Quantity surveying (QS) involves monitoring procurement, contractual issues, and managing all costs associated with civil engineering, building, and architectural projects. These professionals are well-versed in uncovering opportunities to minimize expenses, and provide advice on implications of the clients’ requirements as well as other stakeholders’ decisions.

Quantity surveyors, closely monitor the complete construction cycle, provide an accurate value for the construction cost estimates, predict accurate task duration times, update supply progress reports, and perform other tasks that inherently reduce the risk of setbacks or delays. They aspire to ensure a cost-efficient project without ever failing to adhere to health and safety regulations or compromising on the quality end.

Let us discuss 4 critical things an estimator must know about quantity surveying.

Prime Duties Of A Quantity Surveyor

• Monitoring and advising on initial legal contractual obligations
• Updating initial estimates as the construction progresses
• Strategic planning after analyzing variations and additional work needed
• Conducting feasibility studies to estimate labor costs, materials, task times, and more
• Exceptional communication skills to report observations of actual versus budget
• Valuing the completed work accurately
• Arranging for timely payments
• Computer literate with the ability to absorb complex information quickly

What Every Estimator Should Know About Quantity Surveying

#1: Producing Accurate Values

The processes and systems you set from the start will assist you in preparing consistently accurate estimates promptly.

Sometimes, using just the square foot per dollar value does not provide you with enough information to curate accurate estimates.

Experts recommend learning to use and calculate productivity and crew rates to determine task durations, crew costs, and more and adding them to the estimates.

#2: Setting Up Systems That Expediate Tasks

You need to be well-versed with templates, check-lists, and reliable project management software. An efficient estimator must possess the ability to gather all information specific to the particular project to make tasks more efficient.

#3: Staying Well-Versed With The Ever-Evolving Laws

A good Quantity Surveyor  knows all applicable building laws, codes, and regulations. They also need to stay updated with the updates introduced by the OSHA standards, Construction Lien Act, and Labor Codes. By being familiar with relevant rules, regulations, and laws, they can ensure the protection of stakeholders from any legal issues that may arise otherwise.

#4: Understanding The Project Milestones

Since each project has its own particular set of deliverables and life cycle, an Quantity Surveyor should have a clear understanding of what each project needs at various stages, such as startup, intermediate or final phase.

Since each phase requires a unique set of deliverables, it is crucial to understand the project life cycle to stay on schedule while being cost-efficient.