Question 1

What does a quantity surveyor do on a construction project?

Accepted Answer

A Quantity Surveyor manages and controls the financial and commercial aspects of a construction project. This includes cost planning, procurement strategy, contract administration, change control and final account management - ensuring projects are delivered within budget while maximising value and minimising risk.

Question 2

What does a project manager do on a construction project?

Accepted Answer

A Project Manager provides end-to-end leadership of a construction project, coordinating designers, contractors, consultants and stakeholders to ensure delivery on time, within budget and to the required standard. The Project Manager is responsible for programme management, risk mitigation, design coordination, governance and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

Question 3

What does a contract administrator do on a construction project?

Accepted Answer

A Contract Administrator is appointed to impartially manage a construction contract throughout the build programme. They issue instructions and variation orders, certify payments, manage extensions of time and loss and expense claims, and ensure the contract is administered fairly and in accordance with its terms - protecting both client and contractor from disputes and delays.

Question 4

What is the difference between a project manager and a quantity surveyor?

Accepted Answer

A project manager is responsible for the overall delivery of a project including programme, coordination, risk and governance. A quantity surveyor is responsible for the commercial and financial management including cost planning, procurement, valuations and final accounts. On complex projects, both roles are often appointed simultaneously. Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting provides both disciplines, offering clients a fully integrated commercial and delivery service from a single point of contact.

Question 5

What differentiates G&G Consulting from other construction management companies?

Accepted Answer

We are built for complexity. We are appointed on projects that are complex, high-value and non-typical in nature, where standard approaches fall short. We provide a genuinely integrated service across quantity surveying, project management and contract administration, giving clients a single point of commercial and delivery accountability. We operate to the highest standards of professional conduct and governance, and our value-add guarantee ensures our involvement delivers measurable commercial benefit.

Question 6

When should the professional team be appointed on a project?

Accepted Answer

A quantity surveyor and project manager should ideally be appointed at the earliest stage of a project. Early involvement allows for accurate cost planning, risk identification and informed design decisions, which significantly reduce cost overruns and delays later in the project lifecycle.

Question 7

What kind of clients does G&G Consulting work with?

Accepted Answer

G&G Consulting works with a variety of clients, including commercial and residential property owners, public sector organisations, energy companies, developers, contractors, and architects.

Question 8

What is your value-add guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Our Value-Add Guarantee ensures that the measurable savings and efficiencies delivered through our involvement exceed our fees. We benchmark the project's commercial position at appointment and track savings, cost avoidance and risk reduction throughout the project.

Question 9

Can you support projects already in progress?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are frequently appointed to projects already underway to regain commercial control, resolve disputes, manage variations, stabilise budgets or improve reporting and governance structures.

Question 10

Do you work on international and overseas projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting operates globally, supporting clients on international and cross-border projects. We provide commercial oversight, cost management, project management and procurement advice tailored to local market conditions, while maintaining consistent governance and reporting standards.

Question 11

How does appointing G&G reduce project risk?

Accepted Answer

Across all three of our disciplines, risk reduction is a core deliverable. Our Quantity Surveyors provide early cost certainty and robust procurement strategies. Our Project Managers establish clear programmes and governance frameworks. Our Contract Administrators ensure contractual obligations are met and disputes are avoided. Together, this integrated approach protects our clients from financial exposure, programme delay and commercial uncertainty throughout the project lifecycle.

Question 12

How do you manage changes during construction?

Accepted Answer

We manage changes through structured variation control, cost validation and negotiation. This ensures client-led changes are implemented efficiently, fairly priced and do not compromise overall budget or programme certainty.

Question 13

Why should I appoint a specialist quantity surveyor for complex projects?

Accepted Answer

Complex projects require more than standard cost control. A specialist quantity surveyor brings experience in managing uncertainty, unconventional procurement routes, specialist supply chains and elevated risk profiles - protecting value where traditional approaches fall short.

Question 14

How do quantity surveyors add value beyond cost control?

Accepted Answer

Beyond cost control, Quantity Surveyors add value by improving decision-making, optimising procurement strategies, reducing disputes, accelerating programmes and ensuring projects are commercially aligned from inception to completion.

Question 15

What is a variation order in construction?

Accepted Answer

A variation order, also called a contract instruction or change order, is a formal instruction issued by the Contract Administrator directing the contractor to carry out work that differs from the original contract scope. Variation orders must be properly valued, agreed and recorded to avoid disputes at final account. Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting manages variation control as a core part of its contract administration and quantity surveying services.

