Quantity surveying & cost management
Expert construction cost advice to effectively manage your large residential, commercial and infrastructure development projects throughout Australia.

40+
years cost and project management experience
1,900
employees globally
1,000+
unique projects per year
16
operating countries
What we do
Comprehensive construction data and market expertise
With extensive industry knowledge and access to detailed construction cost data, our team can help you make informed decisions on real estate and infrastructure development projects across Australia, Bangkok and Singapore.

Independent advice to manage construction costs

Develop detailed forecasts for your projects

Gain greater clarity on your development project

Accurate reporting on project progress and cashflow

Deliver construction projects on time and on budget

Measure embodied carbon during design and construction
Make confident and informed decisions with your trusted advisor
Industry standards
Globally regulated by RICS and recognized as a Chartered Building Consultancy by CIOB, with our work certified by BSI Group and accredited by ISO standards.
Local experience
With more than 40 years of local experience, we provide actionable insights to facilitate on-time and on-budget project delivery.
Global presence
Our team comine local insights with international expertise, with local offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, New Zealand, Singapore and Bangkok.
How we can help
Rely on our experience and expertise
1. Initiation
Establish project feasibility, undertake highest & best use analysis and create a detailed business case for your development project.
2. Design
Define the budget with detailed cost estimates, identify potential risks and determine the optimal mix of funding sources.
3. Procurement
Form a procurement strategy, evaluate and negotiate contractor bids and conduct value engineering.
4. Construction
Cost reporting and budget tracking against project schedule. Identifying potential cost overruns and implementing mitigation strategies.
5. Handover
Final account preparation, including reconciliation of variations and claims Dispute resolution and settlement of final payments.
Our team
Connect with our experts

Niall McSweeney
Head of Development Advisory, APAC
Alan Fox
Director, Development Advisory

Barry McBeth
Director, Development Advisory
Christine Chan
Director, Cost & Development Advisory

David Collins
Director, Development Advisory
Nick Marston
Director, Project Management

Stuart Colhoun
Director, Advisory

Stephen Ngai
Director, Development Advisory

James Barlow
Regional Account Manager, APAC

Niall McSweeney
Head of Development Advisory, APAC

David Lockie
Director, Development Advisory

James Barlow
Regional Account Manager, APAC

Niall McSweeney
Head of Development Advisory, APAC

Stuart Colhoun
Director, Advisory
Nick Marston
Director, Project Management

James Barlow
Regional Account Manager, APAC

Niall McSweeney
Head of Development Advisory, APAC

Sharon Yap
Director, Development Advisory

James Barlow
Regional Account Manager, APAC

Niall McSweeney
Head of Development Advisory, APAC

James Bryce
Director, Development Advisory

Somchai Samleerangkul
Director, Development Advisory

James Barlow
Regional Account Manager, APAC
Inside Altus
Get perspective from our experts

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FAQ
Get answers to commonly asked questions on quantity surveying and cost management
How can a quantity surveyor help me save money on my project?
By collaborating closely with the design team early in the project, a quantity surveyor helps create efficient and cost-effective designs, minimizing the risk of costly ‘over-design’. During the construction phase, they work closely with contractors to evaluate any changes, ensuring that alterations are assessed fairly and according to contract documents and market rates.
What role does a quantity surveyor play in cost and contract control?
By collaborating closely with the design team early in the project, a quantity surveyor helps create efficient and cost-effective designs, minimizing the risk of costly ‘over-design’. During the construction phase, they work closely with contractors to evaluate any changes, ensuring that alterations are assessed fairly and according to contract documents and market rates.
How do I know if my project is feasible and will generate returns?
Determining the feasibility of a development project is crucial before making any capital expenditure. A quantity surveyor conducts a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate both financial and technical aspects of the project. They prepare detailed cost estimates based on project parameters to help establish profit margins and expected returns.
What kind of financial reporting can I expect from a quantity surveyor?
Your quantity surveyor will issue a detailed financial report every month covering:
Budget status
Committed and uncommitted contracts
Contingency status
Cash flow projections (budget, forecast, actual)
Agreed and estimated variations
Anticipated final cost
Retention status
All payment and variation registers
Status of construction bonds and insurances
They will also provide Tender Event Schedules and change order registers to keep you informed about financial impacts during construction.
How can a quantity surveyor help resolve construction contract claims?
A quantity surveyor assists in resolving claims by thoroughly examining contract clauses and itemized costs, providing impact analysis. They maintain that detailed records supported by a strong contractual argument significantly increase the likelihood of winning a claim, even before escalation.
If a contractor submits a claim, the quantity surveyor will assess its validity and provide detailed reports to support the claim or counter it, ensuring that outcomes are fair and negotiated effectively.
How do I arrange a quote for quantity surveying services?
Reach out to our team to discuss your project and they will be able to provide you with a free quote.
