Presentation

A Quantity Surveyor is a construction professional responsible for managing the financial and contractual aspects of a construction project.

Their main role is to ensure value for money while maintaining the required quality standards. They’re involved in the project from the very beginning, helping with feasibility studies, budget estimates, and advising the client on the financial implications of design decisions.

As the project progresses, the QS prepares tender documents and manages the procurement process. Once contractors are appointed, they track costs, monitor progress, and value completed works so contractors are paid correctly.

They are also involved in managing variations and preparing the final account at the end of the project.

Overall, the Quantity Surveyor plays a key role in making sure the project runs smoothly financially, from start to finish.

The responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor vary across the lifecycle of a construction project.

Early on, they provide cost planning and advice during feasibility and design stages, helping shape the project to meet budget constraints. They prepare detailed Bills of Quantities or pricing documents for tender.

During construction, the QS manages the project budget, evaluates the value of work completed for interim payments, and deals with contract administration — including variations, claims, and extensions of time.

They also play a key role in keeping financial records accurate and up to date.

At project close, they prepare the final account and help ensure the financial side is settled fairly. They also support dispute resolution, legal compliance, and procurement strategies that align with the client’s goals.

A Quantity Surveyor contributes significantly to delivering value across three critical areas: cost, time, and quality.

In terms of cost, they create accurate estimates, develop cost plans, and monitor financial performance throughout. They help clients stay within budget while maximising the value delivered.

On time, the QS ensures payment schedules align with project timelines and helps flag any delays or changes that could affect delivery. They also forecast cash flow and provide cost advice on programme changes.

For quality, the QS supports the selection of materials or suppliers that meet required standards without over-inflating the budget. They help make sure that cost-saving decisions don’t negatively affect long-term performance.

Their role supports the balance between affordability and high standards, which is essential for value in the final result.

Communication and collaboration are essential for a Quantity Surveyor to be effective.

The QS acts as the link between the client, the design team, contractors, and suppliers. By maintaining clear and professional communication with all stakeholders, the QS ensures everyone understands cost implications and budget constraints.

Strong collaboration helps identify issues early. For example, if a design change is proposed, the QS can quickly assess its financial impact and communicate this to the relevant parties to avoid delays or disputes.

By being approachable and transparent, the QS builds trust across the project team, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of conflict.

Ultimately, good communication underpins successful delivery of cost, time, and quality outcomes.

In a study-based scenario, a payment dispute arose between the main contractor and the client over a valuation claim.

The contractor believed more work had been completed than the client was willing to pay for at that stage.

As the Quantity Surveyor in the scenario, I reviewed the contract terms, previous valuations, and supporting documentation. I identified that the issue came from a misalignment in how progress was being recorded.

I facilitated a meeting between both parties, explained the basis for valuation clearly, and proposed an interim payment agreement while the disputed item was reviewed further.

This kept the project moving and avoided a legal dispute. It showed how a QS can maintain relationships, protect financial flow, and resolve issues before they escalate.

In a hypothetical example from a simulated project, unexpected soft ground conditions were discovered during early excavation.

The original design didn’t account for this, which meant foundations would either need to be deepened or redesigned — both potentially expensive.

As the acting Quantity Surveyor, I quickly assessed the potential cost implications and presented a few options to the client and design team.

One solution was to use ground improvement techniques such as vibro-compaction, which avoided a full redesign and reduced both time and cost impacts.

After confirming feasibility with the engineers and suppliers, we adjusted the programme slightly but avoided a major delay.

This showed how a QS can respond quickly to unforeseen site issues and support the team with practical, financially sound decisions.

A Quantity Surveyor contributes to successful project delivery in many ways.

From the start, they provide advice on budgeting and procurement that helps the client make informed decisions. They guide the team through financial planning, tendering, and delivery.

During construction, they maintain financial control, monitor progress, and ensure all costs are accurately tracked.

They manage changes, resolve contract issues, and support risk mitigation. This helps keep the project on track and avoids financial surprises.

At the end, the QS helps close out accounts, ensuring that final payments reflect agreed work.

Their role is about more than numbers – it’s about protecting value, supporting collaboration, and making sure the client’s investment is delivered successfully, within time, cost, and quality expectations.