Cost and bonus surveyor
A cost and bonus surveyor (also known as a 'bonus surveyor'), is responsible for setting up, measuring and recording packages of work and bonus targets for construction projects.
Many of their duties and responsibilities are similar to those of a quantity surveyor, and employment requirements can often stipulate previous experience as a quantity surveyor.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of a cost and bonus surveyor might include:
- Reviewing estimated project targets and prices against the contract documents.
- Ensuring targets and prices are in line with the construction programme.
- Agreeing work packages with subcontractors.
- Pre-measuring work and setting bonus targets for directly employed operatives.
- On-site re-measurement of works completed.
- Maintaining data for measurement against key performance indicators.
- Liaison with project surveyors and site foremen.
- Processing operatives’ claims and tracking costs against budget.
Some of the key skills required for a cost and bonus surveyor are as follows:
- Negotiation.
- Numeracy and literacy.
- Methodical approach to preparing bonus record sheets.
- Ability to work independently to tight deadlines.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.




















