What is Quantity Surveying and why is it so important?
A quantity surveyor is involved in various stages of a construction project, from the initial planning stages to the completion of the project. Here are the key stages of a construction project and the role of a quantity surveyor in each stage:
Pre-Construction:
Cost Estimation: The quantity surveyor prepares an initial cost estimate for the project, which includes the costs of materials, labor, equipment, and other project-specific expenses.
Feasibility Study: The quantity surveyor performs a feasibility study to determine the viability of the project and make recommendations for cost-saving measures.
Tender Process: The quantity surveyor is involved in the tender process, evaluating bids from contractors and suppliers and making recommendations for the award of contracts.
Construction:
Contract Administration: The quantity surveyor is responsible for negotiating and managing contracts with contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Cost Control: The quantity surveyor monitors and controls project costs, including tracking expenditures and preparing cost reports.
Change Management: The quantity surveyor identifies and manages changes to the scope of work, ensuring that the changes are properly documented and incorporated into the project budget.
Payment Management: The quantity surveyor administers the payment process for contractors and suppliers, ensuring that payments are made in accordance with contract terms.
Claims Management: The quantity surveyor reviews and negotiates claims for additional payment or compensation arising from changes to the scope of work or other project-related issues.
Post-Construction:
Final Accounts: The quantity surveyor prepares the final accounts for the project, including an accurate record of all expenditures and a reconciliation of the project budget.
Defects Liability Period: The quantity surveyor is responsible for monitoring the defects liability period, ensuring that contractors and suppliers fulfill their obligations under the contract to rectify any defects.
Cost Analysis: The quantity surveyor performs a cost analysis of the project, comparing actual costs to the original budget and making recommendations for future projects.
In conclusion, a quantity surveyor plays a critical role in the financial management of construction projects, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Throughout the different stages of a construction project, the quantity surveyor is responsible for cost estimation, contract administration, cost control, change management, risk management, payment management, claims management, and dispute resolution.