Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Quantity Surveying Services

What a good one includes

• A detailed breakdown of the specific surveying tasks, such as initial feasibility studies, cost planning, or preparing the bill of quantities.
• Clear terms outlining how the quantity surveyor will be compensated, whether through a fixed fee, hourly rate, or a percentage of the total construction cost.
• Protocols detailing how project drawings, BIM models, and engineering reports will be shared and who retains ownership of the cost data.
• A realistic schedule of deliverables, aligning the quantity surveyor’s cost reports with key design and tendering phases.
• A clear statement of what is not included in the services, such as structural engineering valuations or physical site surveys, to prevent scope creep.
• A clause specifying the timeline and conditions under which this interim MOU will be replaced by a standard industry contract.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to specify exactly which stages of the project the cost estimator is pricing, which leads to disputes over extra work later on.
• Sharing proprietary architectural drawings and budgets without a robust non-disclosure clause to protect your sensitive project data.
• Neglecting to explicitly state which parts of the MOU are legally binding, such as confidentiality and cost terms, and which are merely intentional.
• Forgetting to define exactly when payments are due during the interim period, leading to cash flow stoppages before the main contract is signed.

Frequently asked questions