Challenges in Controlling a Predefined Project Budget

Ahmed Saleh

Abstract: This paper presents a practical approach for controlling a predefined construction budget during the design stages of a consultancy project. A case study of an administrative building is used to demonstrate how the client budget is converted into an internal target cost after allowing for identified risks. Historical project data are then used to allocate the target cost among major disciplines, while design-stage estimates are periodically compared with these limits. Cost checklists, interdisciplinary coordination, preliminary quantity takeoffs, benchmarking, and design adjustments are applied when estimated costs exceed the established targets. These actions reduced the design-stage estimate from SAR 23.9 million, 8.6% above the SAR 22 million target cost, to SAR 22.2 million, approximately 0.9% above the target. The final BOQ-based expected cost of SAR 23.754 million remained within the client?s SAR 25 million predefined budget. The proposed workflow provides a practical reference for estimators and design consultants managing projects under fixed budget constraints.

Keywords: Predefined Budget; Target Cost; Cost Estimation; Cost Control; Construction Projects; Design Management; Historical Cost Data

How to Cite?: Ahmed Saleh, "Challenges in Controlling a Predefined Project Budget", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1901-1908, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26928024046, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26928024046

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