What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

What is a Quantity Surveyor?

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a construction cost and contract management specialist responsible for ensuring that building projects are financially controlled, cost-efficient, and legally compliant. They can be involved on projects from tender stage to project completion, managing budgets, supply chain, contracts, risks, and financial reporting.

Quantity Surveyors are involved in every stage of a project, ensuring that money is spent wisely, costs are kept under control, and projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Two routes: A Contractor or Client QS

A contractor's quantity surveyor represents the construction firm's interests. Generally you'll be helping with projects with a hands-on site presence.

A Client quantity surveyor works on behalf of a client. You'll focus more on assessments and valuations, budget estimations, collaborating with architects and engineers to prepare tender documents. Site visits will be less frequent, primarily for valuations and meetings.

What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?

A Quantity Surveyor’s role can be broken down into key responsibilities, which include:

1. Cost Planning & Budgeting

Before construction begins, a QS helps estimate costs to ensure the project is financially feasible. This involves:

• Conducting feasibility studies to assess if the project is financially viable.
• Preparing cost estimates based on materials, labor, and overheads.
• Advising clients on cost-saving options without compromising quality.
• Setting a budget framework to guide the project.

2. Procurement & Tendering

Once the budget is set, a Quantity Surveyor helps select contractors and suppliers through a structured procurement process:

• Preparing tender documents outlining project costs and requirements.
• Evaluating bids from contractors to ensure they are cost-effective and meet quality standards.
• Negotiating contract terms and pricing with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Advising on the best procurement route, such as lump sum, cost-plus, or target cost contracts.

3. Contract Management & Legal Compliance

Managing contracts is a critical part of a Quantity Surveyor’s role. A QS ensures that all parties comply with contract terms and that financial risks are minimized by:

• Administering JCT, NEC, FIDIC, or bespoke construction contracts.
• Monitoring contract obligations to prevent legal disputes.
• Managing variations (changes to the contract) and assessing their financial impact.
• Handling payment applications and ensuring contractors are paid fairly.

4. Cost Control & Value Engineering

During construction, a Quantity Surveyor helps ensure costs remain within budget. This involves:

• Monitoring actual costs vs. budgeted costs to prevent overspending.
• Identifying cost-saving opportunities through value engineering (finding ways to reduce costs without affecting quality).
• Managing interim valuations to determine how much contractors should be paid at different project stages.
• Forecasting final project costs to ensure clients are aware of any potential overruns.

5. Risk Management & Dispute Resolution

Construction projects involve financial and contractual risks. A QS helps identify, assess, and mitigate risks before they escalate into costly disputes. This includes:

• Identifying potential cost overruns, delays, and contract breaches early.
• Advising clients on how to mitigate financial risks.
• Managing claims for additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Assisting with dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation, or legal proceedings if needed.

6. Final Accounts & Project Completion

At the end of a project, a Quantity Surveyor ensures all financial matters are settled. This includes:

• Preparing the final account, a detailed summary of all costs associated with the project.
• Ensuring contractors receive full and fair payment for their work.
• Conducting post-project financial analysis to assess cost performance.

Where Do Quantity Surveyors Work?

Quantity Surveyors work across various sectors and industries, including:

Construction & Infrastructure – Working on large-scale projects like roads, bridges, airports, and railways.
Commercial & Residential Development – Managing costs for housing projects, office buildings, and retail spaces.
Industrial & Manufacturing – Overseeing factories, warehouses, and processing plants.
Energy & Utilities – Working on power stations, wind farms, and water treatment facilities.
Transport & Rail – Managing contracts and budgets for high-speed rail and metro systems.
Healthcare & Education – Controlling costs for hospitals, universities, and schools.

Skills Required to Be a Quantity Surveyor

A successful Quantity Surveyor needs a blend of technical, financial, and analytical skills, including:

Financial & Budgeting Skills – Managing costs, budgets, and financial reporting.
Contract Knowledge – Understanding legal and contractual obligations (e.g., JCT, NEC, FIDIC).
Attention to Detail – Ensuring accuracy in cost estimation, reporting, and contract administration.
Problem-Solving – Identifying cost-saving opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.
Negotiation & Communication – Dealing with contractors, clients, and suppliers to secure the best deals.
Data Analysis – Using software like CostX, CANDY, Excel and BIM tools to assess project performance.

Why Are Quantity Surveyors Important?

Quantity Surveyors add value to projects by:
Ensuring financial efficiency – Preventing cost overruns and maximizing value.
Protecting client interests – Managing contracts and reducing legal risks.
Supporting informed decision-making – Providing accurate cost forecasts.
Enhancing project transparency – Tracking costs and maintaining budget control.

Without Quantity Surveyors, projects are more likely to exceed budgets, face legal disputes, or suffer from poor financial planning.

Conclusion

A Quantity Surveyor is essential for any construction, infrastructure, or development project, ensuring that it is financially viable, efficiently managed, and contractually secure.

By combining cost control, contract management, and risk mitigation, Quantity Surveyors help deliver successful projects that stay within budget and meet client expectations.

If you need professional Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management Services, please get in touch to discuss how we can help your project or business.

Call: 07738274561
Email: admin@wright-commercial-consultants.co.uk