Faculty of Technology

Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

DCLPPM 153

ASSIGNMENT – 1
Short report on the "Role of the Quantity Surveyors
(QS) during the economic crisis

page. 1
Table of Contents
 Introduction to Quantity Surveying .................................................................................................... 4
 Role of the Quantity Surveyors .......................................................................................................... 5
Quantity Surveyor Roles in Tender Stage............................................................................................... 5
Quantity Surveyor Roles in Feasibility Stage ......................................................................................... 5
Quantity Surveyor Roles in Design Stage............................................................................................... 5
Quantity Surveyor Roles in Tender Stage............................................................................................... 5
Quantity Surveyor Roles in Construction Stage...................................................................................... 5
Other Quantity Surveyor Duties ............................................................................................................. 5
 Quantity Surveyor Job Descriptions ................................................................................................... 6
 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................ 8

page. 2
SUBMITTED BY:

1. Mr.A.Rakukaran STDCLPPM 0235

2. Mr.W.G.I.P.Rathnakumara STDCLPPM0251

3. Mr.R.M.N.Gunathilaka STDCLPPM0247

4. Mr.R.Sukeenthiran STDCLPPM0212

5. MRS.D.N.LSajeevika Karunarathne STDCLPPM 0214

6. Mr.L.Nivvethithan STDCLPPM0228

7. Miss.SJ.Thushani

page. 3
  Introduction to Quantity Surveying

Quantity surveyor (construction cost consultant /cost estimators) work for either the client or the
contractor and can be based in an office or on-site. They make sure the costs of large construction and
infrastructure projects are accurately estimated based on initial requirements and project specs.
Having a quantity surveyor as part of the team from start to finish ensuring
that the project is costed out correctly and remains financially feasible at every stage of a construction
project. Quantity surveyors maintain a balanced and realistic approach to the funding of every project
to make sure there are no cost overruns, nor that the purse strings are not held too tight. Either extreme
has the potential for a catastrophic outcome.
If budgets are too tight, the quality of the project could suffer and if spending is in free fall, then the
funds may run out before the project is completed.

page. 4
  Role of the Quantity Surveyors

Quantity Surveyor Roles in Tender Stage

Quantity Surveyor should advise on the contractual documentation to clients. Moreover, Quantity Surveyor
also needs to prepare recommendations for interim payments, post-contract cost control and final account.
Furthermore, Quantity Surveyor should provide and price bills of quantities, prepare cost analysis, advice
on financial implications, advise on the use of areas and provide a measurement of areas, provide advice on
contractual matters.

Quantity Surveyor Roles in Feasibility Stage

 Preliminary Cost advice
 Project Feasibility Study
 Cost Planning and Budget Establishment

Quantity Surveyor Roles in Design Stage

 Budget Cost Control
 Advice on Contractual methods and Tendering Procedures.

Quantity Surveyor Roles in Tender Stage

 Advice on Selection of Contractors
 Preparation of Expenditure Statements for Tax and Accounting
 Technical Auditing

Quantity Surveyor Roles in Construction Stage

 Contract Documents
 Project Control
 Interim Payment
 Evaluation of Variations

Other Quantity Surveyor Duties

 Assessment of Building Replacement Value for Insurance
 Expert Evidence in Arbitration and Mediation
 Represent the Employer/Client in Design and Build Contract
 Evaluation of Life Cycle

page. 5
  Quantity Surveyor Job Descriptions
 The preparation of Bills and Schedules of Quantities of materials, labour and services required in
the construction and equipment of building, or engineering works.

 Preparing tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities with the architect or the
client.
 Preparation of specifications when required so to do.

 Undertaking costs analysis for repair and maintenance project work.

 Assisting in establishing a client’s requirements and undertaking feasibility studies.

 Performing risk and value management and cost control.

 Preparing and analysing costings for tenders.

 Advising on procurement strategy.

 Identifying, analysing, and developing responses to commercial risks.

 Allocating work to subcontractors.

page. 6
  Providing advice on contractual claims.

 Analysing outcomes and writing detailed progress reports.

 Valuing completed work and arranging payments.

 Maintaining awareness of the different building contracts in current use.

 Understanding the implications of health and safety regulations.

 Areas requiring more specialised knowledge include Offering advice on property taxation.

 Providing post-occupancy advice, facilities management services and life cycle costing advice.
 Assisting clients in locating and accessing additional and alternative sources of funds.

 Enabling clients to initiate construction projects.

 Advising on the maintenance costs of specific projects.

page. 7
  Conclusion
In the economic crisis, the role of the quantity surveyor is playing major role in all type of construction
industries. They predetermine source availability, and material requirement and cash flow analysis as well
as whether the work can be completed to that extent.
According to their duty as seen above, their role is those who can reduce the costs at one point and those
who can add the necessary things and decide whether it can be spent and completed. Therefore, their role is
very important during this economic crisis.

Ze costing1.Project
management1.Advice on
contractual disputes1.Preparati

page. 8