Think Quantity Surveyors Don’t Have a Heart?

I’ve got some tips to win them over. 

We love using our powers for good on the Subcontractor side. 

If you’re new here, Rickie and I both worked for Main Contractors before setting up The Tender Trainers. I spent 10 years as a Main Contractor QS managing subcontract packages.  

So let’s clear something up. 

Getting paid smoothly is not just about your price. It’s about your relationship with the QS. 

Ask Them What They Want 

When your first application is due, set up a meeting. 

Ask them: 

• Do you have a template you use for applications? 

• How do you want variations submitted? 

• What evidence do you need? 

• Do you want photographs? Labour breakdowns?  

Good QSs are under pressure. They are managing multiple packages. If you make it easy for them to assess, you make it easier for them to pay you. 

If they tell you what they want and you give it to them, you’re much more likely to get paid.  

Bring Your Project Manager In 

Your project manager plays a huge role in cashflow. 

If they do not gather the evidence properly, you do not get paid properly. 

Photographs. Records. Clear progress information. These things matter. If the site team and commercial team are not aligned, you will feel it in your bank account. 

Strong internal relationships support strong external ones. 

Chase From Day One

If the money does not land on the day it is due, start chasing immediately. 

Don’t worry about being annoying – many QS’s will see this as a mark of being commercially switched on.  

Don’t Forget Retention 

Do not assume retention will just be paid out automatically. Put it in the diary and chase it religiously. 

If you lose sight of it, you are handing away your profit. 

Watch our video about this here.