If quantity surveyors (QSs) are expected to do "what it
says on the tin", then their job is to survey quantities. But
is that all they are required to do, or are they required to check
for quality as well?
A couple decide to refurbish their home. They approach an
architect to prepare designs for the project; a contractor is
employed under a JCT IFC (Intermediate Form of Building Contract)
and they engage a QS to assist with monthly valuations. So far, so
completely normal. The works are not to the couple's liking, so
they claim for damages in respect of alleged defects to their
house. Unfortunate, but not unprecedented.
In a surprising twist, however, the couple allege that everyone
involved in the project is responsible for all of the defects in
the house. From the QS's perspective, this is puzzling as he
simply valued the work. How, then, might he be liable for defects
in it? The question is: when carrying out inspections for the
purposes of monthly valuations,
