design cost (Projects application)

A design cost is an estimate of what a particular action will cost. Design estimates include capital and expense costs. Design cost estimates for individual actions are rolled up into design cost estimates for a project.

The design estimate is based on information that has been provided by architects, designers, and contractors who have analyzed a project's requirements. A design cost is defined after a project has been approved, during the project's planning phase.

Design estimates are more detailed than baseline costs, which are defined before a project is approved.