Quantity Surveying
Cost estimates, project programmes, monthly valuations and cash-flow forecasts for extensions, new-build homes, conversions and refurbishment projects.
Quantity Surveying and Construction Cost Management
Quantity surveying provides the financial and commercial information needed to understand, plan and control a construction project. A clear estimate at the outset helps clients and contractors assess feasibility, secure funding, prepare tenders and reduce the risk of unexpected cost increases during the build.
One Stop Consult coordinates quantity surveying services through Build Estimate Limited. The current OSC page advertises cost estimates for house extensions, new-build houses, conversions and refurbishments, together with project programmes, monthly valuations and cash-flow forecasts.
Support can be provided at different stages, from early budget planning through to financial monitoring during construction.
Services Available Through the Existing OSC Page
The following services reflect those currently advertised by One Stop Consult and Build Estimate Limited.
House Extension Estimates
Detailed cost planning for rear, side, wraparound and multi-storey extensions, helping assess likely construction costs before work begins.
New-Build House Estimates
Cost estimates for individual houses and residential developments, including the key labour, material, subcontract and preliminary allowances.
Conversion and Refurbishment Estimates
Budgeting for changes of use, internal alterations, upgrades and refurbishment projects involving existing buildings.
Project Programmes
Structured construction programmes showing activities, sequencing, dependencies and anticipated project durations.
Monthly Valuations
Assessment of work completed to support payment reviews, financial tracking and ongoing budget control.
Cash-Flow Forecasts
Forecasting of expected expenditure over the construction period to support funding, payment planning and financial management.
What Can a Construction Cost Estimate Include?
The level of detail depends on the drawings, specification and agreed scope. A more developed design generally allows a more detailed and reliable estimate.
Estimates can be structured around work sections so the client or contractor can see how the total project cost has been built up.
House Extension Cost Estimates
Extension projects can involve much more than the new floor area alone. Costs may include structural alterations to the existing house, temporary works, drainage diversions, kitchen or bathroom upgrades, services, making good and external landscaping.
A structured estimate helps homeowners, builders and developers compare the likely cost with the available budget before committing to the full construction programme.
New-Build House Estimates
New-build estimates can support early feasibility, lender discussions, tendering and contractor cost control. The estimate should reflect the proposed structure, specification, site conditions, services and external works rather than relying only on a generic square-metre rate.
As the design develops, the estimate can be updated to reflect revised drawings, structural information, product selections and Building Regulations requirements.
Conversion and Refurbishment Estimates
Existing buildings can contain concealed conditions that are not obvious from the drawings. Conversion and refurbishment estimates therefore need to consider demolition, opening-up, repairs, strengthening, services replacement and the risk of unforeseen work.
A suitable contingency allowance can be particularly important where the existing structure, asbestos status, drainage or building services have not yet been fully investigated.
Construction Project Programmes
A project programme sets out the anticipated sequence and duration of construction activities from mobilisation through to completion.
Activity Sequencing
Arrange key construction tasks in a practical order based on access, trades, dependencies and site conditions.
Critical Activities
Identify work that directly affects the completion date and requires close programme management.
Procurement Planning
Allow for design approvals, long-lead materials, specialist products and subcontractor availability.
Progress Monitoring
Compare actual progress against the planned programme and identify emerging delays.
Monthly Valuations
Monthly valuations assess the value of work completed during a particular period. They can support contractor-payment reviews and provide the client with a clearer record of financial progress.
The assessment may consider completed work, materials on site, previous payments, agreed variations, retention and other relevant contractual adjustments, depending on the agreed service.
Construction Cash-Flow Forecasts
A cash-flow forecast estimates when project expenditure is likely to occur. It helps clients anticipate funding requirements and understand how costs may be distributed over the construction period.
The forecast is usually linked to the project programme and cost plan. It should be updated where the construction sequence, start date, procurement strategy or project value changes.
How the Quantity Surveying Process Works
The service begins with a review of the project stage, available drawings and the commercial information required.
Project Review
Assess the design stage, drawings, specification and required level of cost detail.
Scope Confirmation
Confirm whether the instruction covers estimating, programming, valuations, cash flow or a combined service.
Measurement and Analysis
Review quantities, rates, assumptions, risks and available project information.
Report Preparation
Prepare the estimate, programme, valuation or forecast in the agreed format.
Issue and Review
Issue the completed document and clarify the principal assumptions and exclusions.
Information Required for a Quotation
Provide the full project address, project type, current design stage and the specific quantity surveying service required.
Please upload the latest architectural drawings and any structural, mechanical, electrical or specification information available. For valuations, provide the contract information, previous valuations, variation records and evidence of progress.
Quantity Surveying for Residential and Construction Projects
Other Services Your Project May Require
Important Quantity Surveying Information
Cost estimates, programmes, valuations and cash-flow forecasts depend on the accuracy and completeness of the drawings, specification, site information and commercial records supplied. Early estimates may include assumptions and allowances where the design is incomplete. Actual tender prices and final costs can vary because of market conditions, contractor pricing, design changes, inflation, site conditions, programme and unforeseen work. The scope, format, exclusions and level of detail should be confirmed within the quotation. One Stop Consult provides consultancy and coordination support through Build Estimate Limited and its specialist quantity surveying team.
Quantity Surveying FAQs
What does a quantity surveyor do?
A quantity surveyor provides construction cost planning, estimating, commercial monitoring and financial reporting support.
Can you estimate a house extension?
Yes. House extension estimating is one of the services currently advertised on the OSC Quantity Surveying page.
Can you estimate a new-build house?
Yes. Estimates can be prepared for individual new-build homes and suitable residential developments.
Do you cover conversions and refurbishments?
Yes. Cost estimates are available for conversion and refurbishment projects based on the drawings and information supplied.
Can you prepare a construction programme?
Yes. Project programming is one of the services advertised on the current page.
What is a monthly valuation?
It is an assessment of the value of work completed during a particular period, used to support payment and cost tracking.
What is a cash-flow forecast?
It estimates when project expenditure is likely to occur over the planned construction period.
How accurate is an early estimate?
Accuracy depends on the design stage and available information. Early estimates normally contain more assumptions than estimates based on coordinated construction drawings and specifications.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide the project address, drawings, specification, project type, design stage and the quantity surveying service required.
Request Your Free Quantity Surveying Quote
Complete the form below with the project address, project type and service required. Upload the latest plans, structural information and available specification so the quantity surveying team can review the scope and prepare an appropriate quotation.