Do you need a quantity surveyor?
If you want to avoid project costs spiralling out of control, then engaging a professional QS could be a worthwhile investment. Tim Doherty explains the benefits
T he world of surveying is divided up into a series of smaller, specialist disciplines - one of which is the quantity surveyor (QS). The QS is an expert in construction costs, and will always be included as part of a full design team on commercial or otherwise sizeable projects. They can also be useful on some bespoke home builds.
The generic label of chartered surveyor is recognition of full membership of RICS (the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), showing they’ve gained the required levels of academic achievement and expertise. In addition to the QS role we’re looking at in this article, RICS members include those who are skilled in areas such as commercial property services, building surveying, project management, and arts and antiquities, among others.
In order to do their work effectively, a quantity surveyor needs to have a good understanding of construction technology and building sequencing, as well as a practical appreciation for resource management. They will understand supply chains and have an intimate knowledge of contract documentation, so the nuances of who is responsible to whom do not become confused. In short, they are financial managers of a build.