How much does a quantity surveyor cost?
A QS may prepare a cost plan or act as the lender's monitoring surveyor. Estimate a typical fee below.
Where a QS fits a deal
- 1Cost planning
A QS can independently cost a project — useful on larger or unusual schemes where benchmark rates aren't enough.
- 2Monitoring surveyor
On refurbishment finance, the lender's monitoring surveyor signs off each phase before a drawdown is released.
- 3You usually pay
The monitoring surveyor acts for the lender but their fees are normally a borrower cost — budget them in.
The monitoring surveyor is the person your drawdowns depend on, so their fee is a predictable soft cost worth budgeting — and a clean, phased, itemised schedule of works is what makes their sign-offs (and your fund releases) quick.
Quantity surveyor fees (indicative)
| Service | Basis | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cost plan / estimate | fixed | £500 – £1,500 |
| Initial monitoring report | fixed | £500 – £1,000 |
| Drawdown site visits | per visit | £300 – £700 |
| Full project QS | % of build | 1% – 3% |
On bridging/development finance, the lender appoints a monitoring surveyor whose fees you typically pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a quantity surveyor cost?+
A cost plan typically costs £500–£1,500; an initial monitoring-surveyor report £500–£1,000, with drawdown site visits £300–£700 each. A full project QS service is often 1–3% of build cost.
Do I need a QS for a bridging loan?+
The lender usually appoints a monitoring surveyor (often a QS) who signs off each phase before releasing funds — and you typically pay their fees. A well-itemised schedule of works makes those sign-offs faster.
Related tools & guides
Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.
Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.