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Quantity Surveyor
PRACTICE & STANDARDSbeginnerQS
Definition
A construction economics specialist who measures and manages the cost of a building project from inception to completion. The QS prepares Bills of Quantities (detailed cost breakdowns), advises on procurement strategy, evaluates tenders, and monitors expenditure during construction. In the USA, the equivalent role is called a cost estimator or cost manager.
Example
On the construction of the Shard in London, a team of quantity surveyors from WT Partnership managed cost reporting across hundreds of specialist contractor packages — a project worth over £430 million.