Independent Cost Review · UK
Most cost movement in commercial fit-out projects is already embedded before the contract is signed.
Most cost increases don't happen during the build.
They are already embedded in the quote before you sign.
This page focuses specifically on reviewing cost, allowances, and pricing assumptions — before commitment.
You have a quote.
Or you're about to go to tender.
On the surface, the numbers look structured.
But this is where cost is often already misaligned — not through error, but through structure.
Once you sign, those positions become fixed.
Allowances that shift cost risk onto you. When scope is undefined, the contractor estimates — and you carry the difference.
Design decisions that increase cost without operational need. Often driven by contractor preference, not client requirement.
Pricing that isn't aligned with real market benchmarks. Without independent comparison, there's no reference point for what's reasonable.
Timelines that create downstream cost pressure. Compressed programmes or undefined milestones often translate directly into variations.
A fit-out cost review identifies where cost risk is already built into a contractor quote before contract commitment.
Before signing. Once the contract is executed, most cost positions are fixed. The pre-contract stage is the only point where meaningful cost control is possible.
Undefined scope. When scope is incomplete at tender stage, contractors price for risk — and that risk premium is carried by the client throughout the project.
Variations. These are triggered by scope changes, provisional sum adjustments, and design decisions that weren't resolved at contract stage. Most are avoidable with pre-contract review.
The level of provisional sums, the basis of pricing assumptions, benchmark alignment, scope completeness, and whether the programme is realistic. These are the areas where cost exposure is typically highest.
This applies if:
You can also use the OMMC Fit-Out Risk Check to get an initial read on where your project stands before requesting a full review. For context on what drives cost at this stage, see our breakdown of commercial fit-out costs in the UK.
This is not a full project engagement.
It is a focused review of cost position before commitment.
This is the point where cost can still be challenged. After contract, it becomes management, not control.
If you need a full commercial review of the entire proposal — scope, risk, contract terms, and cost — this forms part of a wider independent fit-out review.
For refurbishment projects specifically, see the commercial building refurbishment cost review. For data centre and AI infrastructure projects, see the data centre M&E cost review.
If you are reviewing a quote or preparing to go to tender, this is the point where cost can still be controlled.
If you're relying on a contractor quote or preparing to go to tender, this is the point where cost decisions are still reversible.