Passivhaus Estimating & Tendering Services

Specialist Cost Management for High-Performance Sustainable Buildings

Are you planning a Passivhaus project? KJM Ltd delivers expert estimating and tendering services specifically tailored to Passivhaus and low-energy construction, ensuring accurate costings, optimised specifications, and successful procurement for your sustainable building project.

Specialist Passivhaus Cost Expertise

Passivhaus projects require specialised cost knowledge that goes beyond conventional construction estimating. With our dedicated sustainable construction team, KJM provides the precise cost intelligence needed to make your Passivhaus project both environmentally impressive and commercially viable.

Why Passivhaus Estimating Requires Specialists

Standard estimating approaches often fail to accurately capture the unique aspects of Passivhaus construction:

  • Component Performance Requirements – Specified U-values, air-tightness levels, and thermal bridge calculations

  • Installation Precision – Detailed labour requirements for achieving Passivhaus standards

  • Specialist Materials – Accurate costing of high-performance building fabric elements

  • System Integration – Coordination of mechanical systems with building envelope

  • Certification Requirements – Additional costs associated with Passivhaus certification

The KJM Passivhaus Advantage

Our team combines quantity surveying expertise with specialist Passivhaus knowledge:

  • Certified Passivhaus Knowledge – Team members with Passivhaus Designer/Consultant qualifications

  • Practical Experience – Direct involvement in successful Passivhaus projects across the UK

  • Cost Database – Extensive collection of real-world cost data from completed Passivhaus projects

  • Technical Understanding – Deep knowledge of Passivhaus principles and requirements

  • Supply Chain Intelligence – Established relationships with Passivhaus component suppliers and installers

Our Proven Passivhaus Estimating Process

1. Performance Requirements Analysis

We begin by understanding the specific Passivhaus performance targets for your project, including energy benchmarks, comfort criteria, and certification requirements.

2. Design Review

Our specialists examine design documentation to identify all elements requiring specialist Passivhaus consideration and potential cost implications.

3. Component Specification

We develop detailed component specifications with associated cost estimates, ensuring all performance requirements can be met within budget.

4. Supply Chain Engagement

We engage with specialist suppliers and contractors to secure accurate pricing for Passivhaus-specific elements.

5. Risk Assessment

We identify and quantify potential cost risks specific to Passivhaus construction, developing mitigation strategies for each.

6. Documentation Development

We prepare comprehensive cost plans and tender documentation that clearly communicate Passivhaus requirements.

7. Tender Management

We manage the entire tender process, ensuring bidders fully understand the Passivhaus requirements and evaluation criteria.

Project Types

Our Passivhaus estimating and tendering expertise spans a wide range of project types:

  • Residential New-Build – Single homes to multi-unit developments

  • Residential Retrofit – EnerPHit renovations to Passivhaus standards

  • Educational Buildings – Schools, colleges, and university facilities

  • Commercial Developments – Offices, retail, and mixed-use buildings

  • Community Projects – Health centres, libraries, and community halls

Why Choose KJM for Passivhaus Estimating

  • Reduced Financial Risk – Accurate forecasting of Passivhaus-specific costs

  • Value Optimisation – Identification of cost-effective solutions that maintain performance

  • Procurement Success – Selection of contractors with appropriate capabilities

  • Technical Assurance – Confidence that estimates reflect true Passivhaus requirements

  • Project Viability – Balancing sustainability ambitions with commercial reality

Frequently Asked Questions

  • While often cited as 5-15% above conventional construction, our experience shows this premium can be significantly reduced through early cost planning and intelligent specification. Our detailed benchmarking data allows us to provide project-specific guidance rather than generic percentages.

  • While Passivhaus construction uses conventional materials and techniques, the precision and attention to detail required exceed typical standards. Our tender process identifies contractors with appropriate capabilities and includes education components to expand the qualified contractor pool.

  • Each project requires careful consideration of objectives, budget, and context. We provide honest assessment of whether full Passivhaus certification, EnerPHit, or an alternative low-energy approach offers the best value for your specific project.

  • For optimal results, we recommend engagement at concept stage when fundamental decisions about form, orientation, and specification are being made. However, our services add value at any project stage, including rescue strategies for projects experiencing cost challenges.