A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a professional responsible for managing the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects. They ensure the projects are completed with budget while maintaining quality and compliance with regulations.

In a competitive construction market, builders often focus on cutting costs to win projects. However, inaccurate pricing can lead to losses, project delays, and financial strain. The key to securing more jobs while protecting profit margins is providing precise, well-structured estimates that give clients confidence in your pricing.

Underquoting is a major financial risk in construction. Builders who estimate costs without a structured approach often encounter:

1. Underestimated material and labour costs, leading to budget overruns and reduced profit margins.

2. Miscalculated Preliminary & General (P&G) costs, causing cash flow issues and unexpected financial strain.

3. Overlooked hidden costs, such as freight charges, material wastage due to inaccurate take-offs, and additional on-site handling expenses.

These pricing errors not only impact profitability but also lead to project delays, strained client relationships, and unnecessary financial stress.

Many builders struggle with accurate estimating because they are juggling multiple responsibilities—managing subcontractors, securing new work, and keeping projects on schedule. Without a dedicated estimating process, pricing becomes rushed and prone to mistakes, leading to financial loss and project delays.