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.
Working as a quantity surveyor can be highly engaging and exciting for several reasons. Firstly, it offers the opportunity to be involved in a diverse range of projects, from residential buildings and commercial complexes to large-scale infrastructure like roads, bridges, and railways. Secondly, the role is dynamic, requiring constant problem-solving and strategic thinking to manage costs effectively amidst changing project conditions and market fluctuations. Finally, quantity surveyors play a crucial role in the successful delivery of construction projects, contributing significantly to the built environment and making a tangible impact on society.
Historical Evolution of Quantity Surveying
Understanding the historical roots of quantity surveying provides valuable context for its current practices and future trajectory. The profession has evolved significantly from its early beginnings, shaped by societal needs, industrial advancements, and technological innovations.
Origins in 19th-century Britain
The quantity surveying profession largely took its modern form in 19th-century Britain. Prior to this, the tasks of measuring and valuing construction work were often handled by architects or master builders. However, as construction projects grew in scale and complexity, particularly with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the need for specialized cost expertise became apparent.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the CDM Regulations 2015, which are essential for quantity surveyors to understand and comply with in order to manage health and safety risks during construction projects.
Covers a wide range of quantity surveying techniques specific to building and civil engineering. It provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a foundational understanding of the field.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/2b4f0b/quantity
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