What does a surveyor do?
As there is a continuous growth in the construction industry, more skilled roles are available in specialized positions in the construction industry. Quantity surveyors are responsible for the expenses of any building project – from initial estimates till the final acquisition of materials. Surveying jobs and their roles are varied – focussed on providing client value for money while adhering to the regulations which govern each and every aspect of the construction field.
The day to day roles of a quantity surveyor includes roles in the office, on the construction site or client meetings and other project personnel. Quantity surveyors may choose to be specialized in a specific area of the construction field and focus on areas such as property taxation, costing advice, maintenance of buildings and funding sources.
Roles and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor are a vital resource for any construction project that guarantees prompt completion of the project with limited effects on costs.
The success of a project rests in the proper utilization of its capital in these modern days, with minimal expenditures. More than ever before, skilled and reliable quantity surveyors are hired to accomplish this aim of building project owners.
Quantity Surveyors maximize operating productivity as much as possible in their project’s life cycle. This is achieved by negotiating the best possible value for the money of the owner and maintaining the costs as low as possible.
These surveyors can keep the project on track using their negotiating and mediation expertise, even though there are unforeseen events that may otherwise have triggered delays. The feasibility and cost study that they usually keep the owner or their employer up-to-date with the success and helps to reach optimum productivity over the life of the project.
Role of a quantity surveyor in construction:
The quantity surveyor responsibilities include cost estimator, negotiator, project coordinator, and the most important expense manager role.
There could be a lot of experience for an accurate and successful surveyor. A broad portfolio of expertise for the surveyor is created by working on numerous projects in different industries.
This allows the project manager to complete the project without sacrificing the quality and quantities of material being used within the stipulated budget.
A quantity surveyor prepares major documentation such as Feasibility Reports, Cost Reports, Assessment Reports, and various different reports along the way across the project timeline.
For an accurate and effective surveyor, there may be a lot of experience. By working on several projects in various sectors, a large portfolio of experience is developed for the surveyor.
Know also: Most common softwares used in quantity surveying
Pre And Post Contract Quantity Surveying
Maintaining the project on time:
Although the business schedules are originally created prior to the launch of a business, these papers serve to prepare the real budget. In any building scheme, though, there are always surprises. Weather delays, unexpected delays, scarcity of supplies, labor shortages, poor field delays, and much others may be part of some situations. Due to a disagreement between two parties, such as contractors and subcontractors, another project failure may occur. In such cases, the Quantity Surveyor’s negotiating and mediation expertise comes into play to try and equally and objectively solve the problems.
Holding the costs within the envelope is crucial to the project’s successful completion. As long as the conflict between the members of the project team is concerned, to prevent delays in the project, a quantity surveyor should use his expertise to play the role of a mediator. The Quantity Surveyors collaborate with both sides to come up with a win-win approach for both to keep the project on track. Read More
In any project, delays in payments are one of the main roadblocks. When avoiding this roadblock, a quantity surveyor plays a crucial role. The professional has kept a close eye on the budget and related expenses from the outset of the program. The surveyor is able to negotiate the best rates on any mission, having years of experience under his belt. This homework helps the owner make timely payments to stakeholders in the project, such as contractors, engineers, and workers, etc. The Quantity Surveyor keeps track of all payments to keep the project on track.
Functions of a Consultant’s Quantity Surveyor
The functions of a client’s or consultant’s quantity surveyor are broadly classified into three stages
1. At pre contract stage
2. Post contract duties
3. After construction
Read also: Preliminary estimating methods and advantages
At Pre Contract Stage
- Preparing an approximate cost estimation at the design stage and advising the design team about alternative materials, construction types and the financial aspects of contracts.
- Ensuring that the client gets the best value for his money by planning the cost at the design stage.
- Preparing the bills of quantities and taking out quantities from drawings.
- Preparing tender documents and calling for tenders.
- Evaluating tenders and tender reports preparation.
- Giving advice regarding the best form of contract for a specific project.
Post Contract Duties
- Preparing schedules of “Rate of Spend” during the construction period and advising on payments to the contractors giving dates and amounts.
- Preparing payment certificates and recommending for payments.
- Advising the financial effect of variations by valuing them.
- Providing advice on the financial and contractual aspects of contractors.
- Estimating cost analysis and providing cost information at all stages of the contract.
After Construction
- Preparing the final accounts report and agreeing the totals with the client’s quantity surveyor.
- Estimating the bills of quantities for contracts based on drawings and specifications.
- Preparation of payment statements.
- Collecting information of various operations and under which conditions they occurred.
- Preparing list of materials for projects in hand using working drawings and bills of quantities.
- Advising the contract manager to prepare construction programme, progress chart etc.
- Agreeing on domestic sub-contractor’s account.
- Assisting the manager to control the costs of the project.
Functions of Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor
The functions of a contractor’s quantity surveyor are different from that of a client’s quantity surveyor.
At Pre Contract Stage
- Preparing details to complete tender documents.
- Completing tender documents.
- Arranging the insurances, bonds etc.
- Insisting the contract manager to prepare construction programme and cash flow.
Post Contract stage
- Preparing sub contractor’s bills.
- Valuating variations and extra work.
- preparing bills of quantities for contracts based on drawings and specifications.
- Preparing interim payment statements.
- Collection of information of the operations and which conditions they occured.
- Making application to the architect for confirmation of verbal instructions.
- Assisting the manager to control the cost of the project.
- Quantity surveyor should provide and price bills of quantities.
- Advise on financial implications, advise on use of areas and provide measurement of areas.
- Advising on contractual matters.
See also: Different types of client’s in construction industry
Conclusion:
The Quantity surveyor must perform the above mentioned duties without fail. Whether client’s quantity surveyor or contractor’s quantity surveyor, they has to do the following functions. The surveyor has to do the proper cost estimations, maintain reports and keep track of payments.