Leading Quantity Surveyors

The simple answer is at the very beginning, or at least, an early stage. A quantity surveyor can carry out a costing on even a simple outline drawing and then use the assumptions to drive the design process.

If the early design and the budget for the project are poles apart, its best to know this from the very beginning. There’s no point having a wonderful building design if its too expensive to build. A quantity surveyor will nail down the costs early on.

Basically, it’s the monitoring of all costs relating to the project and is necessary to allow a project to move forward. It also reassures the client that their money is being spent responsibly for the successful completion of the project.

A quantity surveyor (QS) can be involved in projects from a small extension to multimillion-pound projects. Although not routinely used for domestic projects, a QS will save money and reduce risks. Without a QS, the design goes to planning and tender without an extra layer of cost checking meaning there is more chance of going over budget. With a QS, client aspiration is matched to budget early on.

There are many valid reasons you should use a QS, one of which is client-builder conflict resolution. They often work on claims when building goes wrong and can advise as to whether the client is being ripped off. There is a long list, contact us if you are unsure and we will be happy to help.

Quantity surveyors cover a huge number or roles working for both clients and contractors. For clients they will advise the initial costs for schematic drawings and develop this through to the design development process. They administer the procurement of the contractor, value the works as the site progresses and agree the Final Account.

For contractors, they will calculate the materials required for the project, procure the sub-contractors, agree the monthly valuations with the client and ultimately the final account.