The Role of the Quantity Surveyor

A Quantity Surveyor is an individual whokept to monitoring the costs and economics
oversees many parts of the constructioninvolved during the construction process. Keeping
operation. Traditionally this role has beenthe project running without conflict and
performed by a highly trained person witheconomically sound are valuable services provided
extensive knowledge in the operationalby this role.
procedures involved with construction or projectPost-Construction
management. This position often acts as anAfter the project has been completed, the
independent contractor and is a trusted andresponsibilities and function shift. This objective
respected source for professional consultation.now is to monitor the building and make sure that
The roles of the Quantity Surveyor are diverseoperational costs are kept inside the budget.
and vital to the project life cycle.During this time, the responsibilities are to make
Project life cyclesure the project adheres to local and national tax
Quantity surveyors are a key member of thelaws. Insurance is another aspect of the project.
construction team; frequently involved from theInsurance claims and cost of replacement are
initial planning stages to the end of constructiondealt with by the Quantity Surveyor. Valuable and
and beyond. Fiscal, legal and engineering aspectsaccurate estimates of damages and costs of
are all managed by this positiondestroyed or damaged goods are also provided.
PlanningOther Roles/Responsibilities
During the planning procedures this individual playsThis role is not limited to overseeing the financial
a key role in assessing whether the project isand engineering aspects of the project.
feasible from an economic standpoint. TheContractors benefit from the estimates of
Quantity Surveyor may act in consulting role tocost-effective purchasing plans. Organizing tenders
engineers and architects, advising them on costand compiling purchase reports are crucial in
effective methodologies and procedures.optimizing spending during a project. During
Professionally trained in building code and by-laws,purchasing research, this individual may also
the surveyor will ensure that the project adheresprovide alternative purchasing plans. The balance
to local and national regulations. Feasibility, bothbetween cost and quality is important for any
from an engineering and economical standpoint, isconstruction process.
a key factor in the planning procedure.Contract drafting and interpretation is a valuable
Constructionrole that this position can provide. With a
While the project is underway and all the teamsprofessional knowledge of legal documents,
of engineers and construction personnel are inconsultation to companies, contractors, or any
operation, the Quantity Surveyor plays a pivotalinvolved in the construction process can be
role in making sure the process runs smoothlyprovided.
and within budget limits. Dispute conflict can ariseThe diverse and essential roles provided by the
during these times and the Quantity Surveyor, ifQuantity Surveyor allow for any aspect of the
need be, can step in to act as a liaison betweenconstruction or development process to run
conflicted members of the construction process.smoothly. By keeping the project within legal,
Good interpersonal relationships between alleconomical, and structural limits, this position is
members of the construction team keep thecrucial for any project.
project moving forward. Close attention is also