What does a quantity surveyor do for a residential construction budget?

A quantity surveyor measures quantities from your drawings and prepares a cost estimate or bill of quantities. They can compare it against your budget, help you review quotes, value variations, and assess progress payment claims. Engage them once the design is developed enough to measure, and ask for a written scope that states the stage of estimate, the level of detail, and whether claim assessments are included. An estimate is not a quote or a fixed price, so keep it separate from the figures builders and trades give you.

In MyBuildHub: enter the estimate as your starting budget, then replace estimate lines with accepted quotes as they arrive so you can see the forecast change.

Check yourself: ask any quantity surveyor you hire which professional body they belong to.

General information only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice and may not apply to your project. Confirm requirements with your regulator, your certifier or a lawyer before acting.