Cost-significant modelling: Its potential for use in south-east Asia

A rich variety of cost models is used in the world's construction industries. In countries exposed to British practice, the use of traditional bills of quantities is common. Elsewhere, bills of quantities may not be used at all. This paper briefly reviews the nature and purpose of cost models both in the UK and in south-east Asia. It explains how the principle of cost-significance can lead to a simplified method of measurement which is both well-structured and sufficiently accurate - a half-way house between traditional bills and a single lump sum. By way of example, the derivation of a cost-significant model for student hostels in Singapore is presented. Representing no more than a first step, the problems still to be resolved are outlined. Nevertheless, the techniques seem to hold much promise for the future, and others are encouraged to explore where they might most effectively be applied.