30 Quantity Surveying Terms You Need To Know

Quantity Surveying (QS) is the backbone of cost management in construction projects. Whether you’re a student, fresher, or professional, understanding the key quantity surveying terms is essential for communicating effectively on-site, preparing accurate cost estimates, and managing contracts. It is important for a quantity surveyor to know  the terms used in a construction project. In this article we are providing some quantity surveying terms used by a quantity surveyor.

In this guide, we’ll break down 30 important quantity surveying terms you must know in 2025, along with their simple explanations and industry relevance.

Start Your Journey To A Prosperous Career ! Study Quantity Surveying With Professional Mentors!

Quantity Surveying Terms 

1.  Application for Payment (AFP): It refers to a request for interim payment, or complete payment, by a contractor or a subcontractor in the construction industry
2.  Bill of Quantities (BOQ): A detailed document prepared by a quantity surveyor that lists and describes all the materials, quantities, and associated costs required for a construction project.
3. Tender documentation: The set of documents prepared by a quantity surveyor to invite bids from contractors, including drawings, specifications, bills of quantities, and contractual terms.
4.  Cost planning: The process of establishing a budget and allocating costs to various elements of a construction project.
5.  Cross Bracing: It is a system utilized to reinforce building structures in which diagonal supports intersect.
6. ECI (Early Contractor Involvement): Act of involving the principal contractor during early stages of design for professional input
7. Cost estimation: The process of determining the anticipated costs of a construction project by considering factors such as materials, labor, equipment, and overhead expenses.
8.  Life cycle costing: A method of evaluating the total cost of a construction project over its entire life span, including initial construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal.
9.  Cash flow forecasting: The estimation and monitoring of cash inflows and outflows throughout a construction project to ensure that sufficient funds are available at the right time.
10.  Procurement: The process of acquiring materials, equipment, and services required for a construction project, including vendor selection, negotiation, and contract management.
11. Risk management: The systematic identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential risks and uncertainties that may impact the cost, schedule, or quality of a construction project.
12.  Cost database: A repository of historical cost information maintained by quantity surveyors, used for reference and benchmarking during the estimation and cost control processes.
13. Feasibility study: A preliminary analysis conducted by quantity surveyors to assess the economic viability and potential risks of a construction project before committing significant resources.
14. Cost estimating software: Computer programs and tools used by quantity surveyors to facilitate the accurate and efficient estimation of construction project costs.
15. Variation analysis: The examination of differences between the estimated costs and the actual costs incurred during a construction project, with a focus on identifying and explaining discrepancies.
16. Value for money (VFM): The concept of obtaining the best possible outcome and benefits from the resources invested in a construction project, considering both cost and quality.
17.  Dilapidations: The assessment and estimation of the repairs and maintenance required to restore a property to its original condition, often performed by a quantity surveyor during lease agreements.
18. Arbitration: A method of dispute resolution in which parties involved in a construction project submit their case to an arbitrator or a panel for a binding decision, often used as an alternative to litigation.
19. Green building: The design, construction, and operation of buildings that minimize their environmental impact, conserve resources and enhance occupant health and comfort.
20.  Benchmark cost: The target or reference cost established by a quantity surveyor based on historical data, industry standards, or similar projects, used for comparison and evaluation purposes.
21.  Disbursement schedule: A structured plan that outlines the anticipated timing and amounts of cash outflows for a construction project, often used for financial planning and tracking.
22.  Retrospective valuation: The assessment of the value of a completed construction project at a specific point in time, often required for financial reporting, refinancing, or sale purposes.
23. Cost indexation: The adjustment of construction project costs to account for changes in the general price level of goods and services, typically using an inflation index.
24. Constructability review: A systematic evaluation conducted by a quantity surveyor to assess the constructability and efficiency of the design of a construction project, identifying potential cost-saving opportunities.
25. Snag list/Punch list: A construction snag list or punch list includes any work that was not completed according to specifications or any items that need correction, such as incorrect installs or improper building functionality.
26. VOWD  (Value of work to date ): It is  a project management technique for measuring and estimating the project cost at a point in time
27. Damp proofing: It is the treatment of a surface or structure to resist the passage of liquid water in the absence of hydrostatic pressure.
28. Building Information Modelling (BIM): It is an intelligent, 3D model-based tool that provides a digital representation of a facility’s physical & functional aspects.
29. Prime Cost (PC): A budget allowance for specific items (e.g., tiles, fixtures) where the exact type or cost isn’t decided yet.
30. Defects Liability Period (DLP): A fixed time after completion during which the contractor must fix any construction defects.

Not enough? Download this free PDF to get glossary of 100+ QS terms:

Why These QS Terms Matter

Knowing these terms will help you:

• Communicate better with engineers, architects, and contractors

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and avoid budget overruns

• Handle contracts and variations professionally

• Improve your chances of getting jobs in India and the Middle East

Pro Tip for Aspiring QS Professionals

If you’re serious about building a career in quantity surveying, you should:

• Master BoQ preparation

• Learn rate analysis using Excel & AutoCAD

• Understand contract management principles

• Use modern software like CostX, PlanSwift, and MS Project

📌 Recommended Course:
Entri’s Quantity Surveying Course offers practical training with real‑world case studies, software skills, and certifications to help you land jobs faster.

Conclusion

Mastering key quantity surveying terms is the first step toward building confidence and competence in the construction industry. Whether you’re preparing cost estimates, managing contracts, or monitoring project progress, a strong grasp of these definitions will help you communicate effectively with engineers, architects, and clients.

By familiarising yourself with this glossary, you’re not only improving your technical vocabulary but also laying the groundwork for career growth in India and abroad. As the demand for skilled QS professionals continues to rise in 2025, staying updated with industry terminology will give you a competitive advantage.