Role Of Quantity Surveyors In Construction

Role of quantity surveyors in construction has an important aspect of any construction project. Quantity survey is a very important subject of Civil Engineering. It includes checking of quantity as per drawings, Preparation of estimates, billing, Rate analysis & costing. Quantity surveying is important in the pre & post-tendering process in construction. A quantity surveyor is a professional who works within the construction industry concerned with construction costs and contracts.

Role of quantity surveyors in construction has acquired an important place as the ever-rising prices, the large size of projects, tight work schedules and more competitive rates, quantity surveying and contract management have emerged as a professional function in the construction and civil works projects in India.

Role of Quantity Surveyor in Construction

What is Quantity Surveying in Construction?

Quantity Surveying is the study of the estimation, planning and control of the cost of construction projects. It covers almost all major activities including cost estimation, cost planning, value engineering, all the possibilities which can be executed, cost-benefit analysis, lifecycle costing and valuation.

Who is a Quantity Surveyor?

A quantity surveyor is a Professional Engineer who manages estimating costs and maintaining a budget for a construction company. The quantity Surveyor ensures the projects under construction meet the required legal and quality standards. Each stage of a project needs the involvement of the Quantity Surveyor.

Role of Quantity Surveyor in Construction – Skills, Services & responsibilities

Skills required for a Quantity surveyor:

• Thorough knowledge of Mathematics
• Excellent attention to every minute details
• Skilled in analytical thinking
• Knowledge of engineering science and technology
• Knowledge of building and construction
• Must have the ability to take initiative

The services provided by the quantity surveyor include:

• Cost planning and commercial management during the entire life cycle of the project from inception to completion.
• Value Engineering
• Risk Management
• Procurement Management and Assistance during the tendering procedure.
• Commercial Management and contract Administration
• QS are also called Costing Engineers

Role of Quantity Surveyor in Construction -Responsibilities and Duties of a Quantity Surveyor:

• Timely submission of client bills along with all documents as agreed Upon.
• Identification of sources of materials and execution
• Interaction with the client and consultant for approvals
• Materials, manpower and machinery utilization through effective coordination with sub-contractors and suppliers.
• Materials Reconciliation.
• Reviewing sub-contractor bills/invoices and certifying them timely.
• Taking the responsibility for billing for the site as well as overseeing sub-contractor billing and Reconciliation.
• Planning and monitoring of project work at the site
• Planned Vs Actual – S curve
• Managing Claims

Check out my Videos on

Role of Quantity Surveyor in construction

Rate Analysis in Tendering

Links to my other posts

My First Blog post- Introduction

Quality Management System in Construction

Requirements of Quality Management System

Role of Quantity Surveyors – Internal Correspondance of Quantity Surveyor:

Finance and Account:

• Maintaining Statement of submitted bills Vs certified bills
• Maintaining Statement of certified bills Vs sub-contractors bills
• Preparation of month-wise cash flow
• Maintaining Bill wise BCTC – Balance Cost To Complete
• Reviewing of turnover booked

Project In-charge of Execution and Construction:

• To prepare a monthly Quantity based execution plan
• Keeping the record of Day to day measurement
• Preparation of Reconciliation of materials
• Preparation of Detail rate analysis of extra items
• Managing the dispute regarding measurement
• Coordinating with different agencies in execution-Interface Measurement

Role of Quantity Surveyors – External Correspondance of Quantity Surveyor:

• Correspondence with the client for execution, and construction drawings.
• Preparation and certification of bills.
• Certification of claims.
• Approval of Non-BOQ (Extra items) rates
• Approval of variation quantities
• Certification of claims

Important Responsibilities of Quantity Surveyor:

• Quantity Surveyor is called as Revenue Centre for the Project. Because he is responsible for smooth cash inflow throughout the project life.
• Responsible for implementing the obligation under the contract
• Responsible for realization of extra-contractual, quantum merit and ex-gratia claims
• Must have command of BOQ, Specifications, the scope of work and other Contract clauses
• Must be good enough in public relations to achieve translations of information from all compartments of the project
• Must have excellent cordial relation with Contractor/ Owner.
• Must have the ability of convincing power and command in bill processing

Conclusion:

A quantity surveyor or Cost Engineer is in charge of all budgeting and costs associated with the planning, design, and construction (or demolition/reconstruction) phases. Must have the ability to efficient and effective utilization of resources (Materials, Manpower, money). He must have up-to-date information of the market, tools and equipment to help in planning and scheduling of construction activities and resource allocation. He must have the ability of risk management. A quantity surveyor is also called a revenue man.

In short, a Quantity Surveyor plays an important role in Contract Procurement, Tender evaluation and resolving disputes.

So, that’s all for today friends, please feel free to give feedback and comment. If you have any queries please drop them in the comments and I will try to answer ASAP..

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