definition
strict definition
quantity surveyor
A company which calculates or forecasts the cost per element of a construction project.
A quantity surveyor is a consultant with expertise in construction methods and building costs who calculates the quantity and value of building supplies needed for a project. This role is also known as a construction economist, cost manager, or value engineer.
The work relates the quantities of required building supplies to their value. Knowledge of construction methods and costs supports those calculations, rather than the role being the physical supply of the materials.
A surveyor prepares technical drawings of the site and structure. The quantity surveyor's defining work concerns quantities and building costs, which distinguishes the two services despite their related names.
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