Have you ever wondered how the quantification of building materials is accomplished? Who is responsible for measuring the necessary quantities of materials?
Construction projects can be quite complex, with various factors like cost, quality, and time always hanging in the balance. That’s where Quantity Surveyors come in — they’re like the superheroes of the construction industry! (Well of course we are not forgetting the Architects or the Engineers). Quantity Surveyors are the experts to turn to if you want to keep your construction project on track. They know a lot about managing costs, making sure things are good quality, and sticking to schedules. They make sure everything is running smoothly and everyone involved can relax a bit.
So if things get difficult during your construction project, Quantity Surveyors can help you out and make things better. These experts are trusted by all the stakeholders involved to navigate through these challenges with their expertise and proficiency.
So in this article, we will provide an overview of what you need to know about this profession.
Imagine, just for a moment, a world without Quantity Surveyors. Construction projects would be like ships adrift, with no one to navigate the treacherous waters of costs and timelines. The intricate dance between design, construction, and operation would be chaotic, lacking the steady hand of these experts. Project stakeholders would be left in the dark, grappling with financial uncertainties and unmitigated risks.
Quantity Surveyors are like financial superheroes in the construction industry. They jump into action right from the start of a project and stick around until the very end. In the pre-construction phase, these heroes put on their estimating capes and calculate the project’s cost based on the fancy designs and plans made by the architects and engineers. They make sure to include everything in their estimate such as the cost of labor, materials, equipment, and any unexpected expenses that might pop up along the way. These experts have got the construction project’s financial management game on point!
Some of their responsibilities include:
- Cost Estimating: Chartered Quantity Surveyors prepare cost estimates by analyzing project plans and specifications. They estimate the amount of material, labour, and equipment required for the project and develop a budget based on these estimates.
- Cost Planning: They develop a cost plan for the project, which is used as a benchmark for project costs.
- Cost Control: Chartered Quantity Surveyors monitor project expenses and make sure that they are within budget. They also identify areas where cost savings can be made.
- Procurement: They manage the procurement process, which includes sourcing suppliers and negotiating
- Risk Management: Chartered Quantity Surveyors assess and manage project risks, including those associated with delays, cost overruns, and safety hazards.
- Contract Administration: They ensure that construction contracts are properly administered, including payment processing, variation management, and dispute resolution.
- Final Account Settlement: Chartered Quantity Surveyors manage the final account settlement process, which involves the preparation of final accounts and negotiating the final payment to contractors.
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor is someone who has gone through a more rigorous professional qualification process and has obtained specific certification from a professional body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Quantity Surveyors (RICS). These individuals have successfully demonstrated their competence and understanding by passing the specific exams based on the high level standards set by the regulatory body. A Quantity Surveyor, on the other hand, could be anyone who works in the field of construction and responsible for managing and controlling the costs of the construction projects. They may or may not possess an academic qualifications as some may obtained the skills through working experience. As such, individuals whom labelled themselves Quantity Surveyor may not necessarily hold professional certification from a recognised regulatory body. So in short, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor is a specific type of quantity surveyor who has met additional professional standards and has obtained formal certification for their expertise in the field.
Construction projects can be quite the maze. There’s a whole bunch of complex factors involved, like design, construction, and operation. A Chartered Quantity Surveyor is a professional who provides financial advice and management for construction projects. By hiring a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, project stakeholders can achieve better control over project costs and timelines. This is done by using their expertise to identify potential cost savings and risk mitigation strategies. Upon the commencement of the project, the Chartered Quantity Surveyor continually monitors the costs, budget, and cash flow. They ensure that the project stays within the budget and raise any red flags if the project is likely to exceed the estimated cost. They also provide regular reports to the client on the project’s financial status. Furthermore, with the increasing emphasis on sustainable construction, the Quantity Surveyor must also have knowledge of sustainable materials and practices. This role involves seeking out innovative and sustainable solutions that are cost-effective and do not compromise the project’s overall quality.
For individuals who aspire to embark on the path of becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, they are required to acquire a degree in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, such as Construction Management. This undergraduate program typically spans three to four years and encompasses a comprehensive curriculum covering essential subjects such as construction technology, contract management, cost control, and measurement techniques. Upon successful completion of their degree, aspiring candidates must engage in a professional training program that is officially recognized by a reputable governing body in the country where they intend to practice. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the regulatory authority for the Quantity Surveying profession is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Aspiring professionals aiming to attain Chartered Quantity Surveyor status in the UK must fulfill specific requirements and these include the completion of an RICS accredited degree, a minimum of two years of practical experience in the field, and successfully passing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). The APC constitutes a structured two-year training program that involves supervised work experience, continuous professional development, and a comprehensive final assessment. It serves as a rigorous evaluation of an individual’s competence and proficiency in the field of Quantity Surveying, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the highest professional standards.
For more information on RICS APC, you may visit RICS’s website: https://www.rics.org/join-rics/rics-member- grades/chartered-member-mrics/ assessment-of-professional-competence- apc
For Employer, the role of the quantity surveyor is critical to the success of any construction project, as such engaging the right person for the work is utmost important. If you are considering hiring a quantity surveyor, it is important to do your research and find a qualified professional who has experience in the type of project you are planning. It is totally fine whether to engage a Chartered or a Non-Chartered Quantity Surveyor depending on the requirement and budget allocated for the project. However, hiring a Chartered Quantity Surveyor will somehow gives the Employer some level of assurance as they are working with someone who has achieved a recognized level of expertise. Moreover, Chartered professional are more likely to have professional liability insurance than Non-chartered professional, and are subject to disciplinary procedures which ultimately means better risk management for the Employer.
For clients who wish to engage a quantity surveyor as an expert witness in court or arbitration proceeding, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor will provides additional credibility. Chartered Quantity Surveyors are experienced in their field and they have gone through vigorous vetting process to achieve their professional qualification. As such, this experience and expertise mean that they can provide strong and confident testimony in support of their findings. In addition, they are subject to codes of conduct and professional ethics that require them to remain impartial. This ensures that they will provide unbiased expert opinions.
For individuals who wish to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, the key requirements include obtaining a relevant degree in quantity surveying or a related field, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the assessment and qualification process established by the relevant professional body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is also crucial to have excellent communication, analytical, and problem- solving skills and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. With these qualifications and attributes, individuals can successfully pursue a career as a chartered quantity surveyor and enjoy the benefits that come with the professional certification.
Feel free to connect with us if you have questions or queries on the above. Please be informed that this article shall not be construed as legal or contractual advice, the information contained herein is for informational purposes only.
