Hire a UK-Based Freelance Estimator with 40+ Years of Experience
Get accurate, reliable construction cost estimates from a chartered quantity surveyor who has spent four decades pricing projects across the UK. Direct access to Andrew Page — no junior staff, no account managers, just senior expertise at freelance rates. Typical estimate accuracy: 2–3% against final tender prices.
Professional Estimating, Direct from the Expert
When you hire a freelance estimator through Page Building Consultants, you work directly with Andrew Page — a chartered quantity surveyor who will personally handle every aspect of your estimate. No delegation to junior staff. No layers of account management. Just four decades of UK construction experience applied directly to your project.
Construction Cost Estimating
Detailed, project-specific cost estimates based on current UK market rates. We measure from your drawings and produce elemental cost plans, feasibility estimates, or full Bills of Quantities — whatever your project needs. Our estimates consistently achieve a 2–3% margin of error against final tender prices.
Bills of Quantities
A professionally prepared BoQ ensures every contractor prices the same scope — giving you directly comparable bids and typically saving 5–15% at tender. Prepared to NRM2 standards and delivered in 3–5 working days for residential projects.
Tender Analysis & Procurement
We don't just tell you the cheapest bid — we tell you the best value. Our tender analysis compares contractor rates line by line, checks for anomalies and exclusions, and provides a clear, evidence-based recommendation for appointment.
Cost Management During Construction
Monthly cost reports, variation valuations, interim payment assessments, and final account reconciliation. We keep your project on budget from groundworks to handover — and ensure you only pay for what you received.
UK-Based Estimator vs. Overseas: The Real Difference
A cheap overseas estimate might look like a bargain — until the numbers don't match reality. Here's what you're really comparing.
| Factor | UK-Based Freelance Estimator | Overseas Estimator |
|---|---|---|
| UK market knowledge | Real-time, updated monthly from live projects | Generic databases, often outdated |
| Building Regulations | Full understanding of Parts A–S, Future Homes Standard, CDM 2015 | Superficial knowledge; compliance costs routinely missed |
| Measurement standards | NRM2 and SMM7 — industry standard for UK tendering | Unfamiliar with UK measurement conventions |
| Contract knowledge | JCT and NEC suites — knows how terms affect pricing | No practical experience with UK contract forms |
| Communication | Same time zone, direct phone and video calls | Time-shifted, email-only, 24–48 hour delays |
| Accountability | UK jurisdiction, RICS-regulated, professional indemnity insurance | No UK legal recourse if the estimate is wrong |
| Site visits | Can attend site within days, anywhere in the UK | No physical presence — relies entirely on drawings |
| Typical accuracy | 2–3% margin of error against final tender | Often 10–25% out — one missed item can cost £40K+ |
The real cost of a cheap estimate
A £400,000 project estimated overseas might save you £1,770 on fees — but could miss £70,000–£90,000 in real costs through unfamiliarity with UK regulations, market rates, and construction methods. The most expensive estimate you will ever receive is the one that is wrong.
How It Works
Getting an accurate construction estimate is straightforward. Here's what happens when you work with us.
Send Your Drawings
Email us your architectural plans, specification, and any relevant site information. The more detail you provide, the more accurate the estimate.
We Discuss Your Project
We'll arrange a brief call to clarify any details, understand your priorities, and confirm the scope of work and fee before we start.
You Receive Your Estimate
Within 3–5 working days for residential projects, you receive a detailed cost estimate with elemental breakdown, assumptions, and exclusions.
Ongoing Support Available
After delivering the estimate, we remain available for questions, revisions, tender support, and ongoing cost management during construction.
Freelance Rates, Senior Expertise
You get chartered quantity surveyor expertise at freelance rates — typically 40–60% less than a comparable service from a large consultancy. No hidden costs, no surprises.
Quick Estimate
Ideal for house extensions, loft conversions, or small renovations. A detailed cost estimate based on your drawings, delivered within 3–5 working days.
- Elemental cost breakdown
- Current UK market rates
- Assumptions & exclusions list
- Email support for queries
Full BoQ Package
For residential projects going to tender. A complete Bill of Quantities prepared to NRM2 standards, ready to issue to contractors for competitive pricing.
- Full NRM2 Bill of Quantities
- Tender-ready documentation
- Schedule of rates for variations
- Tender analysis add-on available
- Typically saves 5–15% at tender
Full Project Support
Ongoing cost management from pre-construction through to final account. Monthly cost reports, variation control, interim valuations, and final account preparation.
- Monthly cost reporting
- Variation pricing & control
- Interim payment assessments
- Final account reconciliation
- Direct access to Andrew throughout
All fees exclude VAT. Tailored quotes provided for projects outside the above scope. Contact us for commercial, industrial, or multi-unit residential pricing.
Ready to Hire a Freelance Estimator?
Fill in the form with details about your project, and Andrew will personally review your requirements. You'll receive a tailored quote within 24 hours — or, if you prefer, book a free 30-minute call to discuss your project directly.
RICS-Regulated Professional
Andrew Page is a chartered quantity surveyor and member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. You are protected by UK professional standards, regulation, and indemnity insurance — something no overseas estimator can offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
Don't Let a Cheap Overseas Estimate Cost You Thousands
You wouldn't trust a surgeon who learned anatomy from YouTube. Don't trust a construction estimate from someone who has never set foot on a UK building site. Hire a freelance estimator who knows British construction — its methods, its regulations, its markets, and its people. Fees start from just £200 + VAT.