Thinking about going freelance as a Quantity Surveyor?
It’s exciting. More freedom. More choice. And often… more money.
But let’s be honest, it’s also a big step.
To make the leap successfully, you’ll need more than technical skills. You’ll need a plan.
Here’s your free Freelance Quantity Surveyor Checklist.
This guide is for general information only. It’s not legal, financial, or professional advice. We can’t take responsibility for any decisions made based on it. Always seek advice that’s tailored to your situation.
Professional Readiness
- Update your CV and LinkedIn. Highlight your project experience and contract knowledge. Are you skilled in JCT, NEC, housing, infrastructure, commercial builds?
- Keep your professional memberships active. Client trust the badges of RICS, CIOB, ICES.
- Stay on top of CPD. Contracts, BIM, sustainability, procurement. You need to keep sharp. Remember, at Metroun we offer over 55 hours of formal CPD.
- Build a portfolio. Have examples of cost plans, valuations, or final accounts ready to share.
Business Setup
- Choose your structure. Will you be a sole trader, limited company, or umbrella company?
- Register with HMRC and think about VAT. It is mandatory once you hit £90k turnover.
- Open a business bank account. Keep work money separate from your personal.
- Get insurance. At minimum, Professional Indemnity. Add Public or Employers’ Liability if you need them.
- Prepare your contracts and terms. You don’t want to be caught off guard when a client asks.
Financial Planning
- Set your rate. Research the market. Freelance QS day rates typically run from £250 to £1,000+ based on location and seniority.
- Budget for downtime. Build a buffer for unpaid weeks.
- Make sure you get a good accountant. Also use software like Xero or QuickBooks to make your life and their life easier.
- Plan ahead for tax, pensions, holidays, and sick days. Remember, no employer is covering these for you.
Marketing & Networking
- Decide on your brand. Will it be your name or a company name?
- Build a simple website. You want it to be just enough to showcase your services and contact details.
- Optimise your LinkedIn with keywords like “Freelance Quantity Surveyor” or “NEC Contracts.”
- Register with specialist agencies. They can keep contracts flowing.
- And of course, reach out to your network. Ex-colleagues, contractors, project managers. Let people know you’re available.
Tools & Resources
- Equip yourself properly. Procure a reliable laptop, dual monitors and portable kit for site visits.
- Look at software you’ll need like Excel, CATO, CostX, Bluebeam. This depends on your niche.
- Use secure cloud storage. Look at products such as OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive.
- Build your own templates: CVRs, BOQs, variation logs, cashflows.
- Set up a professional email address. A Hotmail account won’t cut it anymore.
Compliance & Risk
- Understand IR35. Are you inside or outside? It matter!
- Handle client data responsibly. GDPR rules still apply.
- Don’t forget health and safety. CDM regulations and site obligations apply, even if you’re freelance.
- Keep good records. Make sure you have templates for timesheets, invoices, expenses and any other correspondence.
Lifestyle & Workflow
- Decide how you’ll work: Will you be site-based, hybrid, or from home?
- If it’s home, invest in ergonomics. A standing desk, proper chair, dual screens.
- Set boundaries. Freelancing can easily become sixty-hour weeks if you’re not careful.
- Make space for downtime. The whole point of freelancing is more freedom, not less.
Final Word
Freelancing as a Quantity Surveyor isn’t just changing jobs, it’s running a business.
With this checklist, you can make the move with confidence.
Tick off each step, prepare properly, and you’ll be ready to build a successful freelance QS career.
