u/MBQuantitySurveying

Posted this 60 sec video earlier but wanted to write it up properly for this sub, as tender support is where a lot of QS and estimating work overlaps and I see a lot of contractors getting it wrong.
I run MB Quantity Surveying & Construction Management - we do estimating, tendering, tender support and commercial management for main contractors and subs. Most of our tender support enquiries come in when a contractor has won an opportunity but doesn't have the internal resource to price it properly before the deadline.
The problem we see constantly:
Tender comes in with 200+ drawings, specs, 3 amendments in 2 days, a BOQ that doesn't match the drawings, and a 10-14 day return. The contractor's team is already stretched on live jobs. So pricing becomes rushed, subbie quotes are not compared like-for-like, gaps get missed, prelims are guessed, and OH&P is squeezed.
That's where tender support comes in.
What we actually do - step by step:

1. Document review
   Full read of ITT, drawings, specs, BOQ, prelims, design responsibility matrix, contract amendments. Highlighting contradictions, missing info, onerous clauses and RFIs needed.
2. Quantity take-off / BOQ check
   Either full take-off or sense-checking the issued BOQ against drawings. This is where most margin is won or lost.
3. Procurement
   Sending enquiries, chasing, getting 3-4 quotes per package. Groundworks, concrete, steelwork, M&E, finishes etc. Then comparing like-for-like - scope, exclusions, qualifications, programme.
4. Gap analysis
   Identifying where you have no coverage, where quotes overlap, where a subbie has excluded something critical (e.g. builders work, craneage, testing).
5. Pricing build-up
   Building up direct costs, prelims, OH&P, risk, VE options. Not just plugging numbers into a spreadsheet - building a price you can actually deliver.
6. Final bid compilation
   Ready-to-submit package with comparison sheets, qualifications and risk register so the contractor knows what they are signing up to.
   Why it matters from a QS perspective:
   I see tender support as pre-construction commercial management. If you get it wrong at tender, you spend the whole job trying to recover it. An extra 2-3% accuracy at tender stage is worth more than 6 months of fighting variations on site.
   In a lot of firms, estimator prices it and throws it over the fence to QS once won. We try to bridge that - same methodology from tender through to final account.
   For discussion:
   How are you handling tender support in your practice?
   • Is it done in-house by estimators only?
   • Do your QS team get involved pre-bid?
   • What's the biggest gap you regularly see in subbie quotes?
   Happy to share our comparison templates / gap analysis checklist if anyone wants them. Also made a 60 sec video version if you prefer visual - can drop link in comments.

There’s often a bit of mystery around the QS role, especially for people outside the construction industry.
In simple terms, we help manage the commercial side of construction projects — from early cost planning and procurement through to contracts, variations, claims, cost reporting and final account.
A good QS is there to help answer questions like:
💰 What should this project cost?
📊 Are we staying within budget?
📋 Are the contract and payment terms being followed?
⚠️ Where are the commercial risks?
🔄 How should variations and claims be assessed?
🏗️ Are we getting the value we expected?
I’ve put together a short video explaining the role and how Quantity Surveying contributes to successful project delivery.
For the QS professionals here: what would you add to the list that people outside the industry often misunderstand about the role?

Seeking 1 bed or studio rental furnished in capital centre Abu Dhabi

Hi everyone,

I’m relocating from the UK to Abu Dhabi in the next few weeks after accepting a Commercial Manager position with a major contractor.

I’m looking for a furnished studio or 1-bedroom apartment in either Khalifa City or Danet Abu Dhabi.

A bit about me:

• British professional in my 30s
• Working in construction/commercial management
• Single occupant only
• Clean, quiet and respectful tenant
• Looking for a safe and well-maintained property
• Ideally close to supermarkets, gyms and restaurants

If anyone has recommendations for buildings, landlords, agents, websites or available properties, I’d really appreciate it.

My office will be near the ADNEC/Capital Centre area, so I’m trying to find the best balance between commute, quality and value for money.

Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations.

Hi everyone,
I’m relocating from the UK to Abu Dhabi in the next few weeks after accepting a Commercial Manager position with a major contractor.
I’m looking for a furnished studio or 1 bedroom apartment in either Khalifa City or Danet Abu Dhabi.
A bit about me:
• British professional in my 30s
• Working in construction/commercial management
• Single occupant only
• Clean, quiet and respectful tenant
• Looking for a safe and well maintained property
• Ideally close to supermarkets, gym facilities and restaurants
If anyone has recommendations for buildings, landlords, agents, websites or available properties, I’d really appreciate it.
My office will be near the ADNEC/Capital Centre area, so I’m trying to find the best balance between commute, quality and value for money.
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations.

