Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/sectors/processing/pharmaceuticals-and-laboratories
Content format: Markdown version of the public page.
Content reviewed: 2026-10-13

# Pharmaceuticals and laboratories

Quantity surveying and claims support for pharmaceutical facilities, laboratories and associated construction.

## Commercial challenges and how we approach them

Laboratory and pharmaceutical projects bring controlled spaces, building services and specialist equipment together. Fit-out and installation requirements can evolve as layouts and process information are confirmed. Construction obligations need clear boundaries with equipment supply and technical validation activities.

### Cleanroom and containment requirements changing

#### The Challenge

Changing a room's classification or containment requirement can reach partitions, finishes, ventilation and controls. It may also affect systems already tested, so the physical alteration is only part of the cost.

#### Our approach

We retain the priced user requirements and assess authorised revisions with the technical team. The change account captures affected fabric and services, separating additional scope from correction of non-compliant work.

### Specialist equipment and laboratory utilities

#### The Challenge

Process equipment and laboratory instruments may need particular gases, water, drainage, extraction or power. Late vendor information can leave connections, supports and installation attendances outside the building packages.

#### Our approach

We compare the equipment schedule and vendor data with the building packages, assigning gases, extraction, drainage and power connections explicitly.

### Construction completion versus qualification

#### The Challenge

For regulated pharmaceutical facilities, commissioning and qualification need evidence that systems are suitable for their intended use. Physical installation alone may not meet the agreed acceptance milestone.

#### Our approach

We agree the commercial milestone and its evidence requirements with the quality team. Installation, commissioning and qualification are related but distinct stages. The payment review identifies which has been achieved, whether required original records are missing and whether new support has been requested. We assess the contractual and cost position; technical qualification and approval remain with the appointed specialists.

### Change after a system has been tested

#### The Challenge

A small alteration after testing can require a much larger retesting and controlled-record exercise.

#### Our approach

We cost the physical change together with the technical team's identified repeat tests and documentation. The reason for the alteration and the original allowance determine how that cost is assessed.

### Live research or manufacturing next to the works

#### The Challenge

Existing operations can constrain vibration, dust, access and service interruptions. A changed operating requirement may require different work periods or additional segregation and temporary utilities.

#### Our approach

We compare the priced shutdown, segregation and occupation assumptions with the actual instruction. Additional work periods or temporary utilities are assessed by affected area and activity, with resource evidence rather than a general live-facility uplift.