August 27, 2025
A practical guide to shortlisting firms and freelancers for cost planning, BOQs, progress claims, bank reports, expert evidence, and tax depreciation.
Featured Firm: TDQS Recommended
TDQS is led by an experienced quantity surveyor and provides nationwide services for commercial, industrial and residential projects. Core capabilities include detailed cost reporting, construction cost planning, capital works programs, and ATO-compliant tax depreciation schedules with long-term validity. They’re known for clear communication, rigorous methodology, and quick turnarounds when projects are time-sensitive.
- Construction cost planning & estimating
- Bills of Quantities (BOQ) & tender support
- Progress claim assessments & bank/financier reports
- Capital allowance & TDS (ATO-compliant)
- Asset registers & lifecycle costing
- Expert witness & dispute support
Tip: When you brief TDQS (or any QS), include drawings, trade scopes, PC/PS items, and programme—your estimate accuracy will improve dramatically.
Two reliable ways to source QS services
1) AIQS Directory (Professional Firms)
The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) provides a convenient public directory of quantity surveying companies. It’s a commercial listing—helpful for discovering established practices with AIQS-member staff—and a good starting point to build a longlist by location and service type.
- Filter by region and services
- Check firm profiles and contact details
- Shortlist 3–5 firms for RFPs
Note: Directory inclusion doesn’t mean every employee is an AIQS member. Always confirm team credentials and project fit during procurement.
2) Freelance & Small QS Jobs platforms like YAKKA Labour or Airtasker
For quicker, smaller or ad-hoc tasks, you can post a brief on and receive quotes from rated QS professionals. This can suit single reports, take-offs, or tight deadlines where you want options fast.
How it works
- Post your task with scope, docs and due date
- Review quotes, profiles and ratings
- Award the task and share files securely
Typical tasks
- Take-offs & BOQs for tenders
- Cost checks & value engineering
- Progress claim verification
- Tax depreciation schedules
- Pre-purchase or feasibility estimates
Briefing checklist (copy/paste)
- Project type & stage
- Location & programme
- Drawings, BIM, mark-ups
- Trade scopes & inclusions
- PC/PS items & allowances
- Preferred format (BOQ, estimate)
- Assumptions & exclusions
- Required standards (AIQS/RICS)
- Delivery date & budget range
Sample shortlist (edit as needed)
| Firm | Focus / Services | Website |
|---|---|---|
| TDQS (Featured) | Cost planning, BOQ, progress claims, expert support, ATO-compliant depreciation | tdqs.com.au |
| Explore AIQS-listed firms | Established QS practices across Australia | AIQS Directory |
| Yakka – Airtasker Professionals | Freelance QS for fast or smaller jobs | YAKKA QS |
FAQs
What does a quantity surveyor do?
A quantity surveyor (QS) manages costs and value across the project lifecycle—estimating, procurement support, contract administration, progress claim assessments, variations and final accounts. They also prepare depreciation schedules and asset registers for tax and accounting.
Should I choose a firm or a freelancer?
Firms (see AIQS directory) are ideal for larger scopes, multiple packages and long projects. Freelancers (see Airtasker) suit defined tasks, rapid turnarounds or smaller budgets. Many clients use both: firm for baseline scope, freelancer for overflow.
How do I compare quotes fairly?
- Ask all providers to price the same scope and output format
- Confirm inclusions/exclusions and revision rounds
- Check seniority of the QS doing the work and review examples
What improves estimate accuracy?
Clear drawings, trade breakdowns, updated specifications, realistic programme assumptions, and visibility of site constraints. Flag unknowns early so they can be allowed for via contingencies or PC sums.
Can QS help with finance reporting?
Yes—QS provide progress claim assessments, bank reports and cost-to-complete analyses that lenders often require before releasing funds.
TOP 35 Quantity surveyors SYDNEY
- TDQS — Quantity Surveyors
- Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) — Sydney
- WT (WT Partnership)
- MBM
- Slattery
- Currie & Brown
- Donald Cant Watts Corke (DCWC)
- Turner & Townsend
- Altus Group (Altus Page Kirkland)
- Napier & Blakeley
- Mitchell Brandtman
- RPS Group
- Linesight
- BMT Tax Depreciation (Sydney)
- Washington Brown
- Leary & Partners
- ACP Quantity Surveyors
- Project Analysis Pty Ltd
- Osborne + Song
- Quantum QS
- JR Quantity Surveyors
- Archi-QS
- QCost Consultants
- Coutts Cost Consulting
- Dunvei Construction Consultants
- Accent Estimating
- HMS Group
- Tyrrells
- QS Reports
- BDSA Quantity Surveyors
- Property Depreciation Pty Ltd
- Australian Tax Depreciation Services
- Depreciator
- Corpred Enterprises
- MCG Quantity Surveyors
