The simple answer is yes.
Quantity Surveyors (QSs) in the UK are often misunderstood—both by the general public and sometimes even within the construction industry itself. While many dismiss QSs as “bean counters”, the reality is far more complex.
In this blog, we’ll explore why QSs are misunderstood, the misconceptions that persist, and how the profession can improve awareness and recognition.
Why Are Quantity Surveyors Misunderstood?
1. Lack of Awareness
Many people simply don’t know what a Quantity Surveyor does. A QS’s responsibilities extend far beyond just tracking costs—they include:
- Cost estimation and planning
- Procurement advice
- Contract administration
- Dispute resolution
- Project management support
- Risk and sustainability planning
Yet this breadth of responsibility often goes unrecognised.
2. Confusion with Other Roles
QSs are frequently confused with architects, engineers, or project managers. While these roles overlap in some areas, each has distinct responsibilities. This blurred understanding leads to misconceptions.
3. Complexity of the Role
The QS role involves detailed financial, legal, and contractual tasks. For those outside the industry, this technical work can be difficult to explain and even harder to understand.
4. Evolution of the Profession
Traditionally, QSs were seen purely as cost estimators. Today, they are deeply involved in sustainability, risk management, and lifecycle costing. Because the role has evolved, many still hold outdated views of what a QS actually does.
5. Perceived Focus on Costs
QSs are sometimes seen as the people who “cut costs.” In truth, their role is about managing costs effectively, balancing quality, time, and budget to ensure value for money.
6. Education and Training Pathway
The route to becoming a QS involves specialist education and professional accreditation, often through organisations like RICS. For those unfamiliar, the process can appear opaque.
7. Underrepresentation in Media
Unlike architects or engineers, Quantity Surveyors rarely feature in media or popular culture. This lack of visibility reinforces public misunderstanding.
How Can These Misunderstandings Be Addressed?
To improve the profile of the profession, several steps can be taken:
- Education & Outreach: Career fairs, school visits, and public awareness campaigns can help demystify the role.
- Professional Organisations: Bodies like RICS should continue promoting the value of QSs in modern construction.
- Better Media Representation: Highlighting QSs in industry publications, case studies, and even mainstream media would raise awareness.
- Collaboration: Clearer communication and teamwork with architects, engineers, and managers will help distinguish the QS’s unique contributions.
Final Thoughts
Quantity Surveyors may not always get the recognition they deserve, but their role is essential to the success of construction projects. By managing costs, ensuring contracts are followed, and helping deliver projects on time and on budget, QSs provide immense value to the industry.
With greater education, representation, and outreach, the profession can improve its image—and maybe even become a little more likeable in the eyes of the public.
Find out how we can help you at metroun.co.uk
