Your project's financial DNA.
XO Cost Codes defines how you structure costs across a project. A hierarchical, standardised cost breakdown can support budgets, variations, valuations, and forecasts. NRM-aligned or project-specific: your choice.
Built for commercial teams who need consistent cost structure for auditability and reporting.
Spreadsheet cost codes don't scale
Every project starts with good intentions. Then the cost codes multiply, inconsistencies creep in, and reporting becomes a nightmare.
Inconsistent naming
"Façade" vs "Facades" vs "External Envelope": different QSs, different codes. Good luck consolidating that.
No hierarchy
Flat code lists don't show how costs roll up. Is 4.2.3 part of 4.2? Who knows. The spreadsheet doesn't.
Manual mapping
Subcontractor codes don't match yours. Someone's spending hours reconciling before every CVR.
Four levels of cost structure. Clearer roll-ups.
XO Cost Codes lets you define a hierarchical breakdown that mirrors how you actually think about costs. From high-level elements down to specific work items, roll-ups can support clearer commercial review.
Level 0: Element Group
Major building elements (Substructure, Superstructure, etc.)
Level 1: Element
Specific elements (Foundations, Frame, Roof, etc.)
Level 2: Sub-Element
Component types (Piled foundations, Strip foundations)
Level 3: Work Item
Specific work (Bored piles 600mm dia to 15m depth)
Built for how construction actually works
Not another generic chart of accounts. XO Cost Codes understands construction cost management.
Hierarchical roll-ups
Child codes roll up to parents so work-item changes can be reviewed through elements and groups.
Subcontractor mapping
Map external cost codes to your structure so applications and valuations can be reviewed against a consistent breakdown.
Multi-dimensional
Cross-reference cost codes with zones, packages, or phases. Slice your budget any way you need.
Import & export
Import from Excel, export to your ERP. Standards-based formats mean no lock-in.
Version history
Track changes to your cost structure over time. See who added codes, when, and why.
Role-based access
QS team can edit codes. PMs can view and report. Subs see only what they need.
The backbone of every commercial module
XO Cost Codes is not standalone; it is intended to be the shared language for commercial data. Define your codes once, then use that structure across supported workflows.
XO Commercial
CVRs, variations, and forecasts can reference your cost codes for more consistent reporting.
XO Estimating
Build estimates against your cost structure and review quantity context where configured.
XO Chain
Purchase orders and subcontract packages tied to cost codes. Commitments tracked at source.
XO Analytics
Dashboards and reports grouped by cost code. Drill down from element to work item in clicks.
Start with standards. Customise as needed.
Pre-built templates aligned to UK and international cost standards. Or build your own from scratch.
NRM 1
Order of cost estimating and cost planning
NRM 2
Detailed measurement for building works
CESMM4
Civil engineering standard method
Custom
Build your own structure from scratch
Ready to standardise your cost structure?
Use XO Cost Codes to shape a consistent commercial hierarchy and connect it to supported commercial workflows.