Quantity surveyors are responsible for the contractual and financial side of construction projects from the early stages of preliminary planning plans to the specific heights of finish. The primary role of a quantity surveyor is to assess the value of construction and control the budget for a project. They make it possible for construction projects to be completed on time and within budget.
Building quantity surveyors typically work on either the client-side, either as part of the design team or for contractors building the project. Bookkeepers who also function for consultancies typically work within a workplace environment during standard office hours of 9 to 5, whereas those working for contractors tend to work in sorts of temporary offices during irregular hours such as 8:30 to 5:30.
How a typical project involvement for a quantity surveyor looks at the Client’s Side?
Early-Stage Design – A quantity surveyor could be involved in setting budget and development feasibility estimates, driven by design briefs.
Developing design – As the design develops through phases 0-3, the quantity surveyor will provide revised and updated estimates reflecting the rising level of design available, with accuracy and thoroughness of the estimate increasing along with the level of design.
Detailed Design – When the Architect has completed their contract design, the quantity surveyor will prepare a Pricing Document / Bill of Quantities to assist the tendering process. This allows fair competition among competing Contractors and enables them to properly cost out their services.
Tender Process – The quantity surveyor organizes documentation to send out to Contractors for pricing. This typically includes all drawings, the contract, the preliminary document, and all supplementary details. The QS will then consider these materials on completion of the tender, and generate recommendations to the client on whom to accommodate.
Contract Administration – The QS will prepare contract documents to be signed by the client and chosen Contractor before the start of the Contract. The QS is then responsible for overseeing the contract for the duration of day-to-day execution.
Post Contract Management – The QS will continue to take charge of the contract from its building phase onward. Arranging for, measuring, and valuing any modifications that come up, making periodic estimates and payments to the contracted contractor, and reaching an agreement on the total due with them. The QS will also administer a projected final account balance This report will be sent to you every month.
How a typical project involvement for a Contractor’s quantity surveyor looks?
Pricing Tender – A traditional procurement process dictates that the contractors’ quantity surveyors’ first duty will be determining the price the contractor has received from the client’s quantity surveyor. They will then calculate the tender, and sell or send it out to sub-contractors.
Procuring Sub-Contractors and Construction Materials– When the tender is approved, the contractor’s Purchaser Solutions department will place orders to receive craftsmanship orders from the suppliers.
On a more general topic, they will work with the client and other construction specialists, such as site engineers, project managers, and site managers, when carrying out the project. They’ll also have an in-house team.
Final Words
In conclusion, a quantity surveyor needs to maintain confidentiality and be aware of conflicts of interest. While the building surveyor does not have as many duties as other construction professionals, the quality of their work is vital.
Quantity surveyors have to have good communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Building surveyors are not just inspectors, they are the expert in ensuring that the building is built according to the drawings and specifications.
