Quantity Surveying Overview

Quantity Surveying

• Quantity Surveying is a profession managing construction project costs
• A Quantity Surveyor (QS) manages and controls construction project costs, from initial estimates to final accounts
• QS expertise ensures projects are within budget, meet quality standards, and comply with legal and safety regulations
• QS roles include tendering, procurement, contract administration, and risk management
• Quantity surveying ensures the financial success and feasibility of construction projects

Cost Planning and Estimation

• Quantity surveyors prepare cost plans, estimates, and budgets for construction projects
• These help stakeholders evaluate project viability and design options

Procurement and Tendering

• Quantity surveyors advise on procurement strategies and create tender documents
• They evaluate contractor bids for competitiveness and value

Value Engineering

• Quantity surveyors optimize project value by balancing cost, function, and quality
• This involves finding cost-effective solutions without compromising project objectives

Contract Administration

• Quantity surveyors manage contractual relationships, create contracts, and ensure compliance throughout the project
• They ensure all contractual terms are met

Risk Management

• Quantity surveyors identify, assess, and manage financial risks
• This ensures projects stay on track and within budget

Industry Relevance

• The role of a Quantity Surveyor is crucial in modern construction due to rising materials costs, complex designs, and sustainability needs

Project Estimation

• Project Estimation forecasts the costs, time, and resources needed for project success
• It assesses project economic viability and delivers value within budget and time constraints

Key Components of Project Estimation

• Cost Estimation: Calculates direct (materials, labor, equipment) and indirect costs (overhead, taxes, contingencies)

• Resource Estimation: Determines the quantities of materials, equipment, and workforce needed

• Time Estimation: Calculates the time needed for completing individual tasks and the whole project

• Risk Estimation: Identifies potential risks and incorporates contingencies into the project plan

Methods of Estimation

• Preliminary Estimate: Used for initial feasibility checks

• Detailed Estimate: Provides accurate cost breakdown based on designs and specifications

• Parametric Estimation: Uses historical data to estimate costs, based on project size or complexity

Review of Specifications and Plans

• Reviewing specifications and plans ensures the project adheres to design intent, regulations, and stakeholder expectations
• Specifications define technical requirements; plans detail layout and project structure

Key Aspects of Reviewing Specifications and Plans

• Conformance to Standards and Codes: Ensure plans and specifications meet local and international building codes and safety standards

• Accuracy and Completeness: Verify plans include all details (dimensions, elevations, cross-sections), and specifications are clear and unambiguous about materials and methods

• Design Consistency: Check for alignment between plans and specifications; discrepancies can lead to delays or cost overruns

• Feasibility Analysis: Assess if plans and specifications are practical and achievable within the budget and timeline; identify potential challenges

• Sustainability Considerations: Review the use of sustainable materials and practices; ensure energy efficiency and environmental compliance

• Risk Identification: Highlight potential risks (unclear details, material availability); recommend modifications to mitigate problems

Importance of Reviewing Specifications and Plans

• Increases clarity and reduces misinterpretation

• Reduces costly design changes during construction

• Improves communication among stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors, clients)

• Supports effective project management and quality control

Bidding in Construction Projects

• Bidding is a competitive process to select the most suitable contractor for a project, based on cost, quality, and compliance

Key Stages of the Bidding Process

• Preparation of Bid Documents: Includes Invitation to Bid, Specifications and Plans, Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and Contract Conditions

• Bid Submission: Interested contractors prepare and submit bids by the deadline, including pricing, timelines, qualifications, and compliance

• Bid Evaluation: The client assesses submissions based on price, technical proposals, and qualifications

• Awarding the Contract: The contract is given to the bidder who best meets the criteria, commonly the lowest responsible bidder

Bid Document in Construction

• A bid document outlines project scope, requirements, and terms based on a project owner's or client's instructions
• Key components include Invitation to Bid, Instructions to Bidders, Project Scope and Description, Specifications and Drawings, Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and Bid Form