ifcos-impl-cost

Implement IFC cost schedules, cost items, and cost values linked to quantities via IfcOpenShell.

30|4|Updated Mar 5, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Impertio-Studio/Blender-Bonsai-ifcOpenshell-Sverchok-Claude-Skill-Package --skill ifcos-impl-cost-impertio-studio
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ifcos-impl-cost
Source: https://github.com/Impertio-Studio/Blender-Bonsai-ifcOpenshell-Sverchok-Claude-Skill-Package/tree/main/skills/ifcopenshell/impl/ifcos-impl-cost
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Impertio-Studio/Blender-Bonsai-ifcOpenshell-Sverchok-Claude-Skill-Package --skill ifcos-impl-cost-impertio-studio

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill prevents common IFC cost-management mistakes by guiding you to implement IfcOpenShell cost schedules, cost items, cost values, and—most importantly—correct quantity-to-cost linkage for 5D BIM workflows.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Guided IfcCostSchedule setup: Create the right cost schedule type (e.g., COSTPLAN, ESTIMATE, PRICEDBILLOFQUANTITIES) to match your estimation stage.
  • Safe IfcCostItem construction: Use the proper IfcOpenShell API calls to create cost items with correct nesting and relationships (no orphan entities).
  • Correct cost value modeling: Support fixed lump sums, unit rates, formula-based values, and composite labor/material/equipment breakdowns.
  • Reliable quantity-to-cost linking (5D BIM): Link cost items to product quantities using property-set quantities (prop_name) or count-based costing, avoiding the frequent “linked but resolves to nothing” failure mode.
  • Error-proof operational patterns: Includes explicit guardrails such as not mixing manual quantities with parametric assignment and using safe applied-value reading utilities for IFC types.

Quick Start

Use the ifcos-impl-cost skill to generate an IFC4/IFC4X3 cost schedule that prices elements using IfcOpenShell cost APIs and links each cost item to the correct product quantity property (for example, NetVolume) so total costs calculate from real model quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions about ifcos-impl-cost

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I link IFC cost items to element quantities for 5D BIM using IfcOpenShell?

To link IFC cost items to element quantities for 5D BIM, use IfcOpenShell API to assign property-set quantities like NetVolume to cost items, ensuring real model quantities drive total cost calculations.

Why do my IfcOpenShell cost values resolve to nothing after linking to quantities?

IfcOpenShell cost values resolve to nothing when required quantity properties are missing before linking or when mixing manual quantities with parametric assignments. Use ifcopenshell.util.cost for safe applied-value reading.

How do I create an IfcCostSchedule for different estimation stages in IfcOpenShell?

Create an IfcCostSchedule in IfcOpenShell by selecting the correct schedule type, such as COSTPLAN, ESTIMATE, or PRICEDBILLOFQUANTITIES, to match your specific project estimation stage and workflow.

Can I model formula-based cost values and unit rates in IFC4 using IfcOpenShell?

Yes, you can model formula-based cost values, unit rates, and composite labor breakdowns in IFC4 using IfcOpenShell api.cost, enforcing safe API usage to avoid orphan entities during cost value construction.

What is the safe way to mutate IFC cost schedules and cost items with IfcOpenShell?

The safe way to mutate IFC cost schedules and cost items in IfcOpenShell is using ifcopenshell.api.run("cost.*") for mutations, which prevents orphan entities and enforces correct nesting and relationships.

Does IfcOpenShell support count-based costing for IFC4X3 cost management?

Yes, IfcOpenShell supports count-based costing and quantity-to-cost linkage scenarios across IFC4 and IFC4X3, allowing you to safely link IfcCostItem structures to element quantities for accurate cost management.