Commercial & cost control supported by BIM
Programme Risk
Programme logic tested against buildability and access constraints.
Cost Uncertainty
Early cost exposure from sequencing gaps and programme change risk.
Coordination Failure
Interface and sequencing risks flagged before disrupting cost time.
Site Efficiency
Evidence based decisions reduce disruption and unplanned outcomes.
The Reality
Most Construction Problems Start Before Site
Most Construction Problems Start Before Site
Cost overruns and programme failure rarely begin on site.
They originate much earlier, at the point where assumptions are accepted without being properly tested or challenged.
In many projects, early decisions are made under time pressure, relying on precedent rather than evidence.
Once these assumptions are embedded into the programme and cost plan, they quietly shape delivery risk.
Want to understand where your assumptions may fail?
Start with a focused review of cost, programme and sequencing before construction begins.
Our Role
What We Actually Do
Reltic is a commercial and cost consultancy with a Quantity Surveying foundation, enhanced by analytical and model-based review where it adds value.
We support contractor and developer teams by challenging assumptions early and exposing commercial risk while decisions are still flexible.
Commercial Control
Commercial control focused on protecting cost certainty, managing delivery risk and supporting informed commercial decisions.
Cost & Scope Validation
Validation of cost and scope assumptions to improve quantity accuracy, expose gaps early and reduce commercial risk before build stage.
Programme Risk Reviews
Testing programme logic and sequencing assumptions to understand cost exposure, delivery risk and commercial impact on site.
Change Strategy
Change and variation strategy focused on early trigger identification, entitlement protection and controlled outcomes during delivery.
Constructability Reviews
Constructability reviews identifying buildability, access and interface risks that commonly drive cost increase and delay onsite.
BIM Decision Support
Decision support using BIM selectively to test assumptions, verify quantities and strengthen evidence for commercial decisions.
A Typical Reltic Engagement
Most projects do not fail because a BIM model is missing.
They fail because cost, programme and sequencing assumptions are accepted without being properly tested.
We focus on decisions first.
BIM is used only where it adds clarity and evidence to those decisions.
ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
Decision Support
How BIM Supports Better Commercial Decisions
We do not sell BIM delivery.
We use BIM selectively as a decision-support tool, only where it improves clarity, evidence and commercial confidence.
Model-based analysis is applied to support informed commercial decisions at critical stages of a project, particularly where assumptions around cost, scope or sequencing require verification.
BIM may be used to:
validate quantities and scope
test construction sequencing and access constraints
identify cost and programme risk
support commercial discussions and entitlement strategy
Where required, lightweight analytical models can be created directly from PDF drawings.
This is undertaken without design responsibility and without full BIM delivery.
Start With a Focused Review
If you want to understand where cost, programme or commercial assumptions may fail before construction starts, we can begin with a short, targeted review.
This is not a full appointment.
It is a practical starting point.
QS foundation
How QS expertise supports commercial decisions
Our approach is grounded in quantity surveying principles, applied earlier and more analytically than traditional reporting. We challenge assumptions before they become cost exposure. Where drawings alone are not enough, we use BIM-supported analysis as evidence, not as a project deliverable.
We verify quantities against issued construction information to improve cost certainty and ensure commercial control is based on defined scope rather than assumptions. This reduces omissions and prevents unexpected scope growth during delivery.
We identify scope gaps, grey areas and implicit assumptions that often sit between design packages and trade interfaces. Early visibility of these risks supports clearer commercial decisions and reduces exposure to variations.
We assess how programme logic, sequencing and phasing decisions affect preliminaries, productivity and overall cost exposure. This ensures programme changes are understood not only in time terms, but also in commercial impact.
We align cost and programme decisions with JCT and NEC contract mechanisms to protect commercial position and entitlement. This contract-led approach supports effective change control and reduces dispute risk during construction.
Where drawings alone do not provide sufficient clarity, we use BIM selectively as a decision support tool. Lightweight analytical models are applied to test quantities, sequencing and interfaces that carry commercial risk.
Do we actually need BIM
Most projects do not fail because a BIM model is missing.
They fail because cost, programme and sequencing assumptions are accepted without being properly tested.
We focus on decisions first.
BIM is used only where it adds clarity and evidence to those decisions.
Decision clarity
Delivery risk
Decision to impact, keeping control during construction
Once projects are live, cost risk becomes dynamic. Programme shifts, access constraints and sequencing changes affect commercial position immediately. We help teams connect decisions to cost exposure early, so action is taken while options still exist.
QS Outputs
Quantity surveying as the foundation of our commercial work
Our work is grounded in quantity surveying expertise, applied earlier and more analytically than traditional QS delivery.
We operate on the commercial side of projects, focusing on cost certainty, programme logic and risk management rather than reactive measurement.
Cost planning aligned with programme strategy and procurement approach, supporting cost certainty across UK construction projects. Cost plans are developed from verified scope, realistic sequencing and current market conditions, enabling informed commercial decisions rather than assumption-based budgeting.
Bills of quantities prepared from validated drawings and scope information, supporting tender clarity, trade procurement and effective commercial control. Accurate BoQ preparation helps UK contractors manage quantities, pricing risk and commercial exposure during delivery.
Interim valuations assessed in line with JCT and NEC contractual mechanisms, ensuring progress is measured accurately and commercial position protected. Construction valuations support cash flow while maintaining contract compliance and evidence-based payment assessment.
Variations and change control managed through early identification of scope change and assessment of commercial impact. A structured approach to variation management supports entitlement protection, reduces dispute risk and maintains commercial control across UK construction projects.
Final accounts managed with a focus on clarity, contractual compliance and supporting evidence. A controlled final account process reduces prolonged commercial close-out risk and supports timely agreement across UK construction contracts.
Typical UK scenarios we support
Residential D&B Delivery
Mixed-Use Interfaces
High-End Refurbishment
Contract context
Contract-Led Commercial Support
Our commercial support is grounded in a clear understanding of contractual mechanisms and risk allocation. We work within the framework of commonly used UK construction contracts, ensuring that cost control, change management, and commercial decision-making remain aligned with contractual obligations throughout the project lifecycle.
We regularly support projects delivered under JCT Design & Build contracts, where cost certainty, scope definition, and change control are critical. Our role focuses on validating employer’s requirements, testing contractor assumptions, and ensuring that variations and design development are managed in accordance with contractual provisions.
Typical areas of support include:
Review of cost and scope assumptions at pre-contract and early delivery stages
Commercial management of instructed changes and design development
Assessment of entitlement and valuation under Design & Build risk allocation
For projects procured under the JCT Standard Building Contract, we provide commercial support that reflects the traditional separation of design and construction responsibilities. Our approach ensures that cost, programme, and variation management remain contract-compliant and commercially defensible.
Typical areas of support include:
Validation of measured works, scope boundaries, and pricing assumptions
Assessment and valuation of variations and loss and expense
Commercial support aligned with architect’s instructions and contract procedures
NEC contracts require proactive commercial management and early identification of risk. We support projects operating under NEC3 and NEC4 forms by helping clients understand contractual obligations, manage early warnings, and maintain cost and programme control through disciplined commercial processes.
Typical areas of support include:
Review of compensation events and entitlement under NEC mechanisms
Assessment of time and cost impact in line with NEC procedures
Support with early warning processes and risk reduction meetings