Does anyone have experience of using a quantity surveyor for a home extension? We have an architect (aaarghitect?) but have been messed around a bit and I’d like an independent opinion on what the build is likely to cost, given all the upheaval and price increases of the last 18 months. Would a QS be able to provide this?
To not drip feed, we initially paid the architect 10k up front on a projected 80k build. They’re now saying our moneys run out for the section and if we want them to work more it will be at an hourly rate. (They’ll let’s us know when they get to the first extra £1000 of work 
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So as to not drip feed, we have asked for a change that would mean adding the cost of a 5m steel and supports to the labour (making an opening in the back of the house which would have previously been a door). Theyve said this will make it unaffordable and suggested putting out to tender with their builder to see what they think the price will be. I’m happy with this idea, but concerned their builder will say whatever they want to wrap up the project with maximum profit to them. I’d like to trust them as we need to move forward and I’m happy to pay for work that’s needed and complete the project in a positive way but feel a bit on the back foot and uneasy.
So would hiring a quantity surveyor help, or would it be taking more away from our modest budget? Would love to hear anyone’s experiences. Thanks for reading if you’ve got this far!