Unfortunately when building it's often the case that people go to considerable expense drawing up detailed plans and seeking planning permission before properly considering costs. At Stevens Martin we believe that the earlier in the build process you consider the cost of construction the more likely it is that you'll achieve a successful financial outcome. After all, no one would test drive a car without first asking about the price, so why should building be any different?

And by considering costs, we don't mean picking up a 'price-per-square-foot' from a website, a local builder, a friend or a neighbour. Nor do we mean asking your architect - for while an architect will undoubtedly have the expertise needed to draw up the perfect plans for your project, it's not necessarily the case that he or she will have the knowledge required to cost them accurately.

Put simply, the job of a Quantity Surveyor is to plan and manage all costs during the course of a construction project, including non-construction costs. And with this being the case, we think the earlier a Quantity Surveyor gets involved in a project, the better.

To find out what a quantity surveyor can bring to your project, click on the subheadings to the left.