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This is a question I get asked all the time.  A Quantity Surveyor (Q.S.) is a technical accountant. We look after the finances on a construction project, however there are 2 main types of QS, one that represents the client (Professional QS or PQS) and one, as I do, who specialise in being a contractor’s QS. The former deals with feasibility studies, cost plans or budgets and advises his client and the latter, like me deal with the procurement and managing of contractors/subcontractors and the variations on site.

People get confused about what a Chartered Surveyor does. Well everyone that is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors can call himself or herself chartered. Therefore you have Chartered Quantity Surveyors, Chartered Building Surveyors etc. In the RICS there are a number of surveyors with different expertise, like General Practice, Land Surveyor, Building Surveyor and so on.

QSs are not Engineers, nor do we value properties (big misconception). We are not a project manager, although many QSs do go on to be Project Manager.

We sometimes get called ‘bean counters’ and we sometimes actually do count bricks. I don’t normally work out the quantities to order materials like bricks as I leave that to the contractor but I can measure the amount of brickwork, concrete, timber skirtings and so on when I am required to.

QSs also have other functions like:

  • advising on contractual matters and client/contractor risks
  • advising on suitable forms of contract
  • sorting out difficult Final Account issues
  • settlement of claims.

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