How do you know if you’re paying the right price for your building project?

In Episode 9 of The Healthy House Podcast, Aaron is joined by Fiona Hall from Construction Q to explore how quantity surveying can help homeowners and contractors manage costs, avoid disputes and understand exactly what they’re paying for.

Fiona explains why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value, how unclear costs can leave you facing unexpected bills, and why getting the scope and contract right before work begins matters.

The conversation also follows Fiona’s journey from starting a business with £500 in her spare bedroom to building an award-winning practice, alongside her passion for encouraging young people into construction and giving back through charity work.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What a quantity surveyor does and when to involve one
• Comparing builders’ quotes and understanding provisional sums
• Contracts, payment terms and avoiding costly disputes
• How changes during a build can affect your budget
• AI in construction and the value of practical experience
• Apprenticeships, women in construction and routes into the industry
• Supporting charities and bringing the industry together through Cash for Kids

Whether you’re planning a renovation, running a construction business or considering a career in the industry, this episode offers plenty to think about before taking your next step.

The Healthy House Podcast is brought to you by Weatherwise.
Produced by Crawford & Beattie.