FAQ

A quantity surveyor (QS) is a construction industry expert who focuses on cost management and control. Their key roles include estimation (preparing detailed cost estimates for construction projects), budget management (keeping projects within budget by tracking spending), contract management (drafting, reviewing, and administering agreements), cost control (identifying and reducing financial risks), and valuation (determining the value of completed work and ensuring payments are made accordingly). Quantity surveyors play an important role in ensuring that construction projects are executed efficiently, economically, and profitably.

From the first estimation to the final accounts, a QS's primary responsibility is to oversee and manage a building project's expenses, manage financial risk, ensure clients get best value for money, deal with contractual issues and provide expert cost advice. Their expertise can save you significant money and prevent costly mistakes throughout your project.

It's best to involve a QS at the earliest stages of your project. Early involvement ensures a clear understanding of the financial scope before committing to the project, more accurate budget estimates, value engineering options before design progresses past an economical point, and more effective financial management throughout the project.

Accumulus offers comprehensive QS services including: cost estimation (commercial and luxury residential specialty), value engineering, tender documentation and evaluation, risk management, contract review and negotiation, cash flow forecasting, life cycle costing, subcontract procurement and package management, trade measurement including structural steel, area analysis, contract administration, variation pricing, payment recommendations, financial reporting, dispute resolution, arbitration preparation, and expert witness services.

Tony Davenport brings over 30 years of invaluable experience in Quantity Surveying to the construction industry. He has worked on a wide range of projects across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, including commercial and residential developments, hospitals, airports, aged care facilities, hotels, warehousing, high-rise apartments, and luxury residences.

Accumulus specialises in both commercial and luxury residential projects. Tony's extensive experience spans hospitals, airports, aged care facilities, hotels, warehousing, high-rise apartments, luxury residences, and various commercial developments. This diverse background allows us to handle projects of any complexity.

Yes! We understand how difficult it can be for subcontractors to have a quantity surveyor on staff full-time. We can help with specific expertise, having experience as main contractors so we understand how they operate. We de-risk your project and ensure better financial outcomes by reviewing your contract and negotiating the terms in a way that manages your risk under the Main Contract and maximises project profitability.

For Main Contractors & Developers, we provide dedicated resources or support for existing commercial teams when an immediate requirement for a QS arises. We offer thorough review of scope of work, tender submissions, and subcontractor suitability. We handle day-to-day management of subcontract packages including contracts administration, client meetings, cashflows, preparing contracts, negotiating terms, supply chain procurement, measures, cost monitoring, reporting, payment applications, processing payments on time, managing changes, final accounts, and resolving disputes.

We can prepare detailed estimates ensuring you are aware of the financial aspect before committing to your project. We help you select the right contractor by evaluating their bids, managing them once underway, administering the contract, controlling variation costs, and certifying payments. We can also assist with development finance procurement.

Value engineering is the process of creating real value, not just cost cutting. It involves analyzing project designs and materials to find cost-effective alternatives that maintain or improve quality and functionality. Accumulus has extensive experience in value engineering, helping clients optimise their budgets while achieving their project goals.

Yes, we provide full QS services for live projects, onsite if required. This hands-on approach ensures real-time cost control, immediate issue resolution, and effective project management throughout the construction phase.

Absolutely. We offer comprehensive dispute resolution services, arbitration preparation, and expert witness services. Tony is recognised by NZIQS as having the specific knowledge and experience to act as an Expert Witness and can assist in litigation or other courts/tribunal proceedings.

We are members of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), a professional organisation for Quantity Surveyors, Estimators, Cost Managers and Cost Consultants in the construction industry. Tony is also a Registered Quantity Surveyor (Reg QS), which means he continuously undertakes professional development and is recognised for excellence and experience in the profession.

First things first - not one of our projects has lost money, all have been in profit. Our experience provides immense value to your project. Value engineering and contract knowledge are core expertise. We have extensive contacts in the industry allowing us to keep up to date with changing market conditions and source the right contractors. You save money through our cost control, maximising variation allowances, helping you get paid earlier, and ensuring retention releases on time.

We carry out extensive pre-let meetings and use trade checklists to ensure all aspects of the scope are covered and discussed, which avoids most future variations. This thorough approach prevents costly surprises and keeps projects on track.

Yes, we provide comprehensive procurement advice including subcontractor selection, supply chain procurement, package management, and evaluation of quotes. Our extensive industry contacts help us source the right contractors for your project at competitive rates.

Yes, we handle payment recommendations, claims assessment, processing of payment certificates, and ensure payments are processed on time. We also manage retention releases to improve your cash flow.

Our contract administration services include reviewing contracts, negotiating amendments, de-risking contractual and commercial clauses, managing contract changes, handling variations, processing payments, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with contract terms throughout the project lifecycle.

Yes, we have expertise in extension of time claims, disruption and prolongation claims. We can assess the validity of claims, prepare documentation, and negotiate fair outcomes for all parties involved.

Yes, cash flow forecasting is one of our core services. We help you understand and plan for the financial demands of your project, ensuring you have adequate funding at each stage and avoiding cash flow problems that can delay or derail construction.

Life cycle costing is the analysis of total costs of ownership over a building's entire life, not just initial construction costs. This includes maintenance, operation, energy consumption, and eventual replacement or disposal. We help clients make informed decisions that consider long-term value, not just upfront expenses.

Yes, we have specific expertise in trade measurement including structural steel. This specialised knowledge ensures accurate quantity take-offs and cost estimates for steel-intensive projects.

Yes, we manage final accounts to ensure all costs are properly reconciled, all variations are accounted for, and final payments are fair and accurate. This provides closure and certainty for all parties at project completion.

Yes, we can assist with development finance procurement and bank reports. Our detailed cost estimates and financial projections help secure funding by giving lenders confidence in your project's financial viability.

Accumulus is owned and operated by Tony Davenport, based on Auckland's North Shore, New Zealand. However, we work on projects throughout New Zealand and have international experience from working in Australia and the UK.