Skip to content

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.

Latest articles

View all →
A quantity surveyor using takeoff software on a dual-monitor setup with construction drawings

CostX Review: Is It the Best Quantity Takeoff Software?

CostX has been an industry-standard for 2D and BIM-based quantity takeoff for two decades. This review breaks down what it does well, what it costs, where it struggles, and whether it deserves a place on your desktop in 2026.

Date10 Aug 2026CategoryTools & Software
A quantity surveyor reviewing a contract on site - weighing up freelance versus permanent work in UK construction.

Freelance QS vs Permanent QS UK

Weighing up freelance QS vs permanent QS UK? Compare day rates against salary, IR35 status, job security and the practical steps to going freelance - so you can pick the route that suits you in 2026.

Date10 Aug 2026CategoryCareer Development
A chartered surveyor carrying out a RICS Red Book inspection of a commercial property

RICS Red Book Explained: What Surveyors Need to Know

What actually is a RICS Red Book valuation, and why do lenders, auditors and courts insist on it? This guide explains the standard, when you need one, and how it differs from an informal valuation.

Date9 Aug 2026CategorySkills & Practice
A construction contractor reviewing a status determination statement and contract terms on site

Inside vs Outside IR35: A Construction Worker's Practical Guide

Inside or outside IR35 changes how much of your day rate you actually keep. Here's how control, substitution, mutuality of obligation and financial risk are weighed in construction contracts, plus a worked take-home pay comparison.

Date8 Aug 2026CategoryCareer Development
A quantity surveyor completing company registration paperwork on a laptop at a desk.

Setting Up a Ltd Company as a QS: Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about contracting as a limited company quantity surveyor? This step-by-step guide covers Companies House registration, business banking, accountants, IR35 and the ongoing admin you need to budget for.

Date8 Aug 2026CategoryCareer Development
Project team reviewing risk documentation during a construction site meeting

How to Create a Risk Register for a Construction Project (Step-by-Step)

Knowing what a risk register is isn't the same as knowing how to build one. This step-by-step guide walks QSs and commercial managers through running the workshop, scoring risks, assigning owners and setting a review cadence that actually holds up on site.

Date7 Aug 2026CategorySkills & Practice

What we write about

Free tools

Built for freelance surveyors

Browse all tools →

Calculator

Freelance Day Rate Calculator

Enter your day rate and contract structure to see exactly what lands in your bank account after tax — comparing Ltd Company, Umbrella and Inside IR35 side by side using the latest 2026/27 HMRC rates.

2026/27 tax year · England, Wales & NICalculate your take-home →

Browse by category

All categories →

Join 2,000+
UK surveyors.

Career moves, contract tips, and industry insight — delivered free every two weeks. No spam, ever.