Construction Quantity Surveyors

Quantity Surveyors are defined as individuals that calculate the number of materials needed and the cost of work due to being carried out.

A professional consultant quantity surveyor will work through the construction project requirements and carry out cost planning, value engineering, feasibility studies, value management, life-cycle costing, and cost-value-benefit analysis to enable the client to assess the project financially.

In turn, the Quantity Surveyor will compile the relevant financial information needed for the project; including bills of quantities (BoQ), tender documentation, construction forecast, and budgets.

Quantity surveyors are to have an in-depth knowledge of construction contracts (including NEC3, NEC4, JCT, FIDIC, ICE, and bespoke contract terms) a key stage of the construction process in which the support of a professional quantity surveyor is vital. Compiling and reviewing contract documents and identifying key risks contained within construction contracts is a fundamental role of the quantity surveyor. With expertise in interpreting contract clauses, the Quantity Surveyor will ensure the contract (and the risk allocation) balances the risk as the parties intended. A detailed contract review by a professional quantity surveyor before execution must be carried out for specialist contractors within the construction industry. A contract review can save a contractor a significant sum across a construction project).

In addition to the contract review, the professional quantity surveyor can take the lead in negotiating any risks or clauses which are not viable or acceptable.

Throughout the construction phase, the professional quantity surveyor is key to the financial, commercial, and contractual delivery. A professional quantity surveyor will:

  • Monitor Budget / Forecast
  • Prepare Applications / Valuations / Payment Certificates
  • Assess and measure works delivered and variations
  • Administer Programme Amendments
  • Control costs
  • Maintain ongoing Value Engineering
  • Provide Project Management
  • Manage Disputes
  • Advice on Contractual Disputes

Ensuring completion is accurately captured is critical to the project in terms of damages, delays, warranties, insurance and the commencement of the defect’s liability period and a professional construction quantity surveyor will be fundamental in ensuring this is executed correctly.