Got your QS report from the QS - Now What?
- Steve Chang
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Once you’ve got your QS pricing report, here’s what to do next — step-by-step — to turn it into a controlled, profitable project:
1. Review the QS Report Thoroughly
Understand the breakdown: Is it itemised by trade, stage, or materials/labour split?
Check for exclusions: See what’s not included — e.g. permits, scaffolding, contingencies.
Clarify assumptions: Confirm any provisional sums or allowances are realistic.
Check your profit margin: Make sure markup is included (or add it if not).
2. Turn the QS Pricing into a Working Budget
Create a project budget using the QS figures:
Organise by trade or cost code (site works, foundations, framing, etc.)
Include contingency and profit
Split between labour, materials, subcontractors, and miscellaneous
3. Set Up Job Costing (Back-Costing)
Use Excel, Google Sheets, or software to track actual costs. For each line item, track:
Budgeted amount (from QS)
Committed cost (e.g. signed quotes, orders)
Actual cost (invoices, timesheets, dockets)
Variance (how far off you are)
4. Get Quotes & Lock In Subcontractors
Use the QS rates to:
Check if your quotes match or beat budget
Negotiate fixed-price where possible
Finalise subcontractor agreements
5. Order Materials Strategically
Use the quantities from the QS to price materials accurately
Shop around or group-buy to beat the QS rate
Order just-in-time to manage cash flow and reduce waste
6. Monitor Progress vs Spend (Back Costing)
Regularly compare completed work vs budget spent
Flag overruns early (especially labour-heavy trades)
Track variations separately and ensure they’re approved
7. Keep an Eye on Cash Flow
Even if the job is on budget, cash flow can kill you.
Forecast when you’ll spend and when you’ll get paid
Make sure you invoice progress claims on time
8. End-of-Project Review
Once the job is done, do a final back-costing report:
Compare QS estimate vs actual cost
Review where you lost or gained money
Apply learnings to the next job
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