There are a lot of misconceptions out there about outsourcing work, especially when it comes to Quantity Surveying. If you’ve never done it before, you’ve probably heard them and felt hesitant. If you have outsourced and had a bad experience, you’re probably backing those misconceptions up with your experience. Understandable, but you’re doing yourself a disservice by painting all contracting Quantity Surveyors (QS) with the same brush.
Keep reading to find out the truth behind the 5 most common myths about outsourcing your QS work.
Myth #1. We double dip
Think we’re up to no good and working both sides for our own bottom line benefit – getting paid by the contractor and the client for the same job? Absolutely not. A QS cannot and does not manage or price a job for both parties. We work exclusively for you, focusing on your side of the project so you get accurate cost estimation and transparency every step of the way.
Myth #2. We tell everyone how much you’re making
Well, this one’s just annoying. Why would anyone ever do that? Your rates are your business. We adhere to strict GDPR regulations to protect your data. Plus, everyone’s rates vary, including supply chain costs and merchant rates. The only time two different contractors would have the same rates is if you’re using market rates, which you shouldn’t be.
Myth #3. QS’s pull numbers out of the sky
There’s a belief that QSs are just sitting around picking numbers from the clouds. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The rates we provide are based on the specifics of your project. Your overheads, profit margin and the unique way your business operates influence the rates we set. You get tailored rates to save you more money in the long run.
Myth #4. We give you everyone in our supply chain database
Some people think outsourcing QS work means you’ll be given a long list of suppliers. That’s not how we operate. We work strictly with your existing supply chain, the subbies, tradespeople, and suppliers you’ve built relationships with over the years. We focus on maintaining those connections so consistency and trust stay strong for your business.
Myth #5. Outsourcing costs more than having an in-house QS or doing it yourself
The initial thought when you think of outsourcing is that it’s more expensive than hiring in-house or just doing it yourself. Sure, you might think rates are high, but are you considering everything? Like the specialised experience, efficient systems, more scope for extra jobs, and strong relationships with clients and design teams. Plus, you don’t have those employment fees of hiring in-house. We don’t need you to pay for our sick days or holidays.
Conclusion
Outsourcing your QS work can feel like a leap of faith, especially with these myths floating around. But the truth is that outsourcing gives you access to specialised expertise, tailored solutions, and cost-effective services without the hassle of managing everything in-house or wasting time trying to do it all yourself.
By partnering with a dedicated QS, you can focus on what you do best and leave us to handle the numbers and details that keep your projects profitable and running smoothly.
If you’re considering outsourcing your QS work, contact us today at Carroll Estimating to learn how our team of professional QS and Estimators can help you with your next project, from tender bid to final account.