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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly does a Quantity Surveyor do?

Think of a QS as your money watchdog during construction. They tell you how much the project will cost, help you plan for it, and make sure you don’t pay more than you should as the building goes up. They also handle the contracts and make sure everyone gets paid fairly.

2. Do I really need a QS for my small house in shags?

Yes, even for a small home. A QS helps you avoid being overcharged, buying excess materials, or getting stuck with bad contractors. They can save you more money than they cost.

3. When should I bring in a QS?

As soon as you have a rough idea of what you want to build. They help you set a realistic budget before you even hire an architect. Don’t wait until you’re already building-it might be too late to fix costly mistakes.

4. How is a QS different from an architect or engineer?

Architect = designs the house
Engineer = makes sure it doesn't fall down
Quantity Surveyor = makes sure you can afford it and don't get ripped off

5. What is a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?

It’s a shopping list for your construction. It lists every item needed-like how many bags of cement, how many bricks, how much labour-and what each will cost. This helps you compare contractor prices fairly and avoid hidden costs.

6. Can a QS help me pick the right contractor?

Yes. They check contractor quotes to spot any tricks or missing items. They also help you ask the right questions before signing any deal.

7. What if the contractor asks for more money halfway through the job?

Your QS will check if the extra cost is fair or if the contractor is trying to cheat you. They’ll only approve extra payments if the work was truly not part of the original plan.

8. How much does a QS cost?

Most QS professionals in Kenya charge a small percentage of the total project cost-usually 1% to 3%. Others charge a flat fee depending on the size of the project. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and big savings.

9. Can a QS help me get a loan or mortgage?

Yes. Banks and SACCOs often ask for a cost estimate or project budget before approving a loan. A QS can prepare these documents for you.

Bonus: What’s the difference between a Client’s QS and a Contractor’s QS?

Client’s QS = works for you to protect your money
Contractor’s QS = works for the builder to help them make a profit
Both are useful, but never use the contractor’s QS as your only advisor-they’re not on your side.

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