Why appoint a QS?
As a Client you will be thinking “why do I need a Quantity Surveyor?” or “how much money will a Quantity Surveyor save me?”
It is crucial to appoint a Quantity Surveyor at the inception stage of a project in order to assist the design team in reaching a cost effective design which suits the client’s needs. The consultant examines the design from a neutral point of view and then provides alternative solutions and identifies elements which could be missing in the design. Due to economic factors and price fluctuations the Quantity Surveyor can also assist in suggesting materials which are readily available at market related costs. The project estimate is a good guideline for the client and the design team to determine the scope of works and the extent of the finishes. Eliminating the financial uncertainty reduces the need for costly redesign and lost time. The project estimate will be beneficial to the client’s financial planning and funding requirements.
A comprehensive tender document and bills of quantities is one of the best ways to ensure that the client receives competitive tenders which can be evaluated thoroughly. This is but one of a Quantity Surveyor’s core services.
Compiling and implementing a building contract is another crucial step in the management of a project. The Quantity Surveyor can generally assist the Principal Agent by providing advice and managing the financial aspect of the contract. A Quantity Surveyor is testing the market every day. They have current and historic pricing information at their fingertips as well as all the necessary tools and knowledge to report that information to their peers.
As the work proceeds on site, the Quantity Surveyor provides the following services:
- Monthly budget reports
- Cash flow projections for funding requirements
- Inspecting monthly claims and recommending payments for work done on site to prevent over payment
- Estimated percentage completion of the project with regards to progress and payments
- Estimated proposed variations to the contract
- Tender and quotation analysis
- Negotiations with contractors
- Final Account settlement
- Advice on the building contract
- Assisting in the resolution of contractual claims
- Reviewing drawings and suggesting alternative methods
Loading the design team with financial aspect of the project could interfere with the design development and the quality of services could decrease if the pressure increases. If a Quantity Surveyor is appointed on the project, the team can be sure that the financial aspect of the project will be controlled in the best way possible.
Money is generally the core of a disagreement between a client and a contractor. A consultant who is in control of the financial aspect and performes within the building contract could easily assist in the resolution of such a disagreement without a lengthy and costly adjudication, arbitration or litigation process. In the event that a party turns insolvent, the Quantity Surveyor will be the key party to assist in the resolution of the matter.
The services of a Quantity Surveyor cannot always be directly linked to saving of a monetary value. Yes, there is a certain connection between the appointment of a Quantity Surveyor and the cost that they are saving. But another element is the knowledge, protection and assurance provided to the team. A Quantity Surveyor is an important link between all the consultants to make a complete professional team and can add invaluable input to arrive to a successful project.
All of the above mentioned items will save time and money. We all know time also equals money. A Quantity Surveyor will ensure that the client will obtain maximum value for money on their project.