Quantity Surveying is a specialist construction consultant discipline which will provide expert advice on construction costs, procurement and contracts. The aim of the QS is to maximise value within a construction project, helping to balance costs against quality and buildability, often offering options and alternative perspectives for construction methods and materials to designers and clients, based on the remit of maximizing value. The QS usually also manages awarded packages from the commercial perspective, valuing progress, variations and ensuring that costs remain under control as the project progresses. The Quantity surveyor is also the principal advisor to the client on forming and awarding construction contracts and as such may specialise in contractual advice regards claims made by contractors during the construction process.