I’m a Senior Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager with 15+ years of experience across the UK, USA, Middle East and Australia, delivering major projects in data centres, defence, infrastructure and commercial construction.

I’m looking to relocate to Queensland, ideally Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, and I’m interested in understanding the current market.

A few questions:

• Are companies currently sponsoring experienced Quantity Surveyors?
• Which consultancies or contractors are most active in sponsoring overseas candidates?
• Do employers typically contribute towards relocation costs?
• How strong is the demand for senior commercial and cost management professionals at the moment?

Any insights, recommendations or introductions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I’m a Senior Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager with 15+ years of experience across the UK, USA, Middle East and Australia, delivering major projects in data centres, defence, infrastructure and commercial construction.

I’m looking to relocate to Queensland, ideally Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, and I’m interested in understanding the current market.

A few questions:

• Are companies currently sponsoring experienced Quantity Surveyors?
• Which consultancies or contractors are most active in sponsoring overseas candidates?
• Do employers typically contribute towards relocation costs?
• How strong is the demand for senior commercial and cost management professionals at the moment?

Any insights, recommendations or introductions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Looking for some advice from the Queensland construction community.

I’m a Senior Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager with 15+ years of experience across the UK, USA, Middle East and Australia, delivering major projects in data centres, defence, infrastructure and commercial construction.

I’m looking to relocate to Queensland, ideally Brisbane, Gold Coast or North Queensland, and I’m interested in understanding the current market.

A few questions:

• Are companies currently sponsoring experienced Quantity Surveyors?
• Which consultancies or contractors are most active in sponsoring overseas candidates?
• Do employers typically contribute towards relocation costs?
• How strong is the demand for senior commercial and cost management professionals at the moment?

Any insights, recommendations or introductions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

🏗️ Does Construction Need More Online Communities?

I’ve noticed that while there are plenty of communities for tech, startups and marketing, there seem to be far fewer active spaces dedicated to construction professionals, contractors, trades, estimators, quantity surveyors and project managers.

Construction can be a tough industry to navigate, especially when it comes to:

📋 Estimating & Tendering
💰 Commercial Management
📈 Growing a Construction Business
⚖️ Contracts & Risk
🤖 AI & Technology
🏗️ Project Delivery

I’m interested to hear where people currently network, learn and share knowledge online.

Do you use Reddit, Facebook groups, Discord, LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups, or something else?

I’ve recently set up a Discord server focused on construction, business growth and commercial management for anyone interested in connecting with like minded professionals and sharing knowledge.

🔗 https://discord.gg/Qwacg84a3

Would love to hear what platforms and communities you find most valuable in the industr

Ive noticed that while there are plenty of communities for tech, startups and marketing, there seem to be far fewer active spaces dedicated to construction professionals, contractors, trades, estimators, quantity surveyors and project managers.

Construction can be a tough industry to navigate, especially when it comes to:

📋 Estimating & Tendering
💰 Commercial Management
📈 Growing a Construction Business
⚖️ Contracts & Risk
🤖 AI & Technology
🏗️ Project Delivery

I’m interested to hear where people currently network, learn and share knowledge online.

Do you use Reddit, Facebook groups, Discord, LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups, or something else?

I’ve recently set up a Discord server focused on construction, business growth and commercial management for anyone interested in connecting with like minded professionals and sharing knowledge.

🔗 https://discord.gg/Qwacg84a3

Would love to hear what platforms and communities you find most valuable?

🚨 Your website is either making you money right now… or costing you customers.

I see a lot of businesses investing heavily in social media while neglecting the one digital asset they actually own: their website.

Social platforms can change their algorithms overnight. Accounts can be restricted. Reach can disappear. But a well built website continues working for your business 24/7.

A website helps you:

✅ Build credibility and trust

✅ Rank on Google and generate organic traffic

✅ Capture leads and enquiries

✅ Showcase your services and expertise

✅ Convert visitors into customers

Without a website, you’re effectively building your business on rented land.

Do you think a website is still essential in 2026, or are social media platforms enough on their own?