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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, a quantity surveyor can come in at any stage, including mid build when a variation or payment claim needs an independent set of eyes.
Where in New Zealand do you work?
Anywhere in New Zealand. The service area is nationwide, so where your project sits is rarely a barrier.
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. Contact us with your plans or a description of what you need and we can talk through the scope.
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.
How much does it cost to build a house in New Zealand?
It depends on the size of the house, the level of finish, the site and the region, which is why two houses of the same floor area can come in a long way apart. A square metre rate gives a rough early figure, useful for deciding whether a project stacks up. A cost estimate built from the drawings gives a number you can budget and borrow against, and it shows where the money actually sits.