Preliminary cost advice, can be given by the Quantity Surveyor at the very outset of a scheme, even before drawings are prepared. This stage such advice may indicate the probable region of cost of a proposed project, or it may consist of an assessment of what type and size of structure may be erected for any given expenditure. With this information, couple with assessments of maintenance and running costs, the Quantity Surveyor can assist his client in the preparation of a budget for the project.

Once preliminary drawings have been prepared the Quantity Surveyor can prepare a more detailed approximate estimate taking into account the many factors, which influence cost e.g.

- Location and nature of site and availability of service mains, shape, height and specification,
- Use of industrialized components and methods,
- Market conditions at the time of preparing the estimate,
- Probable variations in cost due to fluctuating conditions between the time of the estimate and the likely date of tender.

This cost advice enables design decisions to be made with full knowledge of their financial implications to the client. For example at an early stage the cost of a single or two Storey building can be compared with a multi-storey structure of the same floor area thereby allowing the Client to know all the cost implications before any decision are made.

Early cost information of this nature often enable a Client to make other financial decisions which be would otherwise have to delay.