Who's keeping an eye on the numbers?
Every building project has more than one view of the money. Here's what they are, and why it helps to have someone fair in the middle.
If you've heard the term "quantity surveyor" and assumed it just means someone who measures and costs a building, you're not alone. Most owners do. But on a building project, a QS can play a few different roles, each looking at the numbers from a different angle. Knowing which is which can save you a lot of stress.
The contractor's QS
Focus: making sure the contractor is paid fairly for the work
Prices the work and any changes
Manages the contractor's cash flow
Puts forward claims and variations
Keeps track of what's been done and what's owed
The client's QS
Focus: looking after the owner's investment
Keeps the budget under control
Compares actual spend with the forecast
Checks that costs and variations are reasonable
Reports to you, the owner
The independent QS
Focus: keeping things fair for everyone
Checks the work against the contract
Certifies payments based on verified progress
Looks at claims and entitlements objectively
Keeps the numbers clear for all parties
On many projects, the contractor has a QS and the owner has nobody. That's not anyone's fault. Most owners simply don't know they can have one. But it does mean the owner is working from one side's numbers, with nothing to check them against.
Having someone fair in the middle makes life easier for everyone. Owners get clarity, and good builders get paid promptly for work that's been properly checked.
AIM's role
AIM Business Partners is your independent guide on the project. Think of us as a quantity surveyor who looks after the numbers and keeps everyone talking. We don't work for your builder, and we don't take sides. We keep an eye on costs, check progress before payments are released, spot anything that looks off early, and give you straight, regular updates.
On a well-run project, the owner, the builder and the professional team all pull in the same direction. Our role is to help keep that balance, so everyone's interests are looked after and the job runs smoothly.
Part of the Smart Building Hub, serving Johannesburg and greater Gauteng. Fixed fee, agreed upfront.