On any property project, one question comes up again and again, from the very first sketches through to the signing of the works contracts: how much will this cost, and how do we keep to that budget? This is precisely the work of the Quantity Surveyor. Often little understood outside the industry, this professional nonetheless plays a decisive part in the technical and financial success of a scheme. Here is what the role involves, and why they are such a valuable ally to the client.
What is a Quantity Surveyor?
The Quantity Surveyor is the specialist in building costs. Their remit: to estimate, price and firm up the cost of the works at every stage of a project, from the architect's first sketch through to the tendering of the works. They turn architectural and technical intentions into realistic figures, and help the client make decisions on a sound footing.
Contrary to a common misconception, the role is not simply a matter of "adding up the numbers". The Quantity Surveyor analyses construction choices, compares technical solutions, anticipates the sensitive cost items and firms up the financial viability of the scheme. It is a discipline that sits at the crossroads of technical knowledge, analysis and foresight.
A role at every stage of the project
The Quantity Surveyor is involved throughout the life of a project, with a remit that shifts from one stage to the next.
At design stage
From the initial sketch and feasibility studies onwards, the Quantity Surveyor draws up the first cost estimates for the works. They help the architect and the client align the brief with a realistic budget, weigh up the various options and avoid nasty surprises. The earlier this budget visibility arrives, the more robust the project.
When preparing the contracts
Next comes the drafting of the technical documents, chief among them the technical specifications (CCTP), which set out precisely the works to be carried out. In this way the Quantity Surveyor prepares the tendering process and provides a clear, level basis on which each contractor can price its works.
When selecting the contractors
Once the tenders are in, the Quantity Surveyor carries out the comparative tender analysis. They check that the prices stack up, spot any omissions or overpricing, and support the client through the negotiation. The aim: to secure the best value for money whilst firming up each party's commitments.
Why appoint a Quantity Surveyor?
Bringing in a Quantity Surveyor gives you several assurances:
- Control your budget from the outset, rather than having it dictated to you along the way.
- Anticipate the risks, technical and financial alike, before they turn into problems.
- Compare objectively the solutions and the tenders, thanks to independent expertise.
- Firm up your decisions at each milestone, backed by reliable figures.
On complex schemes — the refurbishment of a period building, an office refit, a residential development — this expertise is often what separates a project that stays in hand from one that runs away.
Quantity Surveyor, Client-side Project Management, Design & Construction Management: what's the difference?
These three disciplines are complementary and are sometimes delivered by a single practice. Client-side Project Management represents and advises the client throughout the scheme. Design & Construction Management designs the project and runs its delivery. Cost Management & Quantity Surveying, for its part, brings the financial and technical dimension of the pricing. Combined, these skills make it possible to approach a property project as a whole, from brief through to handover.
The Belenis approach
At Belenis, Cost Management & Quantity Surveying is at the heart of what we do. We act as Quantity Surveyors, in Client-side Project Management and in Design & Construction Management, for public and private clients alike. Cost estimates for the works, drafting of technical specifications, tender analysis, cost management: we put our expertise to work in the service of the technical and financial viability of your projects.
We underpin this work with Cost Radar®, our in-house cost-analysis tool, which firms up our estimates and flags variances at the earliest opportunity. A way of turning data into clear decisions for our clients.
Have a construction or renovation project in mind? Get in touch and let's talk it through: we would be delighted to look at how to firm up its technical and budget viability.