"Isn't this just an extra cost?"

It's a fair question. We charge a fixed fee, agreed upfront, so you know exactly what our service costs before we start. In return you get clear costs, checked progress and early warning when something looks off. A lot of the value comes from avoiding expensive surprises: unclear scope, changes nobody priced properly, or payments released before work is done. We're happy to talk through what that could look like for your project in a free consultation. 

"What if my builder isn't keen on having someone oversee the project?"

That's not unusual, and the best fix is a quick chat before the project starts. We're happy to speak to your builder so everyone knows how it will work: clear instructions, quick sign-offs, and prompt payment for work that's been checked. Our job is to keep things fair for both sides, not to catch anyone out. If you're unsure, talk to us before you sign anything. 

"When should I bring AIM in?"

As early as possible, ideally before a builder is appointed, so we can help set up a clear budget, scope and payment plan and everyone starts on the same page. We can also step in mid-project to bring in structure and records where there aren't any yet. 

"What is a quantity surveyor, and do I need one?"

A quantity surveyor (QS) is a construction cost and contract specialist. They look after the money side of a project: budgeting, cost control, contracts and payment certificates. Whether you need one depends on the size and complexity of your project. For larger renovations and new builds, roughly anything above R500,000, an independent QS helps keep the budget on track and makes things clearer if questions come up later. 

"My builder says they have a QS. Isn't that enough?"

It's a good sign, and it's very normal. But your builder's QS works for your builder. Their job is to look after the builder's side of the numbers: pricing the work, managing cash flow and putting claims forward. That's what they're paid to do, and they do it well. An independent QS looks at the same numbers from the middle. We check progress, review costs and changes fairly, and keep you and the builder working from the same facts. So it isn't doubling up, it's balance. 

"How does independent oversight help protect my budget?"
In three ways:

1. Payments follow progress. Money is released only once progress has been checked against the agreed milestone. You pay for work that's done, and the builder is paid promptly for work that's been verified.

2. Changes are agreed in writing. Variations (changes to the original scope) are reviewed and agreed before they go ahead, so nobody gets a surprise at the end.

3. You always know where you stand. Regular cost reports show what's been spent, what's committed and what's forecast to completion.

"What's the difference between project management and quantity surveying?"

Project management is the overall coordination of your project: scheduling, site progress, quality and delivery. Quantity surveying is the commercial and financial side: budgeting, cost control, contracts and payment certificates. On a well-run project, both work together. AIM provides both, so your project is looked after on every front. 

"Why do renovations so often go over budget?"

Rarely because of bad luck. More often because of things that can be set up properly from the start: payments released before work is checked, scope changes agreed without being written down and priced, provisional estimates treated as fixed prices, and nobody independent keeping an eye on the numbers. None of these are anyone's fault. They're gaps in how the project is set up, and closing them early makes costs much more predictable.