Independent Quantity Surveyors Serving Auckland’s Residential Projects

At Initiative Quantity Surveyors, we believe in doing more than just keeping your build on budget — we take the initiative to protect your investment from the start.

Whether you're renovating your family home or starting fresh with a new build, construction is likely the biggest financial commitment you'll make. That’s why we’re here — to bring clarity, confidence, and control to your project from concept to completion.

We are independent, professional Quantity Surveyors who specialize in residential work but with the expertise to support more advanced financial reporting and bank funding requirements as your projects grow. Our goal is to empower homeowners, developers, and property investors with clear, honest cost advice that keeps you ahead of the game.

We don’t just react to problems — we anticipate them. That’s the Initiative difference.

Aerial view of residential neighborhood with houses, swimming pools, and gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Hiring a Quantity Surveyor gives you independent advice on what your project should cost — before and during construction. We help prevent cost blowouts, spot overpriced quotes, verify variations and claims, and make sure you’re only paying for actual work completed. In short, we protect your money and give you peace of mind.

  • Builder quotes can vary widely and may not always reflect current market rates or include everything needed for the job. As Quantity Surveyors, we review your quote in detail, compare it to industry benchmarks, and identify any red flags — like missing items or double-ups — before you sign anything. It’s a smart way to avoid nasty surprises later.

  • The earlier the better. Ideally, before you sign a contract or finalise your design. We can help you budget accurately from the start, provide cost estimates as your plans evolve, and make sure your budget aligns with your vision — helping you avoid overspending before construction begins.

  • Yes — builders and architects design and build, but they don’t always provide a clear picture of the financial side. We work independently to make sure you're not overpaying, missing key items, or signing off on unclear quotes. We keep your budget and interests at the center of every decision.

  • A tender review looks at what your builder has already priced and checks for fairness and duplication. A detailed estimate, often used in a tender review is built from scratch using industry rates and scope-specific breakdowns. Both are valuable depending on what stage you're at in the project.

  • Our services start from $150 + GST. Every project is different, so we tailor our fees based on the scope, complexity, and level of reporting required. If you get in touch with your plans, we’ll provide a clear proposal with no hidden costs.

  • Not necessarily. Variations must be fair, justified, and in line with your contract. We’ll review the claim, assess if the costs are reasonable, and help you determine what’s actually payable based on the work done and contract terms.

  • Absolutely. We act as your independent advisor and can assist with negotiations, variation claims, milestone payments, and disputes. Our goal is to ensure you're only paying for what’s fair and agreed upon — and to protect your investment throughout the project.