Quantity Surveyor for a Self-Build in Ireland — When to Hire One and What It Saves
On this page
Quantity surveyor (QS) for a self-build in Ireland: €2,500–€5,000 for a full cost plan. Saves €10k–€30k in over-spec'd finishes and missing line items. Hire at the same time as the architect, before the building contract is signed. The QS reviews the design and the spec against the budget and flags: over-spec'd finishes (e.g. marble worktop when the budget allows quartz), missing line items (e.g. no allowance for the MVHR ductwork), and site-specific cost overruns (e.g. long connection runs not in the builder's price). Most lenders require a QS report for a self-build mortgage. Even if your lender doesn't, a QS report is the cheapest €2,500–€5,000 you can spend on the project.
TL;DR
Quantity surveyor (QS) for a self-build in Ireland: €2,500–€5,000 for a full cost plan. Saves €10k–€30k in over-spec'd finishes and missing line items.
Hire at the same time as the architect, before the building contract is signed. The QS reviews the design and the spec against the budget.
Most lenders require a QS report for a self-build mortgage. Even if your lender doesn't, a QS report is the cheapest €2,500–€5,000 you can spend on the project.
When this matters most
You're at the pre-construction phase and shaping the cost plan.
When this doesn't apply
The cost plan is agreed and the building contract is signed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a quantity surveyor cost for a self-build in Ireland?
€2,500–€5,000 for a full cost plan. Saves €10k–€30k in over-spec'd finishes and missing line items. Most lenders require a QS report for a self-build mortgage.
When should I hire a QS for a self-build?
At the same time as the architect, before the building contract is signed. The QS reviews the design and the spec against the budget.
What does a QS do for a self-build?
Reviews the design and the spec against the budget. Flags over-spec'd finishes, missing line items, and site-specific cost overruns. Produces a cost plan the lender accepts for the mortgage application.
Sources
SCSI, Find a quantity surveyor. https://www.scsi.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How much does a quantity surveyor cost for a self-build in Ireland?
€2,500–€5,000 for a full cost plan. Saves €10k–€30k in over-spec'd finishes and missing line items. Most lenders require a QS report for a self-build mortgage.
When should I hire a QS for a self-build?
At the same time as the architect, before the building contract is signed. The QS reviews the design and the spec against the budget.
What does a QS do for a self-build?
Reviews the design and the spec against the budget. Flags over-spec'd finishes, missing line items, and site-specific cost overruns. Produces a cost plan the lender accepts for the mortgage application.