Quantity surveying is primarily centred on construction and the management of the costs and budgets of large projects.  From the moment a plan is drawn until a large construction project has been completed, a Quantity Surveyor (QS) is likely to be involved in a legal, technical and financial capacity. The functions of a Quantity Surveyor are broadly concerned with the cost control on construction projects, the management and maintenance of the budget, progress valuations and any legal matters arising through the course of the project. They are required to make sure that the project remains profitable and efficient.

Quantity Surveyors need to be highly numerate, commercially aware, professionally trained and great communicators.  The job requires a combination of technical, financial and legal knowledge. There are a couple of routes into the profession.  Most people will undertake a higher education qualification followed by a period of training within a relevant organisation. However it is possible to train on-the-job with the help of professional bodies such as the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS). This organisation plays a leading role in the training, development and accreditation of Quantity Surveyors and courses in quantity surveying.

A Quantity Surveyor is a professional working within the construction industry working closely with Architects, Financiers, Engineers, Contractors, Suppliers, Project Owners, Accountants, Insurance Underwriters, Solicitors and Courts and with all levels of Government Authorities.

Other names for people employed with quantity surveying qualifications include estimator, cost engineer, cost manager, cost analyst, project coordinator, project cost controller and cost planner.

Services provided by a Quantity Surveyor may include:
 

•  Feasibilities studies;

• Cost planning and estimating during the entire life cycle of the project from inception to completion;

• Bills of quantities;

• Asset capitalisation including tax depreciation schedules and offering advice on property taxation;

• Replacement cost valuations;

• Value engineering;

• Procurement advice and assistance during the tendering procedures;

• Interim payment assessment including valuing completed work and providing payment recommendations;

• Cost management;

• Contract administration;

• Assistance in dispute resolution;
   

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- Associate Member of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AAIQS 3623) www.aiqs.com.au
- Registered Tax Agent (24717792) www.tpb.gov.au