How much does a Freelance QS cost?

Salaried, full-time quantity surveyors can command between £50,000 - £100,000 per year - depending upon their level of experience and specialism. 

But don't worry! By utilising the time of a freelance QS, you're only going to be paying for the hours and commercial support that you actually need - Not the cups of tea, office banter and overheads that can sometimes come with a full-time hire. 

*Our monthly retained rates start from as little as £400.00 per month, inclusive of 8hrs on-demand QS support* 

RETAINED RATES 

Engaging a freelance Quantity Surveyor on a monthly retainer basis offers a highly cost-effective and practical alternative to ad-hoc or full-time consultancy. Rather than paying high hourly rates for intermittent support - or risking gaps in oversight - a retainer provides consistent, ongoing access to professional advice and commercial management throughout the month. This arrangement not only ensures better continuity and deeper involvement in your project, but also typically results in greater overall value, as time can be used flexibly and proactively rather than reactively. For clients managing longer-term or multi-stage projects, a retainer structure delivers predictable costs, stronger working relationships, and the peace of mind that expert support is always on hand when needed. 

PROJECT RATES

For one-off projects, freelance Quantity Surveyors can also be engaged on a retained project basis, typically at a fixed fee or as a percentage of the overall project value. This arrangement is ideal for clients seeking comprehensive support over the full project lifecycle, from initial cost planning through procurement, contract administration, valuations, and final account settlement. While project-based rates are usually slightly higher than ongoing monthly retainers - reflecting the increased intensity, responsibility, and time commitment involved - they offer a clear, all-inclusive structure that aligns with the project's scope and complexity. This approach ensures dedicated professional involvement, tailored specifically to the demands of a single build, renovation, or development, giving clients confidence that their financial and contractual interests are being managed with diligence and expertise throughout. 

HOURLY AD-HOC RATES

For clients who require flexible, short-term support, hourly ad-hoc rates offer a convenient way to access professional Quantity Surveying services as and when needed. This option is particularly useful for reviewing specific documents, preparing cost estimates, responding to contractual issues, or providing targeted advice at key project stages. While the hourly rate is typically higher than retained arrangements, it allows clients to engage expertise without any ongoing commitment - ideal for smaller tasks or unpredictable workloads. Ad-hoc support ensures you still benefit from professional input and commercial insight, without the need to commit to a full-service arrangement.