University of Tasmania, Australia

Capital works are works undertaken to create a new asset or space, or to change the use, function or layout of an existing asset or space. 

Capital works may include:

• provision of new building infrastructure
• provision of site infrastructure associated with and integral to a building, such as a new electrical sub-station, new lift, new water main or new landscaping
• renovation of an existing building or space.

Capital works projects fall into 3 categories:

Minor capital work – a capital works project with an estimated cost equal to or less than the maximum limit for self-funding of works by the faculty/institute/division. See the table below.

Medium capital work – a capital works project with an estimated cost exceeding the maximum limit for self-funding of works by the faculty/institute/division, but less than the financial delegation of the Vice-Chancellor.

Major capital work – a capital works project with an estimated cost exceeding the financial delegation of the Vice-Chancellor.

All capital works at UTAS are managed by project managers within CSD's Built Environment and Development Unit. See theBuilding Works Information for UTAS Clients page for information on the capital works submission process. 

Refurbishment works are works undertaken to improve the condition and/or functionality of a built asset or space, but which do not change the use, function or layout of the asset/space.

Refurbishment may include repainting, recarpeting and installation of new fit-out items (such as benches, cupboards, etc).

Unless undertaken as part of the centralised maintenance/upgrade program, refurbishment works are to be funded by the proponent faculty/institute/division.  Refurbishment works are initiated by submitting a ‘works request’ to Campus Services(the CSD service centre).

Maintenance works include all actions necessary for retaining an item or asset in, or restoring it to, its original condition. 

Major types of maintenance are:

• corrective, which comprises:
• • planned repairs 
  • reactive ‘fix-on-fail’
• preventative, comprising:
• • lifecycle efficiency maintenance (scheduled tasks undertaken to extend the life of an asset and to ensure that it operates at its maximum efficiency)
  • statutory (scheduled maintenance that must be undertaken to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and codes).

Maintenance works for base-building infrastructure are centrally funded, except in the case of non-fair wear and tear or deliberate damage. Where an asset has been damaged as a result of vandalism or negligence, the perpetrator will be responsible for costs.

Faculties/institutes/divisions initiate self-funded maintenance works by submitting a ‘works request’ to Campus Services(the CSD service centre).

The order of cost estimate is an indication of the likely cost of a project based on information available at the initial proposal.

Also called a ‘ball-park estimate’, an indicative cost estimate has a ±30% order of accuracy. Developed at the project identification and assessment stage, it is used to determine if funds are likely to be available and whether to proceed with the proposal.

The briefing stage cost estimate is prepared using the project brief developed for the selection of the principal consultant for the project. It is based on known building costs from similar projects, with external costs indicated separately.

This is the estimated cost of the project and has a ±20% order of accuracy. It is based on the results of the project feasibility study, including a more detailed scope of the works required and delivery option plans. The budget estimate is used to determine whether the project should proceed, and if and how it could be funded.

The estimate or sketch design cost estimate has a ±10% order of accuracy and is produced during the design development or schematic design phase of the project.  The estimate is based on drawings of project delivery options, which are then assessed to determine which option will be pursued.

The tender estimate or tender document cost plan estimate is based on the documentation prepared for distribution to businesses wishing to submit tenders for delivery of the project.

The tender price is the price received from tenderers for a capital works project. It is the cost that the market has determined is applicable to the project at the time tenders were called.  The tender price is based on detailed plans, drawings and specifications.

A quote or quotation is cost estimate provided by a contractor for a small project. It is based on a limited scope of works and specifications.