Question 1

At what stage should I appoint a Quantity Surveyor?

Accepted Answer

Ideally at feasibility, before a scheme has planning. An early order-of-cost estimate tells you whether the site works commercially, flags risks while they are still cheap to fix, and gives your lender or investor a credible baseline. Appointing at RIBA Stage 3 or 4 is still useful, but you lose the chance to shape the cost plan before the design is fixed.

Question 2

What is the difference between a cost plan and an order-of-cost estimate?

Accepted Answer

An order-of-cost estimate is a high-level benchmark figure built from sqm rates and comparable projects, used for feasibility. A cost plan is a structured, line-by-line document aligned to the design and specification, with explicit assumptions, exclusions, contingencies and a risk register. Cost plans get refined at each RIBA stage as design information improves.

Question 3

How do you handle contractor claims and variations?

Accepted Answer

Every change is assessed against the contract mechanism, the priced tender, and current market evidence. We do not accept claims on posture, only on substantiation. Our clients see the working, including where we agree with the contractor and where we do not, in every monthly cost report.

Question 4

Do you work on a fixed fee or percentage basis?

Accepted Answer

Almost always fixed fee, scoped by RIBA stage and deliverable. We think percentage fees create the wrong incentive on large projects, our cost doubles because your project gets harder, not because we are adding more value. A fixed fee means we both know what you are paying and what you are getting.

Question 5

Can you work alongside our existing design team and project manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, commercial advice is often commissioned independently of the design team. We work with any RIBA-regulated architect, any PM, and any contractor. If you already have a PM, we provide the commercial spine of the project. If not, we offer PM as a separate service.

Question 6

What happens at final account?

Accepted Answer

We negotiate the final account from our live cost reports, the priced bill, agreed CVIs, and loss & expense where substantiated. Final accounts are settled in writing with full backup. If a lender needs to see it, we prepare a cost verification pack that passes straight through due diligence.

Quantity Surveying.

What's included.

A repeatable, transparent process from appointment to close-out.

Brief & feasibility

Cost plan

Procure

Control

Close

What you'll receive.

Who this suits.

The questions we answer on first calls.

Often commissioned together.

Project Management

Employer's Agent