Company Overview

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 Information

Additional Details

Legal Name: Costex Management Inc.

Number of Employees: 3

Contacts

Services

• Arbitration
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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

Additional Information