Why More Subcontractors Are Bringing in a Quantity Surveyor?

Subcontractors across the North West are under growing pressure. 

Margins are tight, cashflow is stretched, and there’s little room for error. Whether you’re a groundworker, roofer, joiner, or M&E specialist, you’ve probably experienced some version of the following:

“We’ve done the work, but can’t get paid for it.”

“They said we’d get paid for the extra, but we’ve not seen a penny.”

“The main contractor is knocking money off our valuation for things we didn’t agree to.”

“The job ran over, but not our fault, and now they’re withholding payment.”

The hard truth? Most subcontractors are delivering high-quality work on site but losing money due to poor paperwork, unclear agreements, and lack of professional representation.

This is exactly where Kingsmead Consultants come in.

If you need the help of a chartered quantity surveyor to accelerate your project, call our team today on 01270 323 515 or email info@kingsmeadconsutlants.co.uk

Common Problems Facing Subcontractors in 2025

We work with dozens of subcontractors, and the problems are nearly always the same:

• Lack of written instruction for changes – and no variation claim submitted

• Under-priced scope due to unclear tender packages or missing details

• Verbal agreements that later get denied or disputed

• Main contractors delaying payments or holding retentions unfairly

• Final accounts being squeezed with no documentation to support claims

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And you're not without options.

How Kingsmead Consultants Help Subcontractors Protect Profit and Get Paid

As Chartered Quantity Surveyors, we don’t just support big property developers. We provide commercial firepower for smaller subcontractors, making sure that the money side of the job is as tightly managed as your work on site.

Here’s what we can do for you:

Clear and Accurate Tender Reviews

We’ll review your scope before you submit your price to ensure that:

• Nothing has been missed

• Risk allowances are appropriate

• Clarifications are made in writing

  
  

This reduces the chance of pricing errors and protects you when changes occur.

Contract Advice That Works for You

Many subcontractors sign contracts they haven’t properly read. We review subcontract agreements and highlight:

• Payment terms

• Notice periods

• Risk clauses

  
  

So you know exactly where you stand, and how to protect yourself if things change.

 Payment Applications That Get Approved

We prepare structured, compliant valuations backed by evidence. This improves your chances of getting paid in full and on time, reducing disputes with the main contractor.

Variation Claims That Stick

We help you compile, price, and submit variations in a way that gets taken seriously. No more chasing money for changes you made weeks ago. Everything documented and justified.

Support at Final Account Stage

When it’s time to wrap up, we ensure your full entitlement is captured and defended, so you’re not walking away with less than you’ve earned.

Why It Pays to Bring in a QS - Even on Smaller Jobs

You might think having a Quantity Surveyor is a luxury you can’t afford. But the reality is this:

·         Losing 5 - 10% of your margin on every job adds up fast.

·         One disputed variation could cost more than our entire fee.

·         Bringing us in for even one day a month could save you thousands—and improve your working relationship with the main contractor by keeping things clear, professional, and well-managed.

Case Study: Small M&E Subcontractor on a £1.2m Fit-Out

We recently supported a Manchester-based subcontractor delivering M&E works on a commercial conversion. Our team:

• Reviewed the scope and contract before works began

• Submitted valuations and variations monthly

• Defended programme delay charges by submitting evidence

Result:

✅ Full payment achieved

✅ No retentions withheld

✅ Variations agreed promptly

✅ Final account settled within 10 days of practical completion

Build with Confidence - And Get Paid Properly

We know the pressures subcontractors face. You're often last in line for payment, first to be blamed for delays, and rarely given the benefit of the doubt. That’s why our role is to protect your commercial interests, not just tick boxes.

We work with honest, hardworking subcontractors who want a better way to manage their jobs, and we deliver results that protect your bottom line.

To find out how our chartered quantity surveyors can help you, contact Kingsmead Consultants today on 01270 323 515 or email info@kingsmeadconsutlants.co.uk