Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book (5th Edition)

Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book – 5th Edition (2026)

By Duncan Cartlidge FRICS | Routledge | Paperback | ISBN 9781041148692

The Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book, 5th Edition is a practical UK construction reference for quantity surveyors, construction cost consultants, commercial managers, project managers and students. Written by experienced chartered surveyor Duncan Cartlidge FRICS, this updated edition covers the essential methods, professional practices and techniques used throughout the construction project lifecycle, from initial cost advice to final accounts.

Published by Routledge in July 2026, the fifth edition incorporates developments in RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM1 and NRM2), JCT 2024 contracts, carbon accounting, digital construction and the Building Safety Act. It brings together practical guidance on measurement, estimating, cost planning, procurement, tendering and contract administration.

What's New in the 5th Edition?

The latest edition reflects changes in UK construction practice, regulation, sustainability and commercial management.

• RICS NRM1 and NRM2: Updated coverage of the New Rules of Measurement for cost planning and detailed measurement.
• JCT 2024: References to the updated JCT 2024 suite of construction contracts.
• Building Safety Act: Discussion of the impact of building safety legislation on construction practice.
• Carbon accounting: Coverage of environmental considerations and carbon measurement within construction.
• Digital construction: Developments in digital methods and their application to quantity surveying.
• Measurement and estimating: Practical examples of taking off quantities, estimating and preparing cost plans.
• Procurement: Updated guidance on construction procurement practices and tendering.
• Post-contract management: Guidance on financial administration and managing construction contracts through completion.
• Professional ethics: Consideration of ethical responsibilities and professional conduct.
• Current professional guidance: References to relevant practice guidance and government publications.

What Does the Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book Cover?

This reference supports the key financial, contractual and measurement responsibilities of a quantity surveyor throughout a construction project.

Construction Cost Planning and Estimating

Learn about forecasting construction costs and value, preparing estimates, developing cost plans and managing financial information during the early stages of projects. Includes practical examples and recommended formats for cost plans and developers' budgets.

Measurement and Quantification

Explore the measurement of construction work, taking off quantities and the use of RICS measurement rules. The updated discussion of NRM1 and NRM2 helps readers understand measurement principles relevant to UK construction projects.

Procurement, Pricing and Tendering

Understand construction procurement approaches, the pricing of works and the tendering process. The book connects commercial decisions with the wider requirements of project delivery.

Construction Contracts and Commercial Management

Covering contract procedures, administration, post-contract management and financial control, this edition includes references to the JCT 2024 contract suite and developments affecting UK construction practice.

Final Accounts and Financial Reporting

Follow the commercial process through to the final account stage, with guidance on preparing financial reports, financial statements and final accounts. Recommended document formats make this a useful reference for day-to-day professional practice.

Contents – 5th Edition

1. The Quantity Surveyor and the Construction Industry
2. Forecasting Costs and Value
3. Measurement and Quantification
4. Procurement
5. Pricing and Tendering
6. Contract Procedure, Administration and Organisation
7. Final Account

Additional reference material includes useful links and contacts, further reading, measurement rules and conventions, and an index.

Who Should Buy This Book?

The Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book is particularly useful for:

• Practising quantity surveyors requiring an accessible reference for construction cost and commercial management.
• Quantity surveying students studying construction measurement, estimating, procurement and contract administration.
• Trainee quantity surveyors and RICS APC candidates developing their knowledge of professional practice.
• Commercial managers and cost consultants involved in budgeting, tendering and financial control.
• Construction project managers seeking an overview of quantity surveying processes and contract-related financial matters.

About the Author – Duncan Cartlidge FRICS

Duncan Cartlidge FRICS is a chartered surveyor with extensive experience in the delivery and management of built assets, professional education and training. He has written several established construction reference books, including Construction Project Manager's Pocket Book and Estimator's Pocket Book.

Book Specifications

Title	Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book
Edition	5th Edition
Author	Duncan Cartlidge FRICS
Publisher	Routledge
Publication Date	14 July 2026
ISBN-13	9781041148692
Format	Paperback
Pages	464
Series	Routledge Pocket Books
Language	English

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest edition of the Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book?

The fifth edition by Duncan Cartlidge was published by Routledge on 14 July 2026. The paperback ISBN is 9781041148692.

Does the 5th edition cover JCT 2024 contracts?

Yes. The fifth edition includes updates relating to JCT 2024, together with contract administration, procurement and post-contract management.

Does this edition cover RICS NRM1 and NRM2?

Yes. The fifth edition includes updated material on NRM1 and NRM2, covering measurement principles relevant to construction cost planning and quantification.

Is the book suitable for quantity surveying students?

Yes. It is intended for both students and practising professionals, providing a concise reference to measurement, estimating, cost planning, procurement, tendering and final accounts.

Does it cover carbon accounting and the Building Safety Act?

Yes. The fifth edition addresses carbon accounting, developments in digital construction and the impact of the Building Safety Act on construction practice.

Buy the Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book 5th Edition

Order Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book, 5th Edition (ISBN 9781041148692) for a practical reference covering modern UK quantity surveying, construction measurement, commercial management and contract administration.