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A field journal for UK quantity surveyors

Building your path to success in quantity surveying.

Honest, well-researched writing on careers, contracts and craft — for the surveyors construction left to figure things out alone.

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A commercial manager reviewing project cash position against a live construction site

Construction Cash Flow: Why It Matters More Than Profit

Profit is what a job is worth on paper. Cash is what's actually in the bank when wages fall due. This piece unpacks why a construction cash flow forecast matters more than a healthy margin, and what QSs and commercial managers can do about it.

Date7 Sept 2026CategorySkills & Practice
A Project Manager and Contractor discussing a project risk on an NEC contract - early warning notice best practice

Early Warning Notices in NEC Contracts: How They Work

Early warning notices are NEC's built-in risk radar. This guide explains the clause 15 duty, the Early Warning Register and meetings, and exactly how early warnings interact with compensation events.

Date6 Sept 2026CategoryContracts & Law
A quantity surveyor reviewing cost and progress data against the programme baseline

Earned Value Management in Construction: A Practical QS Guide

Earned value management turns three simple numbers - planned value, earned value and actual cost - into an early-warning system for cost overruns and delays. This guide walks through the core formulas, a worked construction example, the software tools that support it, and where EVM falls short on site.

Date5 Sept 2026CategorySkills & Practice
Quantity surveyor comparing JCT contract documents and drawings at a desk before selecting a procurement route

JCT Contract Types Explained: Which Form Is Right for Your Project?

JCT publishes seven main forms of building contract, and picking the wrong one is one of the most common - and costly - procurement mistakes in UK construction. This guide breaks down every JCT contract type and shows you exactly which one fits which project.

Date4 Sept 2026CategoryContracts & Law
A quantity surveyor reviewing project costs and drawings on a UK construction site

How Long Does It Take to Become a Quantity Surveyor in the UK?

Wondering how long it takes to become a quantity surveyor in the UK? Here is the honest timeline for every route, from a 6-7 year degree path to a 4-5 year apprenticeship, plus how the RICS APC fits in.

Date3 Sept 2026CategoryRoutes Into Surveying

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