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A QS Who Understands the Design Process
One of the most common frustrations architects experience with quantity surveyors is receiving a cost estimate that simply tells them their design is too expensive, without any practical guidance on how to address it. At CPP Quantity Surveyors we take a different approach.
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We work with architects throughout the design process to provide independent cost advice that is practical, timely and genuinely useful. Whether you need a rough order of cost at concept stage to test feasibility, a preliminary estimate to track budget as the design develops, or a detailed pre-tender estimate to benchmark builder pricing before contracts are signed, we can provide cost advice that supports your project rather than disrupting it.
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Led by Gary Uys FAIQS, CQS, an AIQS Fellow Grade Member and Certified Quantity Surveyor with over 30 years of experience across residential and commercial projects, CPP Quantity Surveyors provides architects with the independent cost certainty they need to keep projects on budget and clients informed throughout the design process.
Why Architects Work with US
We Understand the Design Process
We understand that design evolves and that cost advice needs to be practical and constructive rather than simply critical. Our estimates are prepared with an understanding of where the project is in the design process and what level of cost certainty is achievable at each stage.
Fast Turnaround to Suit Your Programme
Architects work to tight programmes and client deadlines. We provide fast turnaround times on cost estimates and QS reports, often within a week or two business days for concept and preliminary estimates, or within a few days for DA cost reports. If you have a client presentation, a DA submission deadline or a tender programme to meet, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your timeframe.
No Site Inspection Required in Most Cases
Most cost estimates and QS reports can be prepared using digital plans, specifications and consultant documentation without the need for a site inspection. This allows us to provide fast and efficient cost advice regardless of where your project is located across Sydney and Regional NSW.
Fixed Fee Quotes Within Hours
​We provide fixed fee, no obligation quotes for all services, typically within hours of receiving the project information. No open-ended hourly rates and no unexpected invoices.
​FAIQS Certified — the Highest Level of AIQS Membership
Gary Uys holds both Fellow Grade membership (FAIQS) and Certified Quantity Surveyor (CQS) status with the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, recognising the highest level of professional competency and experience in the quantity surveying profession. Your clients and their advisers can be confident the cost advice they receive is prepared by a credentialled and experienced professional.
Sole Trader Practice - You Always Deal With the Gary
CPP Quantity Surveyors is a sole trader practice. Every cost estimate, QS report and cost opinion is prepared personally by Gary Uys. You will never be handed off to a junior staff member or a graduate estimator. The person you speak to is the person who prepares your report.
Services for Architects
Feasibility & Concept Estimates
A high-level order of cost prepared from concept or schematic design documentation. Used to test the financial viability of a design direction before committing to detailed design and documentation. Helps architects have an informed conversation with clients about budget early in the process, avoiding costly redesign later.
Preliminary Estimates
Prepared from preliminary design documentation as the design develops. Provides a more detailed cost assessment that allows architects and clients to track budget alignment, make informed value management decisions and confirm the project remains viable before proceeding to detailed documentation.
Detailed Estimates
Prepared from detailed design and documentation prior to tendering or obtaining builder's quotes. Provides a reliable cost benchmark to assess tender returns and builder pricing, helping architects and clients make informed decisions before committing to a building contract.
DA Cost Summary Report
Independent Cost Summary Reports for Development Applications submitted to NSW councils. Also known as DA Cost Reports, DA Estimates or QS Reports for Council, these reports are commonly required as part of the DA submission process. We prepare DA Cost Summary Reports for all NSW councils and can turn them around quickly to suit your DA lodgement programme.
Estimated Development Cost (EDC) Reports
Independent Estimated Development Cost Reports prepared in accordance with NSW Planning Circular PS25-004. Commonly required for Development Applications, Construction Certificates, Complying Development Certificates and Section 4.55 modifications. Fast turnaround to suit your project programme.
Expert Opinion on Construction Costs
Independent expert opinion on construction cost matters including cost to complete, variations and quantum related issues. Useful where a dispute has arisen between your client and their builder and independent cost advice is required to support negotiation or informal resolution.
What Project Types Do We Work On?
