Full Scope of Quantity Surveying Services

The Complete QS Role

  • Forecasting the cost of various materials needed for the construction project
  • Preparing contracts, budgets, bills of quantities, tender documents and any other paperwork that may be required
  • Adjust budget predictions based on any changes that may occur during the various phases of the project
  • Agree to the services that contractors and/or subcontractors working on the project will perform. This includes paying subcontractors
  • Measure and value the work done on site
  • Liaise with other stakeholders, including site managers, engineers, project managers and other construction professionals
  • Select and/or source construction materials
  • Write reports including, quantity surveyor council cost reports

Quantity surveyors can be both, based at their own office or work on-site. Those who work in their own office tend to work typical office hours i.e., 9 to 5, Quantity surveyors who work on-site typically work longer hours and even work night shifts. 

Organisations that would typically employ a quantity surveyor include:

  • Cost management and QS consultancies
  • Engineering and construction companies
  • Property developers
  • Architectural firms
  • Government organisations

Governing Bodies in Australia

AD Quantity Surveyors is Associates Members and are Certified Quantity Surveyors (CQS) of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS). AIQS is the peak professional standards body for built environment cost professionals. 

The AIQS has 5,000+ members. The job titles for typical members include Cost Consultants, Cost Engineers, Cost Estimators, Cost Managers, Project Controllers, Quantity Surveyors, as well as graduates and students. 

Quantity Surveyor (QS) Estimated Development Costs (EDC) Report Explained

What is Actually a QS Estimated Development Costs (EDC) Report?

Estimated Development Costs (EDC) Report

When submitting a development application on the NSW Planning Portal, applicants are required to estimate and enter the cost of works for the project. The Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI) has developed a new way to calculate the development costs.

DPHI has introduced an Estimated Development Cost (EDC) for the calculation of fees payable for local, regional, and state-significant development. It also determines how planning approval pathways are selected.

The EDC has replaced the former "cost of development" and "capital investment value" fee calculation methods.

Amendments have been made to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (EP&A Regulation) and relevant state environmental planning policies to include the new definition for EDC.

The reforms apply from 4 March 2024.

From 4 March 2024, DPHI recommends that councils require applications with an EDC over $3 million to include an EDC Report. An appropriately qualified quantity surveyor who is a member of a relevant professional body, such as the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), must prepare these reports. The EDC Report must be prepared in accordance with the AIQS practice standard available on the AIQS website and submitted using the 'Standard Form of EDC Report - Projects over $3million (except state significant projects).'

All state significant applications are required to provide an EDC Report estimating the EDC for the proposed application. The EDC Report is to be:

  • Prepared using the AIQS practice standard for estimating development costs available on the AIQS website.
  • Submitted in accordance using the 'Standard Form of EDC Report - state significant projects'.
  • Dated not earlier than 30 days from when it is submitted.

1such as a quantity surveyor or a person who is licensed and has the relevant qualifications and proven experience in costing of development works at least to a similar scale and type as is proposed.

  • Reviewing the plans which are to be submitted as part of the DA or CC.
  • The preparation of an estimate generally in accordance with the Australian Cost Management Manuals from the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
  • Calculating the development costs in accordance with the definition of the Local Council.
  • The inclusion of GST in the calculation.
  • Measurement of Gross Floor Areas in accordance with the Method of Measurement of Building Areas in the AIGS Cost Management Manual Volume 1, Appendix A2.
  • Populating and signing the forms required by Council.

As an Associate and Registered Member of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AAIQS) and are Certified Quantity Surveyors (CQS), we can prepare these reports in accordance with your council's format and requirements.

If you require a quote to prepare Quantity Surveyors Estimated Development Costs Reports, please email us

at info@adquantitysurveyors.com.au Typically we will require the latest set of DA drawings in electronic form, the name of the Local Council Authority and the value of professional fees for the project.

An Estimated Development Cost (EDC) is the new standard in NSW for calculating the cost of proposed development, replacing previous terms like "Capital Investment Value". It includes costs for designing / erecting buildings, associated infrastructure, works, demolition, and fixed / mobile plant. The EDC is used to determine development approval pathways, calculate assessment fees, and meet Development Application (DA) requirements, with applications made on or after March 4, 2024, requiring the use of this new definition.

Key Aspects of EDC:

  • Scope of Costs: The EDC should cover the full cost of carrying out the development, including design, construction, demolition, and associated infrastructure, as well as fixed or mobile plant and equipment.
  • What's Excluded: The EDC should not include land costs, GST, ongoing maintenance or operating costs, or developer contributions and planning agreement costs.
  • Purpose: The EDC is crucial for several planning aspects, including:
    • Determining the approval pathway: It helps decide the appropriate level and type of development approval needed.
    • Calculating assessment fees: Development application fees are often based on the EDC.
    • Meeting DA requirements: Providing an accurate EDC is a mandatory part of the development application process.