A QS can join a live job and help restore clear cost control. Start with the next deadline so old files do not take all the time needed for today's claim or notice.
When a QS joins late, which deadlines and facts need attention first?
Appointing A Quantity Surveyor After Construction Starts
Check the next payment, notice and buying dates. Give each task an owner while the older records are reviewed.
Collect the signed terms, tender, orders, costs and programme. Add claims, receipts and the change log to show where the job stands.
Show What Is Known
Record work agreed, bought, built and paid, with the work left. Mark rebuilt figures and gaps so the reader can judge their strength.
Old events may be checked through emails, accounts and trade records. Facts recorded at the time are usually easier to test than later memories.
The records are incomplete. What can be established now, and what remains a gap?
- Urgent dates
Identify payment, notice and response deadlines.
- Starting facts
Check terms, costs, progress and open changes.
- Next cycle
Agree the report, missing records and owners.
Prioritise urgent dates, record the starting position and build the next reporting cycle.
Set Up The Next Cycle
Rank gaps by value, deadline and what can still change. Agree simple logs, report dates and contacts for site and finance queries.
Use a live cost-to-finish view rather than the old budget unchanged. A review can improve control, but a promise to recover money needs a sound contract and evidence basis.
General guidance. Check your signed contract and the job facts. Get legal advice where needed.