Frequently asked questions
What is the typical process for a Cost Plan or Report?
-
Initial “draft” report issued -
Ongoing cost and contractual advice -
Issue of final report -
Value management to reduce overall cost, if required (ie: incorporating cost options, material selection changes etc) -
Minor modifications to the floor plan that remain reasonably within the original brief/scope -
Incorporation of any client supplied quotes or estimates -
Incorporation of any requested changes to cost plan formatting, wording, layout etc -
Incorporation of any requested changes to material selections, fixtures, fittings, appliances, client supplied items, PC sums etc
We like to think of our cost plans, particularly at the early stages of design, as a malleable tool that can be adjusted and modified to suit the desired level of finish and project budget. As part of our committment to the success of your project we provide items 4 to 8 free of charge to remove the stress of needing to make changes to get it just right.
What stage of my project is the best time to engage a Quantity Surveyor?
A Quantity Surveyor can bring value to every stage of your project, you just need to decide which one is right for you. These are the standard stages of a project:
- Feasibility & Master planning
- Design / Pre-Contract Cost Planning (Sketch/Schematic design, Detailed Design, Construction/Tender documentation)
- Tender and Construction
- Post contract/ construction administration and management
- Expert witness, mediation and dispute resolution
A quick chat with us will help you to decide what stage suits your project best
What is the best way to control the budget of my project?
We recommend an initial cost plan be completed to help establish your budget right from the get-go. Understanding the building envelope and quality of finishes is integral to finishing on budget. This will also help avoid costly re-issuing of reports and docuemntation as you go.
I am having problems with my construction project. Who do I call?
Our role during construction is to provide unbiased construction and cost advice that can help assist with reducing the need for potential litigation or disputes.
I need a Financier/Bank report or Insurance Valuation. Can you help?
Yes, we can help. We offer the following services:
- Bank/Financier reports and construction estimates
- Bank/Financier progress claim assessment and reports
- Insurance valuation estimates.
- Insurance replacement estimates.
If you are considering a payout from your insurance company, it might be worth considering having a construction rectification assessment completed to ensure your payout is fair and covers all of the actual costs with rectifying any damage.
What is a Quantity Surveyor’s role during a construction dispute?
Depending on the nature of the dispute, the role can vary significantly. Some of the services we offer are:
- Negotiation and mediation
- Prepare ‘Expert Witness’ reports
- Attendance at negotiation, mediation or tribunal as ‘Expert Witness’.
- Provide contractual advice and dispute resolution
At MQS, we understand the importance of having expert advice during stressful disputes. Through our expert witness, mediation and dispute resolution services, we help give validity to your claim and provide peace of mind that you have a fiercely independent expert in your corner.
What does a Quantity Surveyor cost?
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to our services. Our fees are calculated based on the size and complexity of each project and our service requirements also vary between projects and clients. Some projects require a large amount of our input, and others quite small. We tailor our services and associated fee structure to suit our clients and their project specific requirements. If you would like some more information about the particulars relating to your requirements, please feel free to give us a call for an obligation free discussion.
