Evaluating costs for renovating, purchasing or acquiring facilities begins with the development of the application for funds and continues throughout the entire construction or renovation project. In the application the grantee is required to begin the cost evaluation process by complying with 1309.11 Cost Comparison for Purchase, Construction and Major Renovation of Facilities.

Cost evaluation occurs primarily during the planning process for either renovating or new construction projects. Most cost comparisons come from a local architect, engineer, or contractor (though some subcontractors can provide cost comparison information). Many grantees can access basic building costs from the Internet. These costs are basic and do not provide any details or the specific costs associated with meeting the Head Start Program Performance Standards. However, they do provide the grantee with cost parameters and information on affordability.

Once the application has been approved and the grantee is moving forward with a design, cost evaluations continue. At the point when the architect or engineer understands the Head Start Program Performance Standards, cost estimates are more likely to be accurate and the design professionals can work to provide a project within budget that meets the needs of the grantee.

In many instances, the grantee will be forced to continue to evaluate costs because during actual construction there may be unanticipated needs that require change orders and raise expenses.