Top quantity surveyors companies

Why you need Quantity Surveyors for your Building Projects

A quantity surveyor is your financial co‑pilot in property development. They’ll prepare detailed cost plans, manage tenders and contracts, track progress claims, and compile ATO‑compliant depreciation schedules. This means fewer budget surprises, maximised tax deductions, and better cash flow all round .

Featured Quantity Surveying Companies

1. TDQS (Tax Depreciation & Quantity Surveyors)

Why they lead the pack: TDQS is accredited by RICS and AIQS, and is a TPB‑registered tax agent—perfect for depreciation-focused builds . Founded by Patrick Chu, a QS with over 28 years’ experience, the firm has handled major projects like Four Seasons Sydney and 255 George Street .

• Services: cost planning, tender reviews, depreciation schedules, asset registers, reinstatement cost assessments .
• Coverage: residential, commercial, strata, hotels, aged care, and investment property—all nationally.
• Standout: depreciation schedules last up to 40 years, helping maximise your cash return .

2. Donald Cant Watts Corke (DCWC)

DCWC is one of Australia’s largest privately‑owned QS and project management firms, founded in 1966. With over 150 staff and offices across eight cities, they offer comprehensive QS, project controls, and health advisory services (Source: DCWC). They’ve worked on national infrastructure and public projects, including Parliament House and the National Museum (Source: EverybodyWiki, ArchDaily, ArchitectureAu).

3. Slattery

Established in 1976 and fully Australian‑owned, Slattery specialises in early‑phase advisory, cost management, and carbon planning. They’ve completed over 16,000 projects nationally, and were the first QS firm in Australia to launch formal carbon planning services (Source: Slattery and TDQS).

4. MBM Pty Ltd

A national QS and asset management firm with a reputation for precision and integrity. MBM tackles projects from residential refurbishments to billion‑dollar infrastructure builds (Source: MBM).

5. WT Partnership

With 75+ years’ experience, WT offers cost management, program advisory, BIM and sustainability services across all major sectors—residential, transport, aviation and healthcare (Source: WT).

6. Crawford & Company – CRD Building Consultants & Engineers

Experts in post‑loss and forensic QS. Ideal for insurance claims, defect assessments and risk auditing after disasters like floods or fires (Source: Crawford).

7. RapidQS Australia

Known for jargon‑free, clear QS reporting. RapidQS focuses on user-friendly service for new builds and renovations—perfect for first‑time renovators needing straightforward advice (Source: RapidQS).

8. Russo Quantity Surveyors

Melbourne-based, RICS and AIQS accredited. Russo specialises in cost planning, tender prep, lender reporting and risk management across residential, commercial and hospitality projects (Source: Russo).

9. AQSA (Astute Quantity Surveyors Australia)

Since 2017 AQSA have offered fully integrated life‑cycle cost management with BIM and BOQ services. A solid mid‑tier consultancy with attention to detail (Source: AQSA).

10. BMT Tax Depreciation

Nationwide QS firm specialising in tax depreciation schedules—great for what‑if analysis and boosting investor returns (Source: Trustpilot).

11. Duo Tax Quantity Surveyors

Highly rated with 4.9 stars on Trustpilot. Duo Tax offers depreciation services with trusted client satisfaction and clear communication (Source: Trustpilot).

12. Washington Brown

Another 4.9‑star firm on Trustpilot. Washington Brown has strong experience in property development, insurance valuations and depreciation (Source: Trustpilot).

13. BDSA Quantity Surveyors

With 4.9 stars based in Sydney, BDSA provides dependable QS services focusing on detailed cost control and client support (Source: Trustpilot).

14. Bidkon Pty Ltd

Melbourne‑based QS firm with solid presence in commercial estimating and tender services (Source: Trustpilot).

15. Chrysalis Quantity Surveying

WA‑based boutique QS with strong regional reputation, featured in the AIQS directory alongside peers like Prowse and Osborne + Song (Source: AIQS).

