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Send through your plans or a short description of what you need and we will come back to you.
Quantity surveying questions, answered.
Straight answers to the questions we get asked most by developers, builders and homeowners across New Zealand.
What does a quantity surveyor actually do?
A quantity surveyor manages the money side of construction. That covers estimating what a project will cost before it starts, preparing tender documents so builders price the same scope, checking payment claims and variations during the build, and settling the final account at the end. The goal is simple, no cost surprises.
When should I bring a quantity surveyor into my project?
The earlier the better. An estimate at concept stage tells you whether the project stacks up before you spend serious money on design and consent. That said, we get involved at every stage, and plenty of clients first call us mid build when a variation or payment claim needs an independent set of eyes.
Do you work outside Canterbury?
Yes. We are based in Canterbury and a good share of our work is local, but estimating, take-offs, tender documentation and cost reporting are all delivered electronically, so we work with clients the length of the country. Where a site visit matters we will tell you up front.
What do quantity surveying services cost?
It depends on the scope. A one-off estimate for a house build is priced very differently from full post contract support on a commercial project. Send through your plans or a description of what you need and we will come back to you with a price, no obligation.
What do you need from me to prepare a cost estimate?
Drawings are the starting point, at whatever stage they are at. Concept sketches are enough for an early budget figure, while developed or consented drawings support a detailed elemental estimate or full schedule of quantities. Specifications, geotech reports and consent conditions all sharpen the number further.
Can you help a builder or subcontractor price a tender?
Yes, that is one of our core services. We prepare take-offs, schedules of quantities and full tender submissions for builders and subcontractors who either lack the time to measure the job properly or want independent pricing support to protect their margin.
What are payment claims and why do they matter?
Payment claims are the formal invoices used on construction contracts under New Zealand's Construction Contracts Act. Get them wrong and you can lose the right to dispute a charge, or find yourself unpaid with little recourse. We prepare and assess claims so both the paperwork and the numbers hold up.
Are you a member of a professional body?
We work to the standards promoted by the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors and follow the Construction Contracts Act on every engagement. If you would like to talk through our background and experience on projects like yours, call Adam directly.