LECTURE NOTE TWO
Functions Performed by a Quantity Surveyor
Quantity Surveyors (QS) play a crucial role in the construction industry,
ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required
quality standards. Amongst others, these are the key functions performed by
a quantity surveyor:
1. Cost Estimation and Budgeting
a. Preliminary Estimates: Preparing initial cost estimates based on early
project designs to guide budgeting decisions.
b. Detailed Estimates: Developing comprehensive cost plans, including
material, labor, and overhead costs.
c. Budget Preparation: Establishing budgets that align with client
expectations and project scope.
2. Cost Planning and Control
a. Cost Planning: Creating cost plans that help in monitoring and
controlling project costs throughout the construction process.
b. Cost Monitoring: Tracking expenditures to ensure they remain within
the budget.
c. Cost Reporting: Providing regular financial reports to stakeholders,
detailing current spending and forecasting future costs.
3. Procurement and Tendering
a. Procurement Strategy: Advising on the best procurement route for the
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project, whether traditional, design and build or management contracting.
b. Tender Documentation: Preparing tender documents, including bills of
quantities, schedules, and specifications.
c. Tender Evaluation: Assessing and evaluating tenders received from
contractors to recommend the most suitable one.
4. Contract Administration
a. Contract Documentation: Preparing and managing all contract
documents, ensuring they are comprehensive and legally sound.
b. Interim Valuations: Valuing interim payments for contractors and
suppliers.
c. Change Management: Managing changes to the contract, including
variations and adjustments to the scope of work.
d. Final Account Settlement: Agreeing the final account with contractors,
ensuring all financial matters are resolved.
5. Value Engineering
a. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluating different design options and
construction methods to find the most cost-effective solution.
b. Value Optimization: Ensuring that the project delivers maximum value
for money without compromising on quality or performance.
6. Risk Management
a. Risk Identification: Identifying potential financial and operational risks
associated with the project.
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b. Risk Mitigation: Developing strategies to mitigate identified risks,
including contingency planning.
7. Feasibility Studies
a. Project Viability: Conducting studies to determine the financial viability
of proposed projects.
b. Economic Analysis: Assessing the economic benefits and potential
returns on investment.
8. Dispute Resolution
a. Mediation and Arbitration: Acting as mediators or arbitrators in
disputes between clients, contractors, and other stakeholders.
b. Expert Witness: Providing expert testimony in legal proceedings related
to construction disputes.
9. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
a. Sustainable Practices: Advising on sustainable building practices and
materials.
b. Environmental Assessments: Conduct assessments to minimize the
environmental impact of construction projects.
Career Opportunities for the Quantity Surveyor
The skills and expertise of quantity surveyors are highly valued across various
sectors of the construction and built environment industry. Below are some of
the prominent career opportunities for quantity surveyors:
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1. Private Practice
a. Consulting Firms: Working for firms that provide professional quantity
surveying services to clients.
b. Freelance Quantity Surveyor: Offering quantity surveying services on a
contract basis to various clients.
2. Contracting Organizations
a. Construction Contractors: Managing costs and contracts for
construction companies.
b. Subcontractors: Providing specialized quantity surveying services for
subcontractors in areas like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems.
3. Client Organizations
a. Property Developers: Managing costs and ensuring financial viability of
real estate development projects.
b. Corporate Clients: Working for large corporations with significant
property portfolios to manage construction and maintenance costs.
4. Government and Public Sector
a. Local Authorities: Overseeing public infrastructure projects, such as
roads, schools, and hospitals.
b. Government Agencies: Managing costs for government-led
construction projects and initiatives.
5. Financial Institutions
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a. Banks and Insurance Companies: Conducting cost assessments and
feasibility studies for financing and insurance purposes.
b. Investment Firms: Advising on the financial aspects of property and
construction investments.
6. Educational Institutions
a. Lecturing and Research: Teaching quantity surveying courses and
conducting research in universities and colleges.
b. Professional Training: Developing and delivering training programs for
aspiring quantity surveyors.
7. International Opportunities
a. Global Construction Firms: Working on international construction
projects, which often require experienced quantity surveyors.
b. NGOs and Development Agencies: Managing costs for construction
projects in developing countries, often with a focus on infrastructure and
humanitarian aid.
8. Specialist Roles
a. Project Management: Taking on broader project management roles,
overseeing the entire project lifecycle.
b. Facilities Management: Managing the costs associated with the
operation and maintenance of buildings and facilities.
c. Dispute Resolution: Specializing in construction law and dispute
resolution, providing expert advice and services.
