Quantity Surveyor is the person responsible for figuring out just what a building is going to cost and in some cases for making sure that construction costs and production are managed as efficiently as possible. Quantity surveyors have usually completed an appropriate degree course. In most countries, there are universities providing the Quantity Surveying courses. In the Philippines, most of becoming Quantity Surveyors in their occupation are those graduated with Bachelor’s Degrees and some have undertaken by years of work experience. Quantity Surveyors work from the feasibility stage of a project through to the completion of the construction period. After construction they may be involved with tax depreciation schedules, replacement cost estimation for insurance purposes.

 

Feasibility Stage:

At feasibility stage Quantity Surveyors use their knowledge of construction methods and costs to advise the owner on the most economical way of achieving his requirements.

 

Design Stage:

During design the Quantity Surveyor ensures that the design remains on budget through Cost Management. Essential additions are offset by identified other savings. On completion of design and drawings, the quantity surveyor may prepare a Bill of Quantities, which is issued with the specification, for use by contractors in submitting tenders.

 

Tender Stage:

The contractor’s Quantity Survey-ors generally prepare tenders, and may price alternatives for consideration. The quantity surveyor is usually involved in assessing tenders and may also have been asked to advise on the type of contract or special clauses in it.

 

Construction Stage:

During construction the Quantity Surveyors are called on to fairly value progress payments at regular intervals. They will also value changes to design or quantities which may arise by reference to appropriate Bill of Quantities rates. The contractor’s Quantity Surveyors /Contract Administrator will have prepared claims for progress payments and additional work.

 

Construction Complete Stage:

When construction is complete the Quantity Surveyors can produce depreciation schedules of the various project components and advise on realistic insurance replacement costs. In the case of construction disputes the Quantity Surveyor is often called on as an expert witness and some Quantity Surveyors act as arbitrators. Both the contractor’s and owner’s Quantity Survey-ors will be involved in this.

 

Skills of a Quantity Surveyor

• Skills in reading building plans;

• Estimating building and material cost;

• Skills in oral and written communication;

• Problem-solving negotiation skills;

• Mathematics and basic ac-counting skills; and

• Good organizational and time management skills.

 

Personal Qualities of a Quantity Surveyor:

• Quantity Surveyors need to be practical, responsible, patient and accurate, with an eye for detail;

• They need good decision making ability and it is important that they are ethical and honest;

• Quantity Surveyors also need to be able to work well under pressure; and

• Quantity Surveyors are expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism to-wards all parties involved, thus ensuring fair and accurate finalization of projects.

 

Educational Qualities of a Quantity Surveyor:

Useful subjects include mathematics with statics, English, computing, economics and technical drawing. A Continuing Professional Education is needed for further development and training.

 

Job Expectation of a Quantity Surveyor:

There are good employment opportunities in overseas for Quantity Surveyors and the skills are diverse and easily transferable to other types of employment. Over the years, technology has influenced the role of Quantity Surveyors. Computer programs are increasingly being used to calculate costs and estimates for building projects, thus Continuing Professional Education is needed.

 

Excerpts from the Convention Technical Session presented by Engr. Eleazar Mendoza of Saudi Oger Ltd. together with Engr. Bernardo Hilario of Dar Al Riyadh Consultants