Question 16

What is a construction cost plan?

Accepted Answer

A construction cost plan is a detailed financial forecast prepared by a quantity surveyor, setting out the anticipated cost of a project broken down by element, trade or work package. Cost plans are developed progressively as the design evolves, from an initial order of cost estimate at concept stage through to a detailed pre-tender estimate as the design is completed. A robust cost plan is the foundation of effective budget management throughout a project.

Question 17

What is practical completion in construction?

Accepted Answer

Practical completion is the stage in a construction project at which the works are complete for their intended purpose, even if minor defects or snagging items remain outstanding. It is formally certified by the Contract Administrator and marks the beginning of the defects liability period, the release of the first portion of retention and the transfer of insurance responsibility to the client. Correct certification of practical completion is a critical contractual milestone.

Question 18

What is value engineering in construction?

Accepted Answer

Value engineering is the process of reviewing a project's design, specification and procurement strategy to identify opportunities to reduce cost without compromising quality, function or design intent. It is a core part of the quantity surveyor's role and is most effective when applied early in the design process. At Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting, value engineering is built into our cost management service as standard.

Question 19

How much does a quantity surveyor cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Quantity surveyor fees in the UK typically range from 2% to 5% of the total construction cost, depending on the complexity, scale and scope of services required - and the cost of not employing a quantity surveyor is always far higher. Where project management, quantity surveying and contract administration are appointed together, an integrated joint fee is more cost effective than appointing separate practices. Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting offers combined service appointments across all three disciplines.

Question 20

How much does a project manager cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Construction Project Manager fees in the UK typically range from 2% to 5% of the total project value, depending on the level of involvement, project complexity and duration - and the cost of not employing a project manager is always far higher. Where project management, quantity surveying and contract administration are appointed together, an integrated joint fee is more cost effective than appointing separate practices. Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting offers combined service appointments across all three disciplines.

Question 21

How much does a contract administrator cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Contract administrator fees in the UK typically range from 1% to 3% of the total construction cost, depending on the scale, complexity and duration of the project - and the cost of not employing a contract administrator is always far higher. Where project management, quantity surveying and contract administration are appointed together, an integrated joint fee is more cost effective than appointing separate practices. Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting offers combined service appointments across all three disciplines.

Question 22

What makes a good construction consultant?

Accepted Answer

A good construction consultant combines deep technical expertise with commercial rigour, communicates clearly and proactively, and acts with complete independence in the client's interest. They take personal accountability for outcomes rather than delegating to junior staff. Director-led practices like Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting offer a higher level of personal accountability than larger firms, where instructions are often passed down through layers of management. Look for relevant experience on comparable projects, professional accreditation (RICS or CIOB), professional indemnity insurance, and a clear, transparent fee structure.

Question 23

How do I find and hire a quantity surveyor in London?

Accepted Answer

To find a quantity surveyor in London, look for RICS-accredited practices with demonstrable experience on projects similar to yours in scale, type and complexity. Ask for references, check their professional indemnity insurance, and request a written proposal covering scope, fees and exclusions. Boutique practices like Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting offer director-led service and a more personal approach than larger firms, which is particularly valuable on complex or high-value projects where accountability matters.

Question 24

Why is independent construction advice important?

Accepted Answer

Independent construction advice means your consultant has no financial interest in any contractor, supplier or design decision - their only obligation is to you. This independence is essential for impartial cost advice, fair contract administration and objective procurement recommendations. Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting operates with complete independence, acting solely in the client's interest on every instruction.

Question 25

Should I use a boutique construction consultancy or a large firm?

Accepted Answer

Boutique construction consultancies like Godfrey & Godfrey Consulting offer director-led delivery, meaning the person you meet is the person who runs your project. Larger firms often assign senior staff to win work, then delegate delivery to junior consultants. For complex, high-value or sensitive projects, the personal accountability and continuity of a boutique practice typically delivers better outcomes. Larger firms may be more appropriate for very large infrastructure programmes requiring significant resource depth.

Question 26

What does RICS accreditation mean for a construction consultant?

Accepted Answer

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) accreditation means a construction consultant meets rigorous standards of professional competence, ethics and conduct. RICS-regulated practices are required to hold professional indemnity insurance, follow a professional code of conduct, and submit to RICS disciplinary procedures. When appointing a quantity surveyor or construction consultant, RICS accreditation provides assurance of professional standards and recourse if things go wrong.

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