A Quantity Surveyor is a building industry professional who specialises in estimating the value of construction works.

The term quantity surveyor derives from the role taken in quantifying the various items of labour and material that it takes to construct a given project.

Quantity surveyors use their skills to determine the cost of building work ranging from residential properties through to assessing the construction value of new multi-million dollar office towers. Additionally they are used on civil, mining and infrastructure projects to determine the cost of such facilities.

Quantity Surveyors are involved at various stages of the construction process, typically prior to construction, during construction and following completion of the works.

The Role of the Quantity Surveyor

Quantity surveyors work with accountants, architects, engineers, builders, building owners, developers, financiers, government, insurance underwriters, loss adjusters, solicitors and subcontractors.

The quantity surveyor’s detailed knowledge of construction costs allows them to perform the following tasks:

Prior to Construction

• Preparation of Feasibility Studies
• Estimating to define project budgets
• Analysis of the effect of design changes on the project budget
• Cost planning to refine the budget as the design documents develop
• Preparation of Bills of Quantities to assist in the tender process
• Reviews of Builder’s tender submissions

During Construction

• Provision of cost control services during construction
• Assessment of the builder’s progress claims
• Assessment of variation and delay claims

Post Construction

• Determination of the final project cost
• Preparation of tax depreciation reports for investors and property owners
• Expert Witness reports to assist in the settlement of building disputes

If you are looking to purchase an investment property it is important to think about the property’s depreciation potential when considering the purchase. Depreciation deductions alone may make the property purchase more feasible.

                Obtaining a depreciation report that maximises deductions may result in your investment property returning a positive income. Qualified under tax legislation TR97/25 to estimate construction costs for depreciation purposes, Quantity Surveyors are one of a select few professionals who specialise in providing depreciation reports.