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Quantity Surveyor

Not all QS firms are created equal. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Accreditation & licensing: Must hold AIQS or RICS memberships; for depreciation reports they should be a TPB‑registered tax agent (Source: Koste).
• Project experience: Choose a firm that’s worked on builds similar to yours—strata, residential, infrastructure, etc.
• Specialisation: Some firms focus on depreciation, others on carbon, forensic auditing, or large-scale cost control.
• ATO compliance: Ensure depreciation schedules comply with ATO Division 40/43 (Source: Koste).
• Geographic reach: Firms like TDQS, DCWC and Slattery are national—and vital if you’re investing interstate.
• Tools & technology: BIM, cost software, carbon tools = greater transparency and accuracy.
• Clear comms: A brilliant QS explains things plainly—no jargon overload.
• Value vs cost: The cheapest quote isn’t always best—judge what’s included and support after delivery.
• Reputation: Look for strong case studies, testimonials, and industry recognition.

15 Common Questions About Quantity Surveyors in Australia

1. What does a QS do?

They manage financials—cost planning, tendering, contracts, progress claims, plus ATO‑compliant depreciation schedules (Source: Wikipedia).

2. Why hire one?

They protect budgets, minimise cost creep, and maximise depreciation benefits.

3. What qualifications should they have?

Preferably AIQS or RICS accreditation—and TPB‑registered if doing depreciation (Source: Koste).

4. What’s the cost?

Depreciation reports start ~A$1,000; cost consulting may be hourly or percentage‑based.

5. How to compare quotes?

Look at turnaround, service depth, tech used and ATO compliance—not just price.

6. Useful for renovations?

Definitely—they prevent overspend and help claim depreciation.

7. Do they do depreciation schedules?

Yes—TDQS, DCWC and Slattery offer them to boost investor return.

8. How long is a report turnaround?

Typically 1–3 weeks, depending on property complexity.

9. Accepted by ATO?

Yes—if completed by qualified, registered professionals (Source: TDQS).

10. What’s post‑loss QS?

Forensic cost reporting for insurance claims—DCWC is a key player here.

11. Do they work with developers?

Absolutely—DCWC, Slattery and others regularly support large-scale developments.

12. Strata/body corporate advice?

Yep—many QS firms handle depreciation reports and financial forecasting for strata schemes.

13. When should I engage one?

Early—ideally at feasibility or design stage for best cost management and risk controls.

14. Can they act as expert witnesses?

Yes—especially DCWC—with dispute services and forensic reporting.

15. How to verify qualifications?

Request AIQS/RICS membership and TPB‑registration proof; ask for case studies or LinkedIn profiles.

Five Relevant Topics for Choosing a Top Quantity Surveyor

1. “Impact of Technology & AI in QS Services”
   Explore how firms using BIM, AI, drones, and cost software gain an edge in accuracy, automation, and risk prediction—an increasingly vital consideration for investors and homeowners. For instance, AI can improve project estimation and risk detection 

2. “Sustainability & Carbon Planning Integration”
   With carbon accounting rising in importance, buyers want firms that balance cost control with environmental impact. Leading QS firms (like Slattery) offer carbon strategies alongside QS services.

3. “Post-Loss & Forensic QS Expertise”
   Highlighting companies that handle insurance claims, defect analysis, or disaster recovery (e.g. Crawford & Co.) reassures users seeking specialists for risk management and rebuild costing.

4. “National Reach vs Local Presence”
   Comparing national firms (TDQS, DCWC, WT) to boutique/local QS providers helps users understand the trade-off between consistent interstate coverage and local market familiarity.

5. “Regulatory & ATO Compliance for Depreciation Schedules”
   AI overviews often emphasise the value of TPB‑registered firms and strict adherence to ATO Division 40/43 rules—touching on professionalism and tax-deduction legitimacy.

Final Take

So, who’s top of the pops? For depreciation optimisation, ATO‑compliance, top-tier accreditation and personalised service—TDQS is the firm to beat. But if you’re after large-scale projects or multi-sector solutions, DCWC and Slattery are heavyweight contenders with national expertise. Your best move? Engage early, compare thoroughly, and choose a QS aligned with your project vision—then you’ll be set to build on time and on budget, no dramas.