When you need a preliminary estimate
- Feasibility. Is the project worth pursuing at this site and this size?
- Financing. Lenders and investors need a credible budget before committing.
- Bond elections. Kansas school districts and cities need defensible budgets before going to voters.
- Design control. Architects need a cost check at schematic design to keep the design inside the owner's budget.
- CMAR and design-build pursuits. Construction managers need conceptual pricing to compete in interviews and to set early GMP targets.
How we build a conceptual budget
- Program review. Building type, area by space, number of stories, structural system and quality level.
- Assembly pricing. Instead of one cost per square foot, we price systems: foundations, structure, envelope, roofing, interiors, MEP, site. This shows where the money goes and what design choices move it.
- Kansas adjustments. Regional labor rates, freight to the site, local code edition, frost depth, soil risk and wind or hail requirements.
- Soft cost guidance. Optional allowances for design fees, permits, testing, FF&E and owner contingency.
- Escalation and contingency. Escalation to the construction midpoint, plus design and construction contingency stated separately.
Accuracy classes
| Class | Design maturity | Typical accuracy range |
|---|---|---|
| Class 5 | 0 to 2% (concept) | -20% to -50% low, +30% to +100% high |
| Class 4 | 1 to 15% (schematic) | -15% to -30% low, +20% to +50% high |
| Class 3 | 10 to 40% (design development) | -10% to -20% low, +10% to +30% high |
Ranges follow AACE International Recommended Practice 18R-97 for building and general construction. We label every budget estimate with its class so nobody mistakes a concept number for a bid.
Kansas cost context
Kansas construction costs vary noticeably between the Johnson County suburbs, Wichita and rural western Kansas. Our Kansas construction cost per square foot guide shows current planning ranges by building type and explains why one statewide number can mislead.
Next step
Once design development drawings exist, move to a detailed construction cost estimate. For school districts and cities planning bond projects, see public works bid estimating.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is a conceptual estimate?
AACE International classifies conceptual estimates as Class 5 or Class 4, with typical accuracy ranges of roughly -50% to +100% for Class 5 and -30% to +50% for Class 4. Better-defined scope narrows the range, which is why we document every assumption.
What do you need to prepare a budget estimate?
A building program or schematic drawings, the project location, the intended quality level, and the target construction start date. Site information and a geotechnical report improve accuracy significantly.
Do you include escalation?
Yes. We price in current dollars and add a separate escalation allowance to the midpoint of construction, so you can see the effect of schedule changes.