Building Quantity Surveyor Course

Lesson 1 • Construction Drawings and Documentation

Introduces reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings. Builds the visual literacy required for accurate measurement and cost planning.

Lesson 2 • The Quantity Surveyor's Role

Defines QS responsibilities across pre-contract and post-contract stages. Positions the role within the broader construction team and procurement environment.

Lesson 3 • Construction Industry Overview

Maps the structure of the construction industry and its key participants. Provides context for how QS services integrate with project delivery.

Lesson 4 • Units, Measurement Principles, and Terminology

Establishes standard units, dimensional conventions, and QS-specific vocabulary. Ensures consistent measurement practice throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Superstructure Measurement

Covers measurement of frames, floors, roofs, walls, and openings. Builds competency in quantifying the primary structural and enclosure elements.

Lesson 2 • Taking-Off Techniques and Formats

Introduces dimension paper, waste calculations, and structured take-off methodology. Develops disciplined, auditable measurement records.

Lesson 3 • Standard Methods of Measurement

Explains the purpose and structure of recognised measurement standards. Establishes the rules governing how quantities are described and measured.

Lesson 4 • Substructure Measurement

Applies measurement rules to excavation, foundations, and below-ground drainage. Reinforces reading of structural drawings for below-ground elements.

Lesson 1 • Preliminaries and Project Overheads

Details the content and pricing of the preliminaries section of a BQ. Ensures students understand contractor overhead recovery in tender documents.

Lesson 2 • Abstracting and Billing

Converts raw take-off dimensions into organised, billed quantities. Develops accuracy and consistency in transferring measurement data.

Lesson 3 • Purpose and Structure of Bills of Quantities

Explains the BQ's contractual and commercial functions and its standard format. Connects accurate measurement to downstream tendering and cost control.

Lesson 4 • Provisional and Prime Cost Sums

Explains the use of allowances for undefined or specialist work within a BQ. Teaches correct drafting and adjustment of these sums during the project.

Lesson 1 • Order of Cost Estimating

Covers early-stage estimating techniques using floor area and functional unit rates. Provides tools for feasibility and initial budget advice.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Tender Estimating

Produces detailed pre-tender estimates using measured quantities and current rates. Validates the BQ before tender and informs tender evaluation.

Lesson 3 • Cost Indices and Market Adjustment

Explains how to adjust historical cost data for time and location using indices. Ensures estimates reflect current market conditions accurately.

Lesson 4 • Elemental Cost Planning

Applies elemental cost analysis to distribute budget across building elements. Enables cost checking as design develops through successive stages.

Lesson 1 • Tender Process Management

Guides the full tender cycle from prequalification through to tender return. Develops skills in managing competitive tendering fairly and efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Tender Evaluation and Reporting

Analyses submitted tenders for price, quality, and compliance. Produces tender reports that support informed client decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Subcontractor and Supplier Procurement

Addresses procurement of specialist subcontractors and key material suppliers. Extends procurement skills to the supply chain below main contractor level.

Lesson 4 • Procurement Strategy and Routes

Compares traditional, design-and-build, management, and collaborative procurement routes. Enables selection of the most appropriate strategy for each project.

Lesson 1 • Cost Reporting and Forecasting

Produces regular cost reports showing committed costs, forecasts, and risk exposure. Keeps clients informed and enables proactive financial decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Interim Valuations and Payments

Covers the preparation and certification of interim payment applications. Ensures contractors are paid correctly and on time throughout the project.

Lesson 3 • Practical Completion and Defects

Manages the practical completion process, snagging, and defects liability period. Prepares for final account by resolving outstanding items.

Lesson 4 • Variations and Change Management

Manages the valuation and agreement of contract variations and instructions. Controls cost and programme impact of design and scope changes.

Lesson 1 • Formal Dispute Resolution Methods

Covers adjudication, arbitration, mediation, and litigation as dispute resolution options. Prepares students to advise on and participate in formal proceedings.

Lesson 2 • Final Account Preparation

Assembles all contract adjustments into a comprehensive final account statement. Produces a complete financial settlement document for client and contractor.

Lesson 3 • Dispute Avoidance and Early Resolution

Promotes proactive communication and early warning systems to prevent disputes. Reduces project cost and delay through timely issue resolution.

Lesson 4 • Claims and Contractual Entitlements

Identifies and evaluates contractor claims for loss, expense, and extension of time. Applies contract provisions to assess and negotiate entitlements fairly.

Lesson 1 • Sustainability and Green Cost Planning

Integrates sustainability targets and green building costs into cost plans and LCC models. Quantifies the cost and value of environmental performance measures.

Lesson 2 • Value Engineering in Practice

Applies value engineering techniques to identify cost savings without reducing function. Develops practical skills in evaluating and presenting VE proposals.

Lesson 3 • Life Cycle Costing Principles

Introduces whole-life cost concepts including capital, operational, and end-of-life costs. Shifts client focus from initial cost to total cost of ownership.

Lesson 4 • Maintenance and Replacement Costing

Quantifies planned maintenance, replacement cycles, and refurbishment costs over an asset's life. Informs design decisions with long-term cost data.