How to Make Project Cost Breakdown?

Every project needs a proper planning before execution. Making work scope and estimating the time and resources for the completion of any project because it provides the basic idea of the next important step; estimating project cost. Though initial estimates are hardly accurate, it is possible to increase the accuracy by creating project cost breakdown and in these business guides will help you to do so.

In any case, clarity and logical structure of the cost breakdown is a must. Structuring a cost breakdown clearly and correctly is a tedious task, but it is important for future communication with clients and for a better understanding of how costs can be managed in the course of the project.

Project Cost Breakdown

In different project evaluation schemes, project cost breakdown can be used for producing more precise assessments of the ultimate figures. Given below are the tips to create a project cost breakdown.

Expert judgment

Experts’ evaluations used to make up for the lack of transparency in existing cost breakdown can control cost drivers where more clarity is needed. While this approach is used to come up with more precise calculations, a notable difference between the planned and the final figure is still possible.

Analogous estimation

Comparing estimations based on cost breakdown for earlier projects with new similar ones assists improve estimation methods and get a more detailed evaluation of project costs, profitability, and overall outcome.

Bottom-up analysis

Planned project costs are structured on the basis of the costs of small tasks, services, and product parts. High efficiency is obtained by taking into account all cost drivers, including costs of everyday works, overhead, and potential extra costs.

Top-down analysis

A top-down cost structure can be used for coming up with a ballpark assessment of the final cost. When using it, it’s necessary to factor in different supplementary costs not included in the initial assessment.

Parametric estimation

This estimation process can be used with cost structures where cost drivers are predictable and calculable. On the basis of existing data, various parameters can be determined with a high precise degree.