Building Quantity Surveyor Course

Lesson 1 • Construction Drawings and Documentation

This module introduces reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings. It builds the visual literacy required for accurate measurement and cost planning.

Lesson 2 • The Quantity Surveyor's Role

This module defines QS responsibilities across pre-contract and post-contract stages. It positions the role within the broader construction team and procurement environment.

Lesson 3 • Construction Industry Overview

This module maps the structure of the construction industry and its key participants. It provides context for how QS services integrate with project delivery.

Lesson 4 • Units, Measurement Principles, and Terminology

This module establishes standard units, dimensional conventions, and QS-specific vocabulary. It ensures consistent measurement practice throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Superstructure Measurement

This topic covers measurement of frames, floors, roofs, walls, and openings. It builds competency in quantifying the primary structural and enclosure elements.

Lesson 2 • Taking-Off Techniques and Formats

This topic introduces dimension paper, waste calculations, and structured take-off methodology. It develops disciplined, auditable measurement records.

Lesson 3 • Standard Methods of Measurement

This topic explains the purpose and structure of recognised measurement standards. It establishes the rules governing how quantities are described and measured.

Lesson 4 • Substructure Measurement

This topic applies measurement rules to excavation, foundations, and below-ground drainage. It reinforces reading of structural drawings for below-ground elements.

Lesson 1 • Preliminaries and Project Overheads

This topic details the content and pricing of the preliminaries section of a BQ. It ensures learners understand contractor overhead recovery in tender documents.

Lesson 2 • Abstracting and Billing

This topic converts raw take-off dimensions into organised, billed quantities. It develops accuracy and consistency in transferring measurement data.

Lesson 3 • Purpose and Structure of Bills of Quantities

This topic explains the BQ's contractual and commercial functions and its standard format. It connects accurate measurement to downstream tendering and cost control.

Lesson 4 • Provisional and Prime Cost Sums

This topic explains the use of allowances for undefined or specialist work within a BQ. It teaches correct drafting and adjustment of these sums during the project.

Lesson 1 • Order of Cost Estimating

This topic covers early-stage estimating techniques using floor area and functional unit rates. It provides tools for feasibility and initial budget advice.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Tender Estimating

This topic produces detailed pre-tender estimates using measured quantities and current rates. It validates the BQ before tender and informs tender evaluation.

Lesson 3 • Cost Indices and Market Adjustment

This topic explains how to adjust historical cost data for time and location using indices. It ensures estimates reflect current market conditions accurately.

Lesson 4 • Elemental Cost Planning

This topic applies elemental cost analysis to distribute budget across building elements. It enables cost checking as design develops through successive stages.

Lesson 1 • Tender Process Management

This topic guides the full tender cycle from prequalification through to tender return. It develops skills in managing competitive tendering fairly and efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Tender Evaluation and Reporting

This topic analyses submitted tenders for price, quality, and compliance. It produces tender reports that support informed client decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Subcontractor and Supplier Procurement

This topic addresses procurement of specialist subcontractors and key material suppliers. It extends procurement skills to the supply chain below main contractor level.

Lesson 4 • Procurement Strategy and Routes

This topic compares traditional, design-and-build, management, and collaborative procurement routes. It enables selection of the most appropriate strategy for each project.

Lesson 1 • Cost Reporting and Forecasting

This topic produces regular cost reports showing committed costs, forecasts, and risk exposure. It keeps clients informed and enables proactive financial decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Interim Valuations and Payments

This topic covers the preparation and certification of interim payment applications. It ensures contractors are paid correctly and on time throughout the project.

Lesson 3 • Practical Completion and Defects

This topic manages the practical completion process, snagging, and defects liability period. It prepares for final account by resolving outstanding items.

Lesson 4 • Variations and Change Management

This topic manages the valuation and agreement of contract variations and instructions. It controls cost and program impact of design and scope changes.

Lesson 1 • Formal Dispute Resolution Methods

This topic covers adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and litigation as dispute resolution options. It prepares learners to advise on and participate in formal proceedings.

Lesson 2 • Final Account Preparation

This topic assembles all contract adjustments into a comprehensive final account statement. It produces a complete financial settlement document for client and contractor.

Lesson 3 • Dispute Avoidance and Early Resolution

This topic promotes proactive communication and early warning systems to prevent disputes. It reduces project cost and delay through timely issue resolution.

Lesson 4 • Claims and Contractual Entitlements

This topic identifies and evaluates contractor claims for loss, expense, and extension of time. It applies contract provisions to assess and negotiate entitlements fairly.

Lesson 1 • Sustainability and Green Cost Planning

This topic integrates sustainability targets and green building costs into cost plans and LCC models. It quantifies the cost and value of environmental performance measures.

Lesson 2 • Value Engineering in Practice

This topic applies value engineering techniques to identify cost savings without reducing function. It develops practical skills in evaluating and presenting VE proposals.

Lesson 3 • Life Cycle Costing Principles

This topic introduces whole-life cost concepts including capital, operational, and end-of-life costs. It shifts client focus from initial cost to total cost of ownership.

Lesson 4 • Maintenance and Replacement Costing

This topic quantifies planned maintenance, replacement cycles, and refurbishment costs over an asset's life. It informs design decisions with long-term cost data.