Why More Contractors Are Bringing In Their Own Quantity Surveyor?

If you’re a main contractor or sub-contractor operating in today’s market, you’ll already know that delays, budget creep, and client indecision can rapidly turn a profitable job into a commercial mess. And more often than not, the problems stem not from the workmanship, but from poor cost management and contractual ambiguity.

In 2025, with material prices still fluctuating, labour availability tightening, and clients under pressure to achieve maximum value, more contractors are partnering with independent Quantity Surveyors to help manage their commercial risk.

If you are a contractor looking to bring in a chartered quantity surveyor to accelerate your project, speak with Kingsmead Consultants on 01270 323 515 or email info@kingsmeadconsutlants.co.uk

The Problem: Good Contractors Are Losing Margin on Jobs That Should Be Profitable

We hear it every week from contractors:

·         “The drawings changed three times and we’re not getting paid for the extras.”

·         “The client’s QS is picking holes in our valuations.”

·         “We’re six weeks in and there’s still no clarity on the scope.”

·         “We priced it low to win the work and now we’re under pressure.”

The reality is, you're probably doing a good job on site, but you're not being paid what you’re owed, and you’re not commercially protected. Without your own Quantity Surveyor acting in your corner, you're at the mercy of whoever controls the cost plan and payment mechanism.

Where Kingsmead Consultants Add Value for Contractors

We act for builders, subcontractors, and developers across the Northwest to give them commercial firepower to match their site delivery capabilities. Here's how we help:

Bid Support & Tender Review

We review your proposed scope and pricing before it’s submitted to make sure you've allowed for risks, clarifications, and preliminaries, so you don't sign up to a losing job.

Valuation Submissions That Get Approved

We prepare detailed, structured payment applications that align with contract terms, backed up with evidence, maximising cashflow and minimising payment delays.

Variation & Change Management

We track changes from day one and ensure that variations are priced, submitted, and agreed in accordance with the contract, so you’re not chasing your tail at final account stage.

Programme & Delay Defence

We help you document and justify delay events properly so that you can protect your position when programme extensions or disruption claims arise.

Final Account Settlement

We negotiate final accounts on your behalf, ensuring nothing is missed, and you walk away with the full value of your works, not just what the client’s QS feels like paying.

Project Example: Broughton Lane, Cheshire – £2m Luxury Refurbishment

We supported a Cheshire based building contractor on the high-end refurbishment of a large property in Crewe, where we provided a full project cost and programme review. Our input:

·         Protected profit margins

·         Ensured contractor claims were evidenced and defensible

·         Provided the client with peace of mind, and kept the contractor on track

Result: A positive working relationship, fair commercial management, and a job delivered with minimal friction.

Why Contractors Shouldn’t Rely Solely on the Client’s QS

Many contractors assume that the Employer’s QS will manage things fairly, but this isn’t always the case. Their job is to protect the client’s interests, not yours. Without a commercial professional advising you, you’re leaving money on the table, exposing yourself to disputes, and taking on more risk than you need to.

How We Work With Contractors

We’re straight-talking, commercially aware, and work quickly. We understand the pressures on your time and the reality of working under tight margins. Whether you need a few days’ support each month or full commercial oversight of a large project, we’ll tailor our service to suit.

And because we’re Chartered Quantity Surveyors, your clients respect our input, so disputes get resolved faster, and your valuations are taken seriously.

Take Control of Your Commercials

If you’re tired of chasing payment, stuck in disputes, or simply want to make sure your next project is commercially robust from day one, get in touch. Call Kingsmead Consultants on 01270 323 515 or email info@kingsmeadconsultants.co.uk.