New Zealand Quantity Surveyors

Cost Estimates
During the feasibility stage, a residential Quantity Surveyor uses live benchmarking to prepare early cost studies. These help developers understand a project's likely cost. Furthermore, these early insights clarify risks and financial implications before detailed drawings and consents are finalized. Detailed cost plans are also prepared using first principles, building up rates from materials, labour, and equipment. Ultimately, their role is to ensure the project stays within budget and avoids unexpected cost overruns.

Tender Documentation and Tendering
A key task for a construction cost consultant is preparing tender documentation. This includes creating Schedules of Quantities and tender invitations to guide contractors. Accurate and transparent documentation therefore ensures a competitive and fair tendering process.

Contract Administration and Management
A Quantity Surveyor can also be engaged as a contract administrator. In this role, they ensure the contract terms are followed, managing changes and variation assessments. Additionally, they verify the builder follows agreed specifications and timelines, which helps avoid disagreements and keeps the project on track.

Progress Claims
A professional quantity surveyor appraises work completed on site throughout the construction phase. This involves preparing payment schedules and progress certificates to value the work, ensuring the contractor is paid appropriately and in accordance with the contract.

Final Accounts
Finally, the quantity surveyor provides the final accounts after the defects liability period. At this stage, all costs are reconciled and outstanding claims are settled, ensuring the final construction budget aligns with the agreed amount.

• A New Zealand Diploma in Construction with a major in QS, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Economics.

• Membership with NZIQS or RICS.

• Familiarity with the NZ Building Code, Building Act, and Construction Contracts Act.

• A strong understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, and benchmarking.

• Up-to-date professional indemnity and liability insurance (included in their capability statement).

Enhancing Project Success
Engaging a professional quantity surveying consultant significantly enhances your project’s success. Specifically, they improve profit margins, reduce risk, and mitigate unnecessary cost overruns. Furthermore, these consultants offer cost-effective value engineering solutions applicable to any project type.

Comprehensive Expertise for All Sectors
Their expertise is valuable across all sectors, from commercial and residential builds to industrial and civil infrastructure. Key services like feasibility estimates, cost planning, and contract negotiations result in substantial time and cost savings.

Data-Driven Cost Insights
Finally, by leveraging industry insights and live benchmarking data, they enable you to compare costs with similar developments. This process helps you make informed decisions and uncover significant cost-saving opportunities.

Understanding Our Fees
The cost of hiring a Quantity Surveyor varies based on your project's size, complexity, and scope.

At Elemental Quantity Surveyors, our hourly rates start at $140 + GST. However, we typically offer fixed-price quotes tailored to your specific needs for greater budget certainty. This approach is ideal for residential builds, renovations, and commercial developments alike.

The Value of Professional Expertise
Working with a professional Quantity Surveyor in New Zealand ensures accurate cost estimates and financial clarity from start to finish. Ultimately, we help you avoid unexpected costs and maximise your investment's value.

Start With a Free Consultation
If you're unsure what services you need, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your project and recommend the best approach. Therefore, get in touch with Elemental Quantity Surveyors today to receive your complimentary fee proposal.