Building Cost Information Service
BCIS is the Building Cost Information Service of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is described by RICS as ‘the leading provider of cost and price information to the construction industry and anyone else who needs comprehensive, accurate and independent data.’
It was established in 1961 to facilitate the preparation of elemental cost plans, where an 'element' is defined as, ‘a major physical part of a building that fulfils a specific function or functions, irrespective of its design, specification or construction’.
The BCIS website was launched in 1997.
Cost and price information is collected by BCIS from across the UK construction industry, then collated, analysed, modelled, interpreted and made available to the industry to facilitate accurate cost planning.
Information is made available online, by data licensing and through publications. It is broken down into five key areas:
- Construction.
- Maintenance.
- Rebuilding.
- Consultancy.
- Insurance.
BCIS information can be used by clients, consultants, quantity surveyors, contractors and suppliers to help:
- Preparing construction budgets.
- Benchmarking.
- Preparing cost plans.
- Preparing insurance quotes.
- Carrying out options appraisals.
- Value engineering.
- Preparing performance specifications.
- Procurement.
- Preparing maintenance budgets.
- Carrying out market research.
- Forecasting.
- Assessing price movements.
BCIS also offers consultancy and research support and publishes survey-based international cost information.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BCIS elements.
- Benchmarking.
- Budget.
- Cost information.
- Cost planning.
- Elemental cost plan.
- International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS).
- New Rules of Measurement.
- Quantity surveyor.
- RICS.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.