Tate & Sons Australia

18/06/2026

We are pleased to share that Tate Smith, Director of Tate & Sons, has been appointed to provide expert quantity surveying evidence in a matter before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

The role of an expert witness is often misunderstood.

It is not to advocate for one party.

It is not to help someone "win" a dispute.

The responsibility of an expert witness is to assist the Tribunal by providing an independent, objective, and unbiased professional opinion based on the available facts and evidence.

In construction disputes, the difference between opinion and evidence is critical.

Whether assessing variations, claims, project costs, contractual entitlements, or quantum, the focus must always remain on the facts, the documentation, and the professional standards that underpin the assessment.

This appointment reflects the trust placed in quantity surveyors to provide clarity on often complex commercial and contractual matters.

We appreciate the confidence shown in Tate and look forward to assisting the Tribunal in this matter.

11/05/2026

Most strata owners don’t think about their building’s long term maintenance until something goes wrong.

But new NSW strata reforms are shifting that mindset.

From April 2026, owners corporations will need to adopt a more structured and standardised 10 Year Capital Works Fund Plan formerly known as the sinking fund.

The goal is simple:
better planning, better maintained buildings, and fewer unexpected special levies.

What does this mean in practice?

• More detailed forecasting for major repairs and upgrades
• Greater transparency around future building costs
• Increased focus on sustainability and asset longevity
• More accountability in how strata schemes plan financially

For owners and committees, this is an important reminder that proactive maintenance is always more cost effective than reactive repairs.

Well maintained buildings protect both property values and resident experience over the long term.

It’s a significant shift for the strata industry and one worth paying attention to.

02/04/2026

Steel prices are under pressure again

New tariffs are expected to drive costs higher across the UK construction industry

For contractors this is not just headline news
It hits your pricing your margins and your risk on every job

If your rates have not adjusted yet you are already exposed

The builders who stay ahead are the ones tracking changes before they land on site

Are you pricing this into your work right now

01/04/2026

01/04/2026

Nothing beats this

A contractor backing our service after seeing the results firsthand

More accurate pricing
Protected margins
Better decisions from day one

This is what happens when you stop guessing and start using real data

Tate & Sons

31/03/2026

Electrical costs are not what they were last year

Material volatility
Labour pressure
Tighter margins on every job

The contractors who understand their numbers are the ones staying profitable

Our 2026 Electrical Cost Guide is built to give clarity where most are guessing

Tate & Sons

30/03/2026

Do you need a Quantity Surveyor...

If you are pricing work based on guesswork or outdated rates the answer is yes

This is not just for large contractors
Developers need clarity before they commit
Builders need confidence before they price
Architects need numbers that align with design
Clients need cost certainty from day one

The difference is simple
Clear numbers
Controlled costs
Protected margin

Better decisions at every stage of the project

That is what separates profitable projects from risky ones

Tate & Sons

26/03/2026

🏡 Residential Costs Are Changing — Are You Keeping Up?

Our 1st Annual Residential Cost Guide 2026 is here.

Built using real Tate & Sons data, this guide gives building contractors clear, practical insight into:

✔ Current residential build costs
✔ Trade-by-trade pricing benchmarks
✔ Where margins are being won and lost
✔ What to watch heading into 2026

If you’re pricing jobs off gut feel or outdated rates, you’re already behind.

📊 Built for builders. Backed by data. Designed to win more work.

Drop a “COSTS” below or message us to get your copy.

26/03/2026

Tate & Sons are a chartered and accredited quanitty surveying and estimating practice.

We assist contractors, sub-contractors, architects, developers and project owners with construction cost and contractual services.

Saving our clients time & money

22/12/2025

Wishing our clients, partners, and friends a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued trust in Tate & Sons. 🎄