CPP Quantity Surveyors works with architects across a wide range of residential and small commercial project types throughout Sydney and Regional NSW, including:
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New Homes and Custom Homes
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Knockdown Rebuilds
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Home Extensions and Renovations
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Dual Occupancies and Duplexes
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Secondary Dwellings and Granny Flats
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Small Multi-Unit Residential Developments
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Small Commercial and Retail Buildings
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Childcare Centres
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Hospitality & Leisure Projects
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Warehouses and Light Industrial Buildings
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Public and Council Buildings
When Should Architects Engage a QS?
This is one of the most common questions we receive from architects, particularly those who are new to working with a quantity surveyor. The honest answer is: earlier than most architects think.
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At Concept Stage
A rough order of cost at concept stage helps architects and clients align on budget before significant design fees are committed. Catching a budget misalignment at concept stage is far less costly than discovering it at tender stage after months of design work.
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At Preliminary Design Stage
As the design develops, a preliminary estimate tracks whether the project is remaining within budget and helps identify areas where value management may be required before the design is locked in.
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Before DA Lodgement
Many NSW councils require an independent Cost Summary Report or EDC Report as part of the DA submission. Engaging a QS before lodgement ensures this is in order and avoids delays to your DA submission programme.
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Before Going to Tender
A detailed pre-tender estimate gives architects and clients a reliable benchmark to assess builder quotes against, reducing the risk of accepting a quote that is either unrealistically low or significantly overpriced.
What Architects Say About Working With CPP Quantity Surveyors
CPP Quantity Surveyors works with a range of architects and designers across Sydney and Regional NSW on an ongoing basis. Our clients value our fast turnaround, practical cost advice and straightforward communication.
We understand that architects need a QS who is responsive, reliable and easy to work with, and we aim to make every engagement as efficient and useful as possible.
If you would like to discuss your project or explore whether CPP Quantity Surveyors is a good fit for your practice, please get in touch. General enquiries are always free and we are happy to have a no-obligation conversation about your requirements.
FAQ
Do You Work With Architects on an Ongoing Basis?
Yes. Many of our architect clients engage us regularly across multiple projects. If you are looking for a reliable QS to work with on an ongoing basis, we are happy to discuss how we can best support your practice.
How Quickly Can You Turn Around a Cost Estimate?
For concept and preliminary estimates we typically aim for less than two weeks from receipt of documentation. For detailed pre-tender estimates turnaround times vary depending on project size and documentation, typically one to three weeks. If you have a specific deadline please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate it.
Can You Provide Cost Advice at Multiple Stages of the Same Project?
Yes. We regularly provide cost advice at multiple stages of a project, from initial feasibility through to pre-tender. Engaging us across multiple stages provides continuity of cost advice and allows us to track budget performance as the design develops.
Do You Prepare DA Cost Reports and EDC Reports?
​Yes. We prepare DA Cost Summary Reports and EDC Reports for all NSW councils. These can be prepared quickly to suit your DA lodgement programme and are a common service for our architect clients.
What Information Do You Need to Prepare a Cost Estimate?
The level of documentation required depends on the stage of design and the type of estimate required. For concept estimates we generally need concept or schematic drawings. For preliminary estimates we need preliminary drawings and any available consultant documentation. For detailed estimates we need complete architectural and consultant documentation. Contact us if you are unsure whether your documentation is sufficient and we will advise accordingly.
Do You Service Regional NSW Projects?
Yes. Most cost estimates and QS reports can be prepared remotely using digital plans and documentation, allowing us to assist architects with projects throughout Regional NSW regardless of location.
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CPP Quantity Surveyors provides construction cost estimating services throughout Greater Sydney and Regional NSW including the Northern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs, Hills District, Lower North Shore, Upper North Shore, Inner West, Canterbury-Bankstown, South Western Sydney, Western Sydney, Wollongong and Illawarra, Central Coast, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, North Coast NSW, South Coast NSW, Central West NSW, New England NSW and all of Regional NSW.
Can I Call You to Discuss a Project Before Engaging?
​Yes. General enquiries are always free.