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
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.