Costex Management Inc.
Costex Managment Inc, established in 1982, offers a broad range
of Quantity Surveying, Arbitration and Construction Consultanting
services to the land development, legal community and
construction industry. Assignments include work with the public
or government agencies, private developers and contractors,
non-profit associations and the legal community.
The size of the practice allows us to maintain direct client
contact from initial engagement to completion. We have provided
services on more than 1,000 assignments or projects, many for
repeat clients.
Costex, through its network of associates, can supply additional
staff or special consultants that may be required. for specific
projects.
Costex also operates Abstract Images, established in 1995, which
provides web site and graphic design services.
Company Details
Year Established:
1982
Total Sales ($CDN):
$200,000 - $500,000
Number of Employees:
3
Company Information
Joanne Stregger
Title:
Consultant
Telephone:
(604) 522-4332
Fax:
(604) 522-4302
Email:
Click Here
Evan Stregger
Title:
President
Telephone:
(604) 522-4332
Fax:
(604) 522-4302
Email:
Click Here
Services
Arbitration
Budget Costing Or Cost Planning
With our knowledge in construction costing, we can establish an
accurate cost estimate for a project. The cost plan is an
independent method of looking at construction costs and is an
important tool on any project. The cost plan allows the Owner,
Developer and Design Consultant to make informed financial
decisions from a project's conception to completion.
To maintain accurate cost planning we have
complied extensive historical cost data. In addition, we
maintain a strong liaison with general contractors, trade
contractors and suppliers. Consequently, we can establish costs
and cost trends for most types of construction.
Through association with other Quantity Surveying
practices we are also able to offer services in other areas of
Canada and the United States. These associations also allow us
to augment our services when should the project require
additional personnel or additional services.
Project Budget Monitoring
The cost plan and schedule set out the goals. Monitoring the
progress of the project against the plan assists in reaching
those goals. In construction, changes are common and normal.
Changes have a cost in both dollars and time, and allowing for
this in the overall plan is crucial to the success of a project.
Documentation of the progress of the work is very important. It
is this documentation that will establish or defend claims that
may arise. It is our experience that a well-documented project
has fewer claims than one that is not.
Project Scheduling
A well planned and formalised schedule is as important as the
cost plan. The scheduling of the work should ideally start with
the design phase and continue through construction. The
schedule, to be effective, is developed by consulting with
everyone involved in the project. Monitoring and reporting the
progress of the work against the planned schedule allows us to
identify areas of concern to avoid or reduce possible delays.
Review Of Final Accounts Or Completed Costs
While most projects are governed by contracts that clearly define
the cost of the work, some may require further review to arrive
at an agreed reasonable cost for part or all of the work. In
these cases we work with both parties to reach this conclusion
using our expertise in the industry as well as by reviewing the
costs that may be documented. Our work in this regard differs
from that of an accountant as we not only look at costs supported
by invoice, and purchase order or contract, but also at the
reasonableness of the quantities of materials and the need for a
particular material or item to be used in executing the work.
Assistance To Legal Counsel
When problems have been encountered, we work closely with the
client and their legal counsel to review possible solutions. We
have provided reports on construction claims for use by legal
counsel in negotiating settlements.
Expert Evidence
The principal has been accepted as an expert in the areas of
construction costing, project scheduling, identification of
construction deficiencies and other related issues, in the
Supreme Court of British Columbia (Vancouver and New
Westminster).
Building Valuation
Replacement costs or valuation estimates have traditionally
provided by building appraisers. However, it is our experience
that while appraisers are well equipped to provide market value
evaluations their replacement cost valuations are less accurate.
Our replacement cost estimates are similar to our cost planning
estimates and are used for insurance purposes such as
establishing required coverage and replacement after fire or
other misfortune. In addition, they are also used for building
permit applications.
Project Finance Monitoring Services (progress Claim Review & Approvals)
In providing this service, we do a detailed review of the
proposed project budget. Our review is to provide assurance
that, based upon the available information, the proposed budget
is reasonable and that the lender retains sufficient funds to
complete the project. During the project, we conduct inspections
to review the progress of the work. Our inspections do not
replace those of the Design Consultants. Our purpose is to
provide an independent financial review and analysis of the 'Cost
to Complete' against the approved budget or loan amount. This
work is always carried out by the principal and includes site
inspection and progress photographs.
Studies & Reports
Some Clients have asked that we investigate or review aspects of
the industry that are not normally thought of as the role of a
Quantity Surveyor or Arbitrator. Some of our work in this area
includes;
Impact analysis of The Construction Fair Wage and Skills
Development Policy of BC for the Quantity Surveyors Society of
BC
Systems and workload analysis for Simon Fraser University
Master project specifications for MacDonald's Canada
Cost of Accessible Accommodation in New Construction and
Renovation for RBO Architecture and The BC Workers'
Compensation Board
Residential Exterior Finishes cost Comparisons for MacMillan
Bloedel
Investigation of Social Housing Project Cost Coverage for The
Ministry of Housing of BC