The Quantity Surveyor: Missing in Action in the USA

This paper examines why the British quantity surveying approach to measurement and contracting for construction work did not establish itself in the United States, given the close economic and cultural ties between the countries. The evolution of measurement at both locations up to 1800 is studied and the factors leading to the establishment of a separate quantity surveying profession in Great Britain during the nineteenth century are related. Towards the end of this century, as the American industrial revolution gathered pace and as competitive single price general contracting emerged, the issue of responsibility for the measurement of construction work was hotly debated. This culminated in a joint recommendation from the general contractor's and professional associations that a system similar to the British approach of using bills of quantities, be adopted. The paper concludes with reasons as to why this edict was never accepted by the American industry.