Too often, projects bring in a Quantity Surveyor (QS) only when budgets are stretched, contractors are on site, and cost changes are spiralling out of control. The problem? Introducing a QS at this stage is too late. It’s often a case of damage control rather than prevention.

So, what is the solution? Talk to a QS early on in the project. By engaging with a QS early, you can save time, money and stress.

At Novus Resolve, our chartered Quantity Surveyors work across the UK to provide clarity, control and confidence at every stage of construction. From cost planning and procurement to dispute resolution, we can help you manage your budget, mitigate risks and ensure your project delivers genuine value.

In the UK, a QS is a construction cost expert who ensures that all financial aspects of your project are properly planned, managed and controlled. As part of their role, a QS is responsible for:

• Cost estimation and planning

• Procurement and tender evaluation

• Contract administration

• Cost reporting and risk management

• Dispute resolution and expert witness services

What does this mean for your projects? In practical terms, this means you gain early cost certainty, better financial control and a smoother project journey from start to finish.

At Novus Resolve, our Quantity Surveyors ensure your budget is realistic and aligned with your design, your contracts are fair and watertight, and any risks or changes are managed before they escalate. This means you gain greater confidence in your decisions, experience fewer surprises during construction and deliver a project that provides true value for money.

What’s more, as chartered Quantity Surveyors (and RICS members), we bring professional standards, accuracy and impartiality to every project, ensuring realistic budgets, fair procurement and minimised disputes. Learn more about our services now.

Many people assume a QS is only needed once construction starts. However, the truth is, the most value comes from early involvement, such as during concept design or feasibility.

Appointing a QS early effectively controls costs, as a QS can produce accurate budgets, realistic cost plans and value engineering advice before design decisions lock in expenses.

Alongside being a cost estimator, a modern QS is also a strategic partner who helps shape funding, procurement and contract strategies from the outset. This early guidance gives clients clarity, confidence and control over how their project evolves.

When a QS is brought in late, they often face the challenge of correcting issues that could have been avoided, such as reworking designs, resetting budgets or resolving disputes.

Basically, the earlier you engage a QS, the stronger your cost certainty, risk management and project outcomes will be.

But the question still remains: When should you hire a QS? If you've never worked with a QS before, it can be difficult to know when you need to utilise one, so here are five common signs you should hire a Quantity Surveyor.

Sign 1: Your budget feels uncertain or ‘ballpark’

Guesswork or creating rough estimates can be damaging for your business and bottom line, so if you only have rough estimates or use online calculators, you need to hire a QS.

A QS will develop a detailed cost plan that aligns with your design intent, identifies realistic allowances and highlights risks early. This gives you a clear, evidence-based budget that establishes financial boundaries from the outset and enables greater control throughout the project.

Sign 2: You’re unsure about tendering or contract strategy

Tendering can be complex, and the wrong procurement route can expose you to unnecessary costs or disputes later. But instead of struggling alone with tendering or contract strategy, you can engage a QS to help.

A QS helps you prepare tender documentation, assess contractor bids objectively and recommend the best contract structure for your project (whether that’s design and build, traditional or management contracting). Their advice ensures transparency and protects you against potential disputes later.

Sign 3: Your project is complex, bespoke or uses non-standard materials

Unique designs, bespoke finishes or specialist systems can easily create hidden costs that aren’t budgeted for, so if you’re working on any of these types of projects, it might be a good idea to work with a QS.

A QS brings market knowledge and benchmarking data to anticipate these costs before they appear, helping you avoid design-led cost shocks. When you work with a QS, they will assess material options, construction methods and buildability to ensure you make informed decisions that balance creativity with cost efficiency.

Sign 4: Multiple stakeholders are involved

Another sign you need a QS is when multiple stakeholders (such as developers, landlords, investors and tenants) are involved in the project. Having so many stakeholders involved in the project makes it difficult to maintain alignment of project costs.

A QS provides independent, impartial cost reporting that everyone can rely on. By offering transparent communication and objective analysis, the QS keeps all parties informed and focused on shared financial goals, reducing tension and ensuring accountability.

Sign 5: Variations, claims or disputes are emerging

You might also want to work with a QS if variations, claims or disputes are emerging. Even the best-managed projects can face unexpected changes, delays or disagreements, but this is where a QS can help.

A QS can step in to quantify variations, assess claims and manage cost recovery, ensuring fair outcomes for all parties. If needed, a QS can also act as an expert witness to ensure that disputes are resolved and projects are completed.

It’s not uncommon for clients to bring in a Quantity Surveyor after the contract is signed, or worse, when the project is already underway and costs have started to escalate. At that point, the QS's role often shifts from prevention to damage control.

While a QS can still add significant value mid-project through independent cost audits, contract reviews and dispute resolution, the opportunities to identify proactive savings and introduce strategic decision-making are reduced. This is because at this point, designs are often already fixed, procurement decisions have been made, and financial flexibility is limited.

By involving a QS from day one, you benefit from accurate forecasting, structured procurement and full cost visibility before commitments are made.

Appointing a QS early doesn’t just prevent problems, it also ensures you avoid reactive measures and deliver a smooth, efficient project with clarity and confidence from start to finish.

Selecting the right Quantity Surveyor can make the difference between a project that runs smoothly and one that becomes a constant battle to control costs. The best QS doesn’t just manage numbers, they become a trusted partner, offering impartial advice and ensuring your project achieves the best commercial outcome.

When choosing a QS, look for:

• RICS-chartered status – Chartered Quantity Surveyors are recognised for their independence, accuracy and reliability. That’s why choosing a RICS-chartered QS is a good idea, as they are required to adhere to professional standards, ethical conduct and regulated practice.

• Relevant sector experience – Whether your project is residential, commercial or infrastructure-based, you need someone who understands your industry’s cost drivers and market dynamics, so make sure your QS has relevant sector experience.

• Dispute and claims expertise – Because projects rarely go entirely to plan (unfortunately), you need to choose a QS who has experience in claims and dispute resolution. This ensures you can protect your position if variations or delays arise.

• Communication and transparency – There are enough complex factors involved in construction, so you don’t want to add jargon to that. That’s why you need to choose a QS who offers clear reporting, straightforward explanations and honest advice, and someone who helps you understand your financial position at every stage.

While credentials are important, they aren’t the only factor to consider when choosing the right Quantity Surveyor. It’s also crucial to find a professional who understands your goals, communicates clearly and acts as a genuine partner throughout your project.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to bring a QS on board:

• You’ve started design work or are budgeting for construction

• You’re unsure how to compare contractor quotes

• Design changes are affecting your expected costs

• You’re about to sign a building contract

• You want independent advice before disputes arise

Remember, engaging a QS early helps you stay proactive, protect your investment and deliver a project that meets expectations in terms of quality, cost, timing and peace of mind.

Bringing a Quantity Surveyor into your project early isn’t just a good idea; it’s the foundation for success. From establishing realistic budgets and robust procurement strategies to preventing avoidable risks and disputes, a QS can help enhance project stability, minimise financial risks and ensure compliance with contractual requirements.

At Novus Resolve, our experienced Quantity Surveyors provide the clarity, foresight and cost certainty you need to make informed decisions from day one. Whether you’re at the feasibility, tender or construction stage, we’re here to help you plan with confidence, manage risk effectively and deliver projects that stay on track.

Are you about to start a new project and want to get the cost strategy right?

Contact us now to ensure your project begins and ends on solid ground.