Quantum
In its broadest sense, the word "quantum" refers to an amount or quantity of something.
In the construction industry, the term "quantum" may refer to the calculation or assessment of the amount or extent of something, typically related to costs, quantities of work, or damages. It is often used in the context of legal and contractual disputes, where parties may disagree on the amount of compensation or payment due for work completed, variations, delays, or damages.
Common contexts in which the the term "quantum" may be used include:
- The calculation of financial compensation owed due to breaches of contract, delays, or other issues that cause financial loss.
- "Quantum Meruit" - a legal principle meaning "as much as is deserved," used when there is no agreed contract price, and the payment is determined based on the value of the work completed.
- In disputes, quantum assessments are critical in determining the financial impact of issues like delays, variations, or incomplete work.
- A quantity surveyor, who specialises in the assessment and calculation of the quantum of work or damages.
It may also be used to refer to quantum technologies such as quantum computers, quantum encryption, quantum optics and so on.
[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.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
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.