All quantity surveyor jobs are concerned with keeping a construction project’s costs under control and ensuring that all contracts are completed as agreed. The construction industry, primarily in Europe and parts of Asia, employs the majority of quantity surveyors. This is a professional position that requires extensive post-secondary education and certification. A cost accountant typically performs the same function in North America. However, many businesses have discovered that a quantity surveyor brings additional skills and knowledge to the table.
Cost planning, value management, property survey review, and life cycle costing are the four main jobs of quantity surveyors. All four jobs necessitate the completion of a post-secondary training program that includes instruction in schematic diagram reading, project costing, purchasing practices, construction, and contract law. Although many of these skills are taught in general project management and cost accounting courses, the construction industry has nuances that can have a significant impact on the outcome and conclusions. Furthermore, only a dedicated surveyor program offers schematic diagram review and surveying techniques.
Cost planning is important in any business, but it is especially important in construction. The values provided are used to calculate the total project cost, sale price, profit margin, and feasibility of the project. The quantity surveyor determines the material to be purchased, its price, and quantity based on the project plans, detailed description, and specifications.
Reviewing contracts and ensuring that all contracted services are provided is one of the quantity surveyor’s primary responsibilities. Contract types include everything from skilled trades to supplies. In evaluating contract compliance, addressing issues, and reaching satisfactory resolutions, a thorough understanding of the construction industry is essential. For example, if a new housing development has a contract with a plumbing services company, the surveyor can inspect the work and ensure that the contracted equipment was used.
Property surveys are a part of value management, which is a big part of a lot of quantity surveying jobs. The scope of this work includes everything from locating hidden survey flaws to overseeing the survey process as part of a real estate transaction. Further research in this area could be used to challenge real estate contracts or legislation.
Any construction project proposal should include life cycle costing. When submitting proposals to governments or property management companies, this is especially true. All project-related costs must be included in the total cost of ownership. These expenses include everything from routine maintenance to staffing costs incurred as a result of the structural design.