RIBA Plan of Work Stages and Cost Information.
The RIBA Plan of Work defines project stages from Stage 0 (Strategic Definition) through Stage 4 (Technical Design) and Stage 5 (Manufacturing & Construction). Cost certainty increases as the design progresses through each stage.
Authored by Alexandr Vreme | Reviewed by Maksym Vasylkov
Published — Next review
Who this guide is for
Architects, quantity surveyors, builders, and project managers. Scope: UK-wide.
Cost Deliverables by RIBA Stage
- Stage 1 (Preparation & Brief): Initial Order of Cost Estimate (broad range).
- Stage 2 (Concept Design): Outline Cost Plan (elemental breakdown).
- Stage 3 (Spatial Coordination): Detailed Cost Plan (aligned with planning submission drawings).
- Stage 4 (Technical Design): Pre-Tender Estimate / Firm Tender Pricing (based on full construction drawings and specification).
Miniature Example
At RIBA Stage 2, a client receives a cost plan of £150,000 ± 15%. By RIBA Stage 4, with full structural calculations and schedules complete, the contractor submits a firm tender price of £158,500.
Primary Sources & Further Reading
Official reference sources: GOV.UK Building Regulations, Legislation.gov.uk, and HSE CDM 2015 Guidance.
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