Independent Infrastructure Estimating
Built from First Principles
Independent Infrastructure Estimating
Independent infrastructure cost estimating
Who We Are
First Principles Estimating (FPE) provides independent cost estimating and commercial support across major infrastructure projects.
We support both clients and contractors — from early business case development and hard-dollar tender estimating, through to independent estimate reviews and delivery-phase cost assurance.
Specialist estimating and commercial support
Independent Cost Estimating
- First-principles cost estimates
- Class 5 to Class 1 estimates
- Independent and peer review
- Defensible cost positions for decision-making
- Transparent build-ups with clear assumptions
Business Case & Option Costing
- Early-stage and concept estimates
- Option comparison estimates
- Cost drivers, sensitivities and value engineering
- Report writing with cost narrative support
Contractor Tender Estimating
Constructability & Methodology Review
- Hard-dollar tender box estimating
- Pricing build-ups and methodology support
- Benchmarking and commercial sense-checking
- Bid review and submission support
Constructability & Methodology Review
Constructability & Methodology Review
Constructability & Methodology Review
- Construction methodology assessment
- Staging and access constraints
- Program-driven cost impacts
- Practical constructability input
Independent Reviews & Cost Assurance
Constructability & Methodology Review
Independent Reviews & Cost Assurance
- Tender and estimate reviews
- Independent benchmarking
- Delivery-phase cost assurance
- Governance and approval support
Risk & Uncertainty Analysis
Constructability & Methodology Review
Independent Reviews & Cost Assurance
- Risk and Opportunity identification
- Quantified risk analysis (QRA)
- Estimate uncertainty assessment
- Clear separation of base cost, risk, and escalation
Why FPE
Experience
First Principles Estimating provides independent cost advice grounded in real tendering and construction experience.
Our focus is on delivering transparent, first-principles estimates that clearly explain cost drivers, risk exposure, and key assumptions — supporting informed decision-making at every project stage.
Clients engage FPE because:
Independent and impartial advice
First-principles estimating methodology
Real contractor-side tender experience
Clear, transparent assumptions and build-ups
Practical understanding of construction risk
Outputs suitable for governance and approvals
About First Principles Estimating
Led by experience. Built on practical insight.
First Principles Estimating is led by Dean Hooker, Managing Director and Principal Estimator. With 20 years of hands-on experience across major infrastructure projects, Dean has worked on both the contractor and client sides, including Estimating Manager and Director roles. This dual perspective provides a practical understanding of how costs are developed, reviewed, challenged, and ultimately relied upon for investment and delivery decisions.
FPE is also supported by a trusted network of specialist subconsultants and industry professionals, allowing the business to scale appropriately to meet project demands while maintaining senior-level involvement and accountability.
Today, FPE is trusted by both contractors and clients to provide clear, independent cost advice that is practical, defensible, and grounded in real project experience.