Project Management in Construction
Project Management by Quantity Surveyors
A quantity surveyor who is also project managing a construction project is better for a number of reasons. First, they are familiar with the tender process and can provide accurate estimations. Second, they understand bill of quantities and JCT contracts. This means that they can monitor the project closely and ensure that it is completed on time and within budget. Finally, quantity surveyors have a wealth of experience in construction projects. This means that they are able to identify potential problems and mitigate them before they cause delays or cost overruns. As a result, a quantity surveyor who is also project managing a construction project is better placed to deliver a successful outcome.
A quantity surveyor (QS) is a construction professional who works on the commercial side of projects. They are responsible for tender processes, estimations, creating bills of quantities and overseeing JCT contracts. In other words, they make sure that the project runs smoothly from a financial perspective. This is why having a QS project managing a construction project is generally seen as a good idea. They are experts in their field and are well-placed to monitor the project closely, ensuring that costs are kept under control. Additionally, their experience with tender processes means that they are often able to secure better deals with suppliers and sub-contractors. As a result, having a QS project managing your construction project can help to save you time and money.
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What are the typical duties of a Quantity Surveyor
After a projects drawings have been created the Quantity Surveyor (QS) steps in to take over the project management duties.
These duties typically include:
- Estimation – to find out what to expect regards the overall projects costs. Typically written in the form of a Bill of Quantities.
- Scope of Work (SoW) – is a tendering document used for main and sub contractors to fill in to obtain a fixed price for a construction project.
- Due Diligence – is the process of checking a main or sub contractors credentials to make sure they are legitimate and can complete the project from start to finish. Also in line with RICS
- JCT Contract – stands for Joint Contracts Tribunal, who are the entity that produce contracts for the construction industry. Quantity Surveyors write these contracts in order to secure the construction project for all involved.
- Gantt Chart – is a visual depiction of the projects duration showing all contractors starting and finishing times in order to estimate the practical completion date.
- Approximate Final Estimate (AFE) – is a monitoring document that is bespoke to every project that monitors the completion of each area of construction alongside the estimated areas of completed works which then gives the amount the should be paid to a contractor in stages. Typically called an Interim Payment.
- Final Account – is the summary of all costs including any variation to the original contract.
Other duties a quantity surveyors may undertake are:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution – which is the process of handling a dispute before going to adjudication or your local court for reimbursement or correction in order to satisfy a problem that may have occurred on a construction project.
- On site surveys – to make sure the project is being built correctly from start to finish.
- Attending meetings – to sort out any difficulties that may arise during the construction process.
