records. Grey cells calculate from the entered inputs; yellow cells are for your information. The completed example stays on this page.
Read the related guidance for the context and checks behind this template.
If you need help preparing or reviewing the project records, our quantity surveying services explain the tasks available under a separate appointment. Agree the deliverable, responsibilities and required specialist input before work starts.