QUANTITY SURVEYORS
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, & Queenstown
Elemental Quantity Surveyors is a trusted independent QS consultancy in New Zealand. We offer expert construction cost advice in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Our dedication to excellence in Quantity Surveying ensures that we meet the unique requirements of each client.
OUR SERVICE OFFERING
PRE-CONTRACT
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Feasibility Studies
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Construction Cost Estimates
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Cost Planning
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Value Engineering
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Cashflow Forecasting
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Upfront Embodied Carbon
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Contract Advice
TENDER
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Schedule of Quantities
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Schedule of Rates
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Request for Tender
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Tender Review Analysis
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Advice & Recommendations
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Risk Management
BANK REPORTING
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Initial Reports
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Site Visits
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Progress Reports
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Risk Management
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Cost to Complete
POST-CONTRACT
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Contract Administration
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Payment Claim Certifications
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Cashflow Forecasting
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Variation Assessments
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Value Managemnt
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Insurance Estimate
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Progress Certification
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Final Account Negotiations
WHAT DOES A QUANTITY SURVEYOR DO?
A quantity surveyor plays a vital role in the construction industry, adding significant value by ensuring a construction project is delivered on time and within budget. Their main role is to prepare construction cost estimates and report on costs, but they also play a key role in contract administration and risk management.
A QS can be engaged at any stage of the project, from feasibility studies to final account. The most effective quantity surveyors will have live construction cost data from similar projects, ensuring your construction budget is accurate and the project is feasible before drawings are developed further.
QS: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Cost Estimates
During the feasibility stages, a residential quantity surveyor can prepare feasibility reports for developers, advising on the likely cost of a construction project. This allows developers to better understand the costs associated with a construction project before detailed drawings are prepared. They also prepare detailed cost plans by building up rates and labour constants using first principles (materials, cartage, waste, fixings, equipment, and labour, etc.). Their role is to ensure that the project stays within budget and avoids unexpected cost overruns.
Tender Documentation and Tendering
One of the key tasks for a construction cost consultant is preparing tender documentation. This includes creating schedules of quantities, tender documents, and tender invitations that guide contractors when preparing their tender submissions. With accurate and transparent tender documentation, the commercial quantity surveyor ensures a competitive and fair tendering process.
Contract Administration and Management
A quantity surveyor can also be engaged as a contract administrator by ensuring that the terms of the contract are fulfilled. In effect, this person is responsible for managing changes, variation assessments, and ensuring that the builder follows the agreed specifications and timelines. This helps avoid disagreements and ensures the project progresses without interruptions.
Progress Claims
A professional quantity surveyor will appraise the work completed on site throughout the construction phase by preparing payment schedules and progress certificates. The work completed is valued to ensure that the contractor is paid appropriately, and in accordance with the contract.
Final Accounts
The final accounts of a quantity surveyor are provided at the end of the defects liability period, after which all costs are reconciled and outstanding claims accounted for, ensuring the realised construction budget aligns with the agreed amount.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD A QS CONSULTANT HAVE?
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A New Zealand Diploma in Construction with a major in QS, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Economics.
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Membership with the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
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Knowledge of the New Zealand Building Code, The New Zealand Building Act, Construction Contracts Act 2002, and an understanding of construction contracts.
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Strong understanding of construction methodology, sequencing of works, labour constants, materials, and live benchmarking data from projects of a similar size and nature.
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Current Professional Indemnity, General Liability, and Statutory Liability insurance policies. A copy of which should be included in their capability statement.
WHY YOU NEED A QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Engaging a professional quantity surveying consultant significantly enhances the likelihood of your project's success while also improving profit margins, reducing risk, and mitigating unnecessary cost overruns. They offer cost-effective value engineering solutions applicable to any type of project. Whether dealing with commercial, residential, industrial, or civil infrastructure, a quantity surveyors proficiency in feasibility estimates, cost planning, schedules of quantities, tendering processes, bank drawdowns, variation assessments, and contract negotiations is likely to result in substantial time and cost savings.
A quantity surveyors invaluable industry insights and live benchmarking data allow you to compare costs between your project and other recently completed developments of a similar size and nature. This helps you make informed decisions and identify cost-saving opportunities. Their comprehensive understanding of the Christchurch construction market helps to minimise the risks associated with cost overruns.
LOCAL EXPERT
Daniel Small
Managing Director
Daniel began his career in the construction industry in Auckland in 2006, working as an architectural builder before transitioning into the role of a residential quantity surveyor in Christchurch.
He then moved to Melbourne in 2021 where he spent three years working as a construction cost consultant. Daniel is an expert in construction cost estimates and bank reporting. In late 2023, Daniel was promoted to Director and oversaw the New Zealand operations. Throughout his career, Daniel has gained valuable experience across various sectors, including residential, commercial, medical, childcare, industrial, and civil infrastructure projects.
Daniel has been very active in research into upfront embodied carbon and has played a key role in developing our service offering in this space.
In 2024, Daniel founded Elemental Quantity Surveyors and continues to support property developers, project managers, financiers, and investors across New Zealand.
