Quantity Surveyor
Job Description
Quantity Surveyors are professionals who have been trained as construction cost consultants. They prepare the bill of quantities showing the materials and labour required for implementing the architectsˇ¦ plans so that building contractors can figure out the tender price. In addition, they shoulder the responsibility of monitoring the financial condition of projects during the construction phase.
The principal services rendered by Quantity Surveyors include the following:
Preliminary cost advice
- Draft preliminary estimates of costs and expenditure for developers at the initial stage of project planning
- Offer advice on alternative design solutions, structural forms, choice of materials, construction sequence and maintenance
Cost planning
- Assist developers or owners in controlling cost and expenditure
- Assess the cost implications when variations on plans are introduced
Preparing tender documents and negotiating contract prices
- Analyse and assess the tender documents received to assist the owners in choosing the most appropriate contractor
- Give recommendations on tendering procedures according to different modes of project
Preparing contract documents
- Offer expert advice according to the characteristics of each project and formulate appropriate contractual provisions
Preparing estimates of expenditure and exercising cost control over the projects
- Prepare analysis of the final account and statements of expenditure for ownersˇ¦ accountancy or other purposes
Project planning and management
- Utilise the professional knowledge on finance, laws and contractual management to coordinate the experts engaged in the project
Giving expert evidence in arbitration and disputes on building contracts
Assessing replacement values for insurance on construction projects
Career Opportunities
- Employed in government departments such as Architectural Services Department, Housing Department and Civil Engineering Department
- Employed in private practices
- Provide services to major developers, contractors, insurance companies, mining and petroleum exploitation companies