Use the calculator below to compare our two pricing models. Hourly works best for complex or staged projects. Fixed is often cheaper for straightforward new builds where the scope is clear from the start.
All fees are plus GST. The hourly rate covers a senior QS; a graduate assistant bills at $95/hr when your project warrants two people. Fixed fees include up to two rounds of revision.
02 · Recent projects
Builds we have costed.
Lakefront family home, Wharewaka Point
Residential · $1.2M build · 2025
Problem
Builder's estimate was $1.4M. Owner needed an independent quantity take-off before committing.
Approach
Full elemental estimate, three competitive tenders, value-engineering on cladding and joinery.
Result
Accepted tender at $1.18M — $220k below the builder's original figure.
Kinloch subdivision, 12 lots
Land development · $3.8M total · 2024–2025
Problem
Developer needed staged cost plans to secure bank funding for infrastructure across twelve residential lots.
Approach
Preliminary estimate, then detailed stage-by-stage cost plans aligned with the bank's drawdown schedule.
Result
Funding approved first round. Actual costs tracked within 4% of estimates across all twelve lots.
Taupō Hospital outpatient extension
Light commercial · $2.6M · 2024
Problem
Health NZ needed a fixed budget before design was complete. Compliance requirements added uncertainty.
Approach
Order-of-cost estimate at concept stage, then full BQ at developed design. Facilitated contract administration through construction.
Result
Delivered on budget with one variation (seismic bracing upgrade, $38k) flagged at tender stage.
03 · How we work
Five steps, no surprises.
Free consultation
A thirty-minute call or site visit to understand the project, the budget and what you need from a QS. No charge, no obligation.
Scope review
We review your plans, specs and any existing estimates. If the design is early, we provide an order-of-cost to help set a realistic budget.
Estimate & tender docs
A full elemental estimate or bill of quantities. We prepare tender documentation and can manage the tender process if you want competitive pricing.
Contract administration
Progress claims, variations, practical completion — we sit between you and the builder so the numbers stay honest.
Final account
A reconciliation of every dollar spent against the contract sum. You get a clear record for your bank, your insurer, or your peace of mind.
04 · Our memberships
Registered, insured, accountable.
NZIQSNew Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors — full member since 2014
RICSRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors — MRICS (chartered)
NZRABNZ Registered Architects Board — registered as a cost consultant
PI InsuranceProfessional indemnity cover to $2M — certificate available on request
Site SafePassport holder — we can attend any construction site in New Zealand
Comparison: QS engagement vs no QS
What a quantity surveyor adds to your build
Without a QS
With Summit QS
Builder's estimate is the only number you see
Independent estimate before you commit
Variations appear mid-build with no benchmark
Every variation is measured against the contract sum
Progress claims are whatever the builder submits
Claims are assessed against work completed on site
Final cost is a surprise
Final account reconciled dollar for dollar
05 · What clients say
Builders and owners.
We used Summit for the Wharewaka Point build and they saved us more than their fee in the first tender round. The estimate was detailed enough to hold the builder to account on every line.
— Sarah & Matiu Pōhatu, homeowners, Taupō
As a builder I was sceptical about bringing in a QS, but having a third party on the numbers actually made my relationship with the client easier. We will use them again on the next Kinloch build.
— Grant Tūhoe, Lakeland Homes Ltd, Taupō
The hospital project had a hard budget and no room for surprises. Summit's cost plan was within 2% of the final account. That is the kind of accuracy you need when public money is involved.
— Dr Rina Kapoor, Health NZ Central Plateau
They are straight talkers. The first thing they told us was that our budget was $150k short for the house we wanted. That honesty saved us from starting a build we could not finish.
— Jamie and Lex Harwood, Acacia Bay
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