How To Choose a Quantity Surveyor
FAQS
When choosing a quantity surveyor in Australia, consider the following key factors:
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Qualifications & Accreditation: Look for a QS who is registered with recognised industry bodies like the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). These accreditations ensure they meet professional standards.
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Experience in Your Project Type: Select someone with proven experience in the type of project you're planning – whether it's residential, commercial, or infrastructure. Ask to see case studies or examples of past work.
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Local Knowledge: A QS based in your area (e.g. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) will understand local construction costs, council requirements, and market conditions – which leads to more accurate estimates.
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Clear Scope and Fees: A good QS will provide a transparent quote outlining the services included, from cost planning and feasibility studies to tender reviews and bank reports.
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Communication & Responsiveness: Choose someone who explains things clearly, is easy to reach, and provides timely updates.
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💡 Tip: Ask your architect, builder, or lender for QS recommendations — they often work closely with trusted consultants.
Is it Worth Getting a Quantity Surveyor?
Yes, hiring a quantity surveyor is definitely worth it, especially for medium to large projects, renovations, or developments involving bank finance or council approvals.
Here’s why:
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Accurate Cost Estimating: A QS helps you avoid budget blowouts by providing a detailed breakdown of construction costs before work begins.
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Financial Control: Throughout the project, they monitor variations, track spending, and ensure you stay on budget.
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Required for Council or Bank Reports: For DA approvals or bank funding, a QS is often required to produce formal cost reports and progress claims.
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Risk Reduction: Quantity surveyors highlight cost risks early, helping you make informed decisions about materials, scope, or design changes.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing a qualified professional is handling cost control reduces stress and increases confidence for homeowners, developers, and builders alike.
What is the Average Cost of a Quantity Surveyor?
The cost of hiring a quantity surveyor in Australia varies depending on the project size, scope of work, and location.
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🧮 Typical Price Ranges (as of 2024–2025):
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Residential Cost Estimate:
From $500 to $2,000 for a single dwelling or renovation, depending on complexity. -
Bank Finance Report (Progress Draw / Cost to Complete):
Around $1,000 to $2,000, often required by lenders during construction. -
Detailed Cost Plan / Full QS Service for Larger Projects:
Charged as a percentage of total construction cost – usually 1% to 2%.
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💡 Factors That Affect Price:
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Size and complexity of the build
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Type of service (estimate, tender review, cost planning, etc.)
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Location (Sydney and other major cities may cost slightly more)
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Accreditation level (RICS / AIQS-certified QS may charge more, but provide higher assurance)
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✅ Tip: Ask for a fixed-fee quote upfront with a breakdown of inclusions – reputable QS firms are transparent about their pricing.
What Does a Quantity Surveyor (QS) Do?
A Quantity Surveyor is a construction cost expert who helps manage project budgets from concept to completion. They work with homeowners, developers, builders, and architects to ensure projects stay financially viable.
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📋 Core Services Include:
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Cost Estimating: Providing detailed breakdowns of expected building costs based on plans and specifications.
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Cost Planning: Advising on materials, finishes, and design choices to stay within budget.
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Tender Reviews: Assessing builder quotes to ensure they’re complete and competitive.
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Bank Reports: Preparing cost-to-complete and progress claim reports required for finance drawdowns.
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Council DA Cost Reports (Section 94): Supplying official cost summaries for development approval.
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Contract Administration: Managing variations, checking progress claims, and tracking actual spend against forecast.
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🧠In simple terms: a QS makes sure you don’t overspend, get fair quotes, and keep your construction on budget and on track.
Do I Need A Quantity Surveyor Report / Cost Estimate?
From 4 March 2024, the department advises councils to require an Estimated Development Cost (EDC) report for applications over $100,000.
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The report must be prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor who is a member of a professional body like AIQS or RICS and should follow the AIQS practice standard.
This report must:
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Adhere to the AIQS practice standard,
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Be submitted in the required template format,
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Be dated no more than 30 days before submission.
For development with an EDC under $100,000, the cost estimate may be prepared by either the applicant, or a suitably qualified person and its method submitted with that application.
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Councils will set specific application requirements.
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For more information visit the NSW Planning Website.
What Information Will A Cost Estimate Include?
Dunvei Construction Consultants provide clients with a professional and reliable cost planning service tailored to meet the clients requirements and project at hand.
Our cost plans provide detailed costings which include items like preliminaries, planning condition requirements, facilitating works, insurances, construction costs, contractors overheads and profit, project/design team fees, construction risks and contingencies, tender and construction inflation including any other items relevant to that project.