Do You Need a Quantity Surveyor? The Irish Homeowner's Guide

If you're spending €30,000 or more on a home project, a quantity surveyor (QS) could pay for themselves many times over. What does a quantity surveyor do? A QS is a construction cost specialist. They: - Prepare detailed cost plans before you start - Review and validate contractor quotes - Identify scope creep and cost overruns early - Manage payment certificates to contractors - Advise on value engineering (same outcome, lower cost) When should you hire a QS? - Self-build: Essential. Without one, it's easy to overspend by 20-30%. - Extension over €50,000: Recommended. - Large renovation: Worth it if the budget exceeds €40,000. - Disputes with contractors: A QS report is invaluable evidence. Cost in 2026: - Fixed fee report: €400 – €1,500 (smaller projects) - Full service: 1% – 2.5% of build cost (varies by project complexity) - Hourly rate: €60 – €120/hour Return on investment: For a €150,000 self-build, a QS typically saves 10-15% on build costs — often far more than their fee. Online QS services are now available, offering cost plans from uploaded drawings at a fraction of traditional fees. Source: Fee ranges based on SCSI (Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland) guidance and market rates for residential projects.