The total construction (hard) cost is calculated based on estimated rates and quantities for specific buildings, open space, streetscape and other elements in the project site. Takeoffs are calculated automatically by Delve, and can be further separated based on building height or floor plate efficiency.

A lower cost suggests design with reduced density and/or a more efficient physical layout.

A construction cost per sqft can be inputted for every UseType in every building type as well as for streets, parks etc. Hard Cost includes the construction cost for every UseType depending on the GFA of the usetype and construction cost of site elements along with initial investments such as cost of buying land. The Hard Cost is weighted by the unit type percentages in case of residential floors.

Hard Cost = ( Sum of all UseTypes [ Construction Cost of UseType/sqft x UseType GFA ] ) + ( Construction Cost of Site Elements/sqft x Total GFA ) + Price of Land

This hard cost is weighted depending on the % of unit mix in the design.