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Quantity Surveying

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May 1, 2024 Updated May 10, 2025 19 minute read

A Comprehensive Guide to Quantity Surveying

Quantity surveying is a profession centered on the financial and contractual management of construction and infrastructure projects. At its core, quantity surveyors are the cost experts of the construction world, ensuring that projects are completed within budget and deliver value for money. They are involved in every stage of a project, from initial feasibility studies and cost planning to contract administration, procurement, and final account settlement. This field requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of construction processes and costs.

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Reading list

We've selected 47 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Quantity Surveying.
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These official guides from the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) provide the standard rules for measuring building works. Understanding and applying the NRM is fundamental to quantity surveying practice. These are essential reference documents.
Is considered a foundational text for anyone entering the field of Quantity Surveying. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, practices, and techniques, making it suitable for students and those seeking a broad understanding. The latest edition includes updates reflecting the RICS New Rules of Measurement and the impact of technology like BIM.
A classic and widely used textbook, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the roles, responsibilities, and procedures of a quantity surveyor in various settings. It covers managing project costs, assessing risks, and handling contractual obligations, with updates on technology and industry practices. It's a solid foundation for students.
Specifically focuses on the practical application of the RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM) for building measurement. It provides detailed explanations and examples to help users understand and implement the rules correctly.
A highly practical and concise reference, this pocket book covers essential topics in quantity surveying, including measurement, estimating, and cost management. It's an indispensable companion for both students and professionals for quick access to key information and practical advice. It includes updates on NRM, procurement, and BIM.
Considered a classic, this book covers the roles, responsibilities, and procedures of a quantity surveyor. It provides insights into managing project costs, assessing risks, and handling contractual obligations, offering a broad understanding of the QS's professional practice. It has been updated to include technological advancements.
Understanding contract law and management is critical for quantity surveyors. provides a detailed look at the legal frameworks, principles, and practices essential for contract administration in construction projects. It's a must-read for navigating contractual obligations and dispute resolution.
A classic text in cost planning, this book has been updated to reflect changes in the industry, particularly in procurement. It provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of cost planning for buildings, essential for effective cost control from the early stages of a project.
This guide specifically explains the process of measurement according to the RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM). It includes diagrams, worked examples, and exercises, making it a practical resource for applying the NRM standards in measurement.
Offers a practical perspective on quantity surveying specifically from the main contractor's point of view. It delves into cost control, procurement, and contract administration within a contracting organization. It's valuable for gaining insights into real-world applications and the contractor's role.
A crucial resource for quantity surveyors, this book provides a detailed understanding of construction contract law and management. It covers legal frameworks, principles, and practices essential for contract administration, including negotiation, risk allocation, and compliance. Essential for navigating the contractual aspects of projects.
This guide from the Aqua Group well-regarded resource covering the crucial stages of procurement, tendering, and contract administration in construction. It provides practical guidance and best practices for managing these processes effectively.
Explains the entire process of estimating and tendering in construction, from early cost studies to preparing successful tenders. It covers various tendering and procurement methods and the shift towards cost-planning. It valuable resource for students and professionals involved in the crucial stages of project bidding and cost determination.
Considered a definitive guide, this book covers the fundamentals of quantity surveying, focusing on accurate estimation techniques and cost control in civil engineering. It provides comprehensive coverage of materials, labor costs, and rates, making it a valuable resource for both students and professionals. It also touches upon tendering and analysis of rates.
This recent publication explores the developing trends and changes in the quantity surveying profession in the 21st century. It covers topics such as sustainability, BIM, ethics, and international practice, offering a contemporary perspective on the QS role.
Dispute resolution critical skill for quantity surveyors. provides comprehensive insights into managing contract claims, handling changes, and resolving disputes in construction projects. It's an excellent reference for mastering legal aspects and practical dispute resolution strategies.
Offers large amounts of information on a wide range topics which are very relevant to the practice of quantity surveying. For the construction sector to work effectively, a highly skilled quantity surveyor is required and this book provides the reader with the knowledge needed to perform well in this profession.
Explores the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) into quantity surveying practice, providing guidance on how quantity surveyors can use BIM to improve their efficiency and accuracy.
A classic textbook focusing on cost planning, this book retains its core structure while being updated to reflect changes in the industry, particularly in procurement. It's a key resource for understanding how to plan and control costs throughout a building project's lifecycle.
Explores the evolution of quantity surveying and the influence of modern technology and changing practices on the profession. It provides a fresh perspective on how the role of the QS is adapting, including discussions on BIM, ethics, and dispute resolution. It's essential for understanding contemporary Quantity Surveying.
Focuses on the cost aspects of building projects and provides a detailed analysis of the various factors that influence construction costs. It covers cost planning, estimating, and control techniques, making it an essential resource for quantity surveyors and construction professionals involved in project budgeting and cost management.
For those working with NEC contracts, this handbook provides a practical guide to the procedures in the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract from the contractor's viewpoint. It's written in plain English and serves as a useful reference for daily use.
This comprehensive guide encompasses both the theoretical and practical aspects of quantity surveying. It provides a solid foundation in the subject matter and covers various topics, including cost planning, procurement, commercial management, and contract administration, making it suitable for both students and professionals.
Offers a practical and fundamental understanding of quantity surveying practice. It covers the essential elements and day-to-day tasks of a quantity surveyor, making it a useful resource for students and those new to the profession looking for a hands-on approach.
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