Understanding the ability of the Quantity Surveyor to Influence Construction Cost.

The ability of the Quantity Surveyor to Influence Construction Cost Throughout the Construction Cycle The construction industry is a highly competitive and challenging sector, and the ability to control construction costs is a critical factor in ensuring the success of a project. The role of the quantity surveyor is to provide cost management services to clients throughout the construction cycle, and their ability to influence construction costs is crucial to the success of the project. The quantity surveyor is a professional who specializes in estimating, managing, and controlling construction costs. They work with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that construction projects are completed within budget and on schedule. In this blog, we will explore the various ways in which the quantity surveyor can influence construction cost throughout the construction cycle.

1. Pre-Construction Phase

The pre-construction phase is a critical stage in the construction cycle, as it sets the foundation for all future work. During this phase, the quantity surveyor works with the project team to develop a detailed estimate of construction costs, and their ability to influence construction costs at this stage can have a significant impact on the overall project outcome.

• Cost Estimating: The quantity surveyor provides cost estimates for the project based on the available design and specification information. Their expertise in construction materials, techniques, and methods enables them to provide accurate and reliable cost estimates, which are critical to the success of the project.

• Budgeting: The quantity surveyor works with the project team to establish a project budget, taking into account all construction costs, including labor, materials, and indirect costs. This budget serves as a foundation for all future decision making and helps to ensure that the project remains within its financial constraints.

• Value Engineering: Value engineering is a systematic process of evaluating the cost and performance of the design, and the quantity surveyor plays a critical role in this process. They work with the project team to identify areas where cost savings can be made without sacrificing quality or performance.

1. Construction Phase

The construction phase is the main stage of the construction cycle, and the quantity surveyor’s ability to influence construction costs during this phase is crucial to the success of the project.

• Cost Control: The quantity surveyor is responsible for monitoring and controlling construction costs throughout the construction phase. They track project costs on a regular basis and compare actual costs to the budget to identify any deviations. They work with the project team to address any cost overruns and take corrective action to keep the project on track.

• Change Order Management: Changes to the design or construction process can have a significant impact on construction costs, and the quantity surveyor plays a critical role in managing these changes. They review change orders to ensure that they are justified and that the cost impact is accurately reflected in the project budget.

• Claims Management: Construction projects can often result in disputes between the contractor and the owner, and the quantity surveyor plays a critical role in resolving these disputes. They work with the project team to review and evaluate claims, and to ensure that all parties are fairly compensated for any additional work.

1. Post-Construction Phase

The post-construction phase begins after the building has been completed and occupied, and the quantity surveyor’s ability to influence construction costs during this phase is still important.

• Final Cost Reporting: The quantity surveyor is responsible for providing a final report on the actual construction costs, which is used to evaluate the project performance. They compare actual costs to the budget to identify areas where cost savings were made or where cost overruns occurred.

• Warranty Management: The quantity surveyor plays a critical role in managing the warranty period, during which the contractor is responsible for any issues.