The duties of the quantity surveyor will differ and perform the range of functions where quantity surveyor work in small, medium size company or the large firm.
A quantity surveyor may work for either the client or the contractor, working in an office or on-site. They are involved in a project from the startup preparing estimates and costs of the work to the final figures to complete the project. These are things that quantity surveyor job consists.
Quantity Surveyor Role in Sustainability
Nowadays increase the concept of sustainable development that give an exciting challenge for the QS in this new era. The quantity surveyor duties in sustainable construction:
Green Costing
Life Cycle Costing/ Life Cycle Assessment
Carbon Footprint
Property Performance Reporting
Green Building Rating Assessment
Building Information Model (BIM)
Quantity Surveyor Duties in General Construction Project
Chung (2000) recognized that Quantity Surveyors duties are preliminary cost advice, cost planning and value management, contractual methods. Moreover, tendering, choice of contractor, valuation of construction work, project management and increased efficiency.
RICS (1999) pointed out some services of Quantity Surveyor should be provided during the different stage of the project. In the pre-contract stage: Quantity Surveyor should prepare and develop preliminary cost plan, advise on cost of design team’s proposals. Moreover, monitor cost implications during the detailed design stage, maintain and develop cost plan.
For the tender stage: Quantity Surveyor should advise on the contractual documentation to clients. Moreover, Quantity Surveyor also needs to prepare recommendations for interim payments, post-contract cost control and final account. Furthermore, Quantity Surveyor should provide and price bills of quantities, prepare cost analysis, advice on financial implications, advise on the use of areas and provide a measurement of areas, provide advice on contractual matters.
Quantity Surveyor Role in RIBA Plan of Work
Here are the list of quantity surveyor duties and responsibilities in the different stage of RIBA Plan of Work.
Quantity Surveyor Duties in the Feasibility Stage
- Preliminary Cost advice
- Project Feasibility Study
- Cost Planning and Budget Establishment
Quantity Surveyor duties in Design Stage
- Budget Cost Control
- Advice on Contractual methods and Tendering Procedures
Quantity Surveyor duties in Tender Stage
- Advice on Selection of Contractors
- Preparation of Expenditure Statements for Tax and Accounting
- Technical Auditing
Quantity Surveyor duties in Construction Stage
- Contract Documents
- Project Control
- Interim Payment
- Evaluation of Variations
Other Functions
- Assessment of Building Replacement Value for Insurance
- Expert Evidence in Arbitration and Mediation
- Represent the Employer/Client in Design and Build Contract
- Evaluation of Life Cycle
Quantity Surveyor Job Descriptions
Here is summarized quantity surveyor duties and job descriptions from different countries. Such as Australia, UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and UAE. (source: online QS vacancy advertisements)
- The preparation of Bills and Schedules of Quantities of materials, labour and services required in the construction and equipment of building, or engineering works.
- Visit building sites to monitor progress.
- Preparing tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities with the architect or the client.
- Preparation of specifications when required so to do.
- Undertaking costs analysis for repair and maintenance project work.
- Assisting in establishing a client’s requirements and undertaking feasibility studies.
- Performing risk and value management and cost control.
- Preparing and analysing costings for tenders.
- Advising on procurement strategy.
- Identifying, analysing and developing responses to commercial risks.
- Allocating work to subcontractors.
- Providing advice on contractual claims.
- Analysing outcomes and writing detailed progress reports.
- Valuing completed work and arranging payments.
- Maintaining awareness of the different building contracts in current use;
- Understanding the implications of health and safety regulations.
- Areas requiring more specialised knowledge include: Offering advice on property taxation.
- Providing post-occupancy advice, facilities management services and life cycle costing advice.
- Assisting clients in locating and accessing additional and alternative sources of funds.
- Enabling clients to initiate construction projects.
- Advising on the maintenance costs of specific buildings.
Construction Tuts, (2015). Quantity Surveyor Duties and Responsibilities. [online] Available at: http://constructiontuts.com/quantity-surveyor-duties-and-responsibilities/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2015].
