Quantity Surveying experts

Courts accept several recognised methods (e.g. as-planned vs as-built, time-impact analysis). The right method depends on the records available and the nature of the dispute.

Often, the engineer addresses technical cause, the quantity surveyor addresses cost and time consequences.

Yes, a QS commonly assesses rectification cost, frequently alongside a building or engineering expert on the defects themselves.

The report must comply with rule 428 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 (Qld), and the expert must confirm they have read and agree to be bound by the code of conduct in Schedule 1C. In practical terms, the report should set out the expert's qualifications, the questions asked, every fact and assumption relied on, the reasoning behind each opinion, and any methodology used, such as measurement standards or cost data sources. It must also acknowledge the expert's overriding duty to the court. For quantum reports specifically, ensure each rate and quantity can be traced to a source document; unsupported figures invite exclusion or discounting at trial.

Early, ideally before pleadings close. Quantum and delay opinions stand or fall on project records (progress claims, site diaries, program updates, variation registers), and an expert engaged early can identify which documents to pursue in disclosure while they are still obtainable. Forum matters too: adjudications under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) run to statutory timeframes measured in business days, leaving little room for a considered quantum review, whereas Supreme Court and QCAT building matters allow a staged approach. Many solicitors commission a short preliminary opinion on quantum merits before committing to a full report.

Look for full membership of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS), ideally at Certified Quantity Surveyor (CQS) or Fellow level, or chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Quantity surveying is not a statutorily licensed occupation in Queensland, so professional accreditation and track record carry the weight that registration would elsewhere. Just as important is forensic experience: has the expert written court-compliant reports, participated in joint conferences and survived cross-examination? Sector fit matters too; a QS whose career is in residential high-rise may struggle on a mining infrastructure claim. Experts Edge can help you shortlist credentialled candidates with genuine testifying experience.

Fees vary with seniority and the size of the claim, but in Queensland experienced quantity surveying experts typically charge hourly rates in the range of $350 to $700 (AUD, plus GST), with director or principal level experts commonly at the upper end or above. A confined quantum exercise, such as valuing a discrete set of variations, commonly costs in the low tens of thousands of dollars, while a full delay and quantum report on a major construction or infrastructure dispute can run well into six figures. The main cost drivers are the number and complexity of variations, the state of the project records, whether a delay analysis is required alongside the quantum work, the number of expert conclaves and joint reports, and hearing attendance. Most experts will scope the work in stages, so ask for a staged fee estimate against an agreed brief before committing to the full report.