Who this guide is for
- Homeowners on a larger or complex project
- People wanting independent cost oversight
- Anyone worried about budget control
- Owners comparing quantity surveyors
Understand the cost-planning scope
A QS can do anything from an early budget view to ongoing cost management through the build. Be clear which you need and confirm the QS offers that scope.
Match the QS role to the stage and size of your project.
- Decide what stage you need help at
- Confirm the QS offers that scope
- Match the role to project size
- Clarify ongoing versus one-off support
Clarify the fee basis
QS fees are charged in different ways, and the basis shapes the relationship. Ask how the fee is structured and what it covers, described in words rather than a figure.
Understanding the fee basis avoids confusion later.
- Ask how the fee is structured
- Confirm what the fee covers
- Clarify one-off versus ongoing fees
- Avoid assumptions about cost
Check independence
The value of a QS comes partly from independence from the contractor, so their cost view is unbiased. Ask about any relationships and how they keep their advice independent.
Independence is central to their usefulness.
- Ask about contractor relationships
- Confirm independent cost advice
- Understand whose interest they serve
- Value impartiality
Understand what drives cost in words
A good QS explains what drives cost on your project — scope, materials, complexity, access — without you needing to invent figures. Use that understanding to make informed decisions.
Cost drivers, not numbers, are the useful output here.
Brief and compare clearly
Give each QS the same project picture so their proposals compare. Ask about relevant experience and how they report cost through the project.
Keep design and structural decisions with the relevant professionals.
- Give each QS the same project picture
- Compare scope and approach
- Ask about relevant experience
- Confirm how cost is reported
Hiring checklist
- 1Decide what stage you need cost help at
- 2Confirm the QS offers that scope
- 3Ask how the fee is structured
- 4Confirm what the fee covers
- 5Ask about any contractor relationships
- 6Confirm independent cost advice
- 7Ask how they explain cost drivers
- 8Give each QS the same project picture
- 9Ask about relevant experience
- 10Confirm how cost is reported through the project
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hiring a QS for the wrong stage or scope
- Not understanding how the fee is structured
- Overlooking the QS's independence from the contractor
- Expecting figures rather than understanding cost drivers
- Comparing proposals that are not like for like
- Assuming a QS replaces design or structural professionals
When to involve a professional
- Confirm a QS advises on cost and does not replace design or structural professionals
- Keep structural and regulated work with the relevant qualified professionals
- Ask about relevant experience for projects like yours
- Confirm how their advice stays independent
- Remember cost and project requirements vary by location and project
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
What does a quantity surveyor do?
A QS helps you plan, measure and track the cost of a building or renovation project, giving an independent view of where money goes. They can offer an early budget view, ongoing cost management, or both, depending on what you need.
How are QS fees structured?
QS fees are charged in different ways, and the basis shapes the relationship. Ask how the fee is structured and what it covers in words, and clarify whether it is one-off or ongoing support.
Why does independence matter?
Much of a QS's value comes from being independent of the contractor, so their cost view is unbiased. Ask about any relationships and how they keep their advice independent, since impartiality is central to their usefulness.
Will a QS give me exact prices?
A good QS helps you understand what drives cost on your project — scope, materials, complexity, access — to make informed decisions. The useful output is understanding cost drivers, and requirements vary by location and project.
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