Why you need a Quantity Surveyor

To broadly describe the work of a Quantity Surveyor, our end purpose is to minimise cost and maximise value on a given project. Either increasing value for money to a developer or end user client, or increasing profit margins for the main contractor or sub contractor, whilst still achieving the required standards specified under the agreement, within contract programme.

A good Quantity Surveyor can cover their own cost several times over on an annual basis, their influence is often the difference between a commercially successful project, and one which is not. The natural ability of a Quantity Surveyor can vary immensely, and should not be measured by qualifications alone when selecting for specific tasks. Shy retiring individuals may not yield best results when faced with negotiating with a bullish self confident opponent, however such individuals may posses a first class honors degree and may also be experts in measurement or estimating.

An experienced Quantity Surveyor will accomplish their objectives in a variety of ways, largely guided by their experience, however more tangible factors also play a part such as a carefully selected procurement strategy, use of terms and conditions of contract and negotiation skills.

The four corner stones of a Quantity Surveyors skill set are often listed as follows:-

1) Estimating

2) Measurement

3) Valuation

4) Negotiation