Objective of a Quantity Surveyor

A Quantity Surveyor can identify and collate the costs involved in order to develop an overall budget for any project. They can then undertake cost planning which aims to help all members of the design team arrive at practical solutions and stay within the project budget. It is the final detailed estimate prepared by the Quantity Surveyors, in consultation with a project architect, which forms a basis on which subsequent tenders can be evaluated. Schedules of quantities translate the drawing, plans and specifications produced by the design team to enable each contractor to calculate tender prices fairly, on exactly the same basis as the competitors.

Quantity surveying as a career, is both diverse and rewarding. The roles and
responsibilities of quantity surveyors are constantly changing and evolving, as
such, QS are often referred to as Construction Economists or Cost Managers.
The responsibilities of a QS can involve, but not limited to: cost planning, life
cycle cost studies, feasibility analysis, insurance replacement cost valuation,
value management contract administration, procurement advice, due diligence
reports.

An additional role of a QS is to act as an arbitrator. As such, in the case of
construction disputes the QS is often called on as an expert witness.
High in Demand

The demand for a QS is driven by the construction and engineering industries,
as well as, increasingly by the finance and property management sectors. Due
to the ever expanding range of services that the profession can provide, the
need for a QS has been constant. In recent years, we have seen the demand
for qualified and experienced QS increasing.

Quantity Surveyor means a person educated, trained and qualified, and who is particularly and regularly engaged, for the purpose of livelihood, in the following work:

The preparation of Bills and/or Schedules of Quantities of materials, labour and services required in the construction and equipment of building, or engineering works, and;
The preparation and valuation of progress and final payments in connection with any contract or sub-contract, and;
The appraisal of the value of proposed constructions or other structures already erected, and;
The preparation of specifications when required so to do, and;
Acting as arbitrator in cases of dispute in connection with building, or engineering work, when required so to do, and;
To advise from time to time on cost management, or value management.
To carry out such other duties as may properly be those of a Quantity Surveyor.