A quantity surveyor (QS), They can be referred to as Chartered Quantity Surveyors, a construction cost consultant or a commercial manager. The contracts and cost on the construction project, including the beginning startup work to the final figures to complete the project is what the quantity surveyor job consists of.
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 start, preparing estimates and costs of the work.
HKIS (2000) noted that practice surveyors’ duty is investigation to discover the facts and relevant transactions because they can be appointed to act as experts in property rent review.
McDonagh (1992) stated that Civils, housing, repairs and maintenance are growth in the past few years. Quantity Surveyor is required to take more responsibility and a cradle to the grave approach by clients. The environmental impact studies are more and more mandatory. The single person practices are more and more popular.
Chung (2000) recognized that the duties of Quantity Surveyors are preliminary cost advice, cost planning and value management, contractual methods, 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 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, monitor cost implications during 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, advise on financial implications, advise on use of areas and provide measurement of areas, provide advice on contractual matters.
Duties of Quantity Surveyor
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 and/or the client;
Preparation of specifications when required so to do, and;
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