Glossary definition
Clerk of Works
An independent quality inspector appointed by the developer or client to monitor construction workmanship and ensure it meets the contract specification and building regulations. Unlike the monitoring surveyor who acts for the lender, the clerk of works is employed to protect the developer's interests and is typically on site more frequently.
Definition
An independent quality inspector appointed by the developer or client to monitor construction workmanship and ensure it meets the contract specification and building regulations. Unlike the monitoring surveyor who acts for the lender, the clerk of works is employed to protect the developer's interests and is typically on site more frequently. On larger residential schemes, the cost of a clerk of works is usually £40,000 to £80,000 per annum and is included within the professional fees budget.
See also
Closely related terms.
Monitoring Surveyor
An independent surveyor appointed by the lender to inspect the development site at regular intervals and verify that construction work has been completed to the required standard before each drawdown is released.
Building Control
The regulatory function responsible for ensuring that building work complies with the Building Regulations 2010, carried out either by the local authority building control service or an approved inspector.
Quantity Surveyor
A construction cost professional who prepares detailed cost plans, manages budgets, and provides independent cost verification on development projects.
Professional Fees
The costs associated with appointing professional advisors on a development project, including architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors, planning consultants, solicitors, and project managers.
Further reading
Guides that touch this term.
Guide
How Does Development Finance Work? A Complete Guide for UK Developers
A ground-up guide to how development finance is structured in the UK, covering loan mechanics, drawdown schedules, monitoring surveyors, and what lenders look for in your application.
5 min read readReadGuide
Development Finance Application Checklist: Documents You Need
A comprehensive checklist covering every document lenders require for a development finance application, from development appraisals to contractor tenders and planning evidence.
11 min read readRead
Where it shows up
Finance products using this term.
Ready to apply
Knowing the term is one thing.
Getting it on your term sheet is ours.
Send us the outline. We come back with indicative pricing from the right lenders inside a working day.