What is a Quantity Surveyor?
A Quantity Surveyor is a cost consultant for construction projects. Think of them as the financial manager of your build. From the early design stages right through to completion, a QS is responsible for budgeting, cost control, and making sure you get good value for your money.
Their role typically includes:
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Preparing detailed cost estimates and budgets
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Advising on materials, procurement, and contracts
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Managing tenders and appointing contractors
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Monitoring spending throughout the project
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Handling valuations, variations, and final accounts
In essence, they ensure your vision aligns with your wallet.
Our Approach: Aligning Budget and Design from the Start
We believe the best outcomes come from collaboration — not just between us and our clients, but with the wider project team too. That’s why we engage Quantity Surveyors or cost consultants at the concept stage, long before technical drawings are produced.
By introducing a QS early — often during RIBA Stage 1 or 2 — we’re able to:
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Set a realistic budget baseline for your project
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Sense-check your ambitions against the available spend
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Ensure the design evolves within financial boundaries, not in isolation from them
This early alignment between design intent and budget realities helps us avoid unnecessary compromises later. It also means you can move into planning and construction with confidence, knowing the scheme is not only beautiful and functional — but financially viable too.
When Should You Bring One In?
While we typically recommend appointing a QS early on, especially for complex or larger projects, it’s never too late to benefit from their expertise. Even if your plans are already underway, a cost consultant can still add value by reviewing budgets, assessing tenders, and tracking spend during construction.
How Do They Actually Save You Money?
It might seem counterintuitive to pay someone to help you save, but here’s how a good Quantity Surveyor pays for themselves (and more):
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Realistic Budgeting from Day One - A QS provides accurate cost forecasts early on, so you’re not designing something you can’t afford. This avoids expensive redesigns or panic cuts down the line.
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Value Engineering - They’ll suggest smarter alternatives — maybe a more cost-effective cladding, or a different construction method — that still meets your aesthetic and functional goals without overspending.
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Controlling Costs During the Build - A QS monitors progress payments and makes sure you’re not overpaying. They also scrutinise any variations to prevent inflated or unnecessary charges.
- Avoiding Legal and Contractual Pitfalls - By advising on contracts and handling financial claims, they help you steer clear of disputes — which can be costly and time-consuming.
Do I Need One for a Home Extension?
Not always — but it depends on the scale and complexity of the work. For smaller home extensions or straightforward refurbishments, your architect and builder may be able to manage costs adequately.
However, for larger renovations, new builds, or projects with complex procurement or budget constraints, a Quantity Surveyor can be an invaluable partner. Their input can often pay for itself many times over by protecting your investment.
The Studio 40 Take
We’re big believers in clarity and control when it comes to budgeting. While we focus on designing homes that feel great and work brilliantly, we also want to make sure your money is working just as hard as your layout.
By bringing a Quantity Surveyor into the project at concept stage, we’re able to keep your ambitions and budget in perfect alignment. It’s one of the most powerful ways to prevent cost-related surprises — and to ensure that what gets designed is not just inspiring, but achievable.
Thinking about a project and want to keep your costs in check?
We’re always happy to recommend trusted Quantity Surveyors and guide you through the process. Get in touch for a chat about how we can help you build smarter.