FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT

QS PRACTICES IN BUILDING CONSERVATION

LECTURER’S NAME

Sr Dr. Umi Kalsum Zolkafli @ Zulkifly

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

MATRIC NUMBER

U2100998
You have been appointed by Perbadanan Muzium Melaka (PERZIM) as a quantity surveying
consultants to assist and advise them on the maintenance of heritage building owned by PERZIM.
Advise PERZIM accordingly on the services that you are going to deliver and what will be the
professional fees for that services.

Quantity surveying services are an essential part of the construction industry, providing cost planning,
contractual and legal advice, project management, value engineering and sustainability advice. These
services are critical for ensuring the successful completion of project either new buildings or heritage
buildings. The job scope of construction work for both new building and conservation projects are not
that similar. This is because the conservation work for the heritage building is more crucial than the new
buildings. In terms of capability, extent, specification, and risk, the nature of conservation action is
difficult to predict. A qualified quantity surveyor in the field of heritage conservation is becoming more
important due to the requirement for fundamental quantity surveying services.

As a quantity surveying consultant that was hired by PERZIM, to assist with the maintenance of their
heritage buildings, I would love to provide a range of services to ensure their authenticity are still there
so that our future generations can get to know and enjoy it. Firstly, I will start with conducting through
survey of the building to identify any flaws, harm or destruction that would need to be repaired or
maintainence. This survey would serve as a starting point for creating an extensive maintenance plan
that appropriate scope of work, along with materials and resources needed, associated cost and the
estimated completion date. This would help the work become more efficient and smoother.

Next, I will offer affordable cost estimates for the maintainance and repair work based on the
maintenance plan, which will aid in informing budgeting and funding decisions. In addition, I will help
PERZIM to find contractors to execute the maintenance and repairs, which might entail creating bid
documents, assessing proposals, and overseeing the contract.

Other than that, I will also offer project management services throughout the maintenance and repair
work of the heritage buildings, to make sure it is performed on schedule and , within budget, and the
necessary quality standards are fulfilled. This may entail keeping an eye on the construction progress,

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controlling expenses and budgets, and making sure the renovations do not interfere with the heritage
building’s operations or its clients.

Futhermore, as a quantity surveyor consultant will offer a valuation towards engineering and provide
some advice in terms of sustainability if possible. The valuation will involve the analysis of the design and
construction process to identify ways to reduce costs. But, at the same time they still maintain their
authenticity in design, material, and workmanship. This is important to improve efficiency without
compromising on quality.

Last but not least, I will evaluate the long-term sustainaility of the maintenance and repair work, which
entails taking into account the work’s effect on the environment and seeking out oppportunities for
resource and energy efficiency. This will make it easier to guarantee the heritage building’s sustainable
preservation.

In terms of professional fees, as a quantity surveyor consultant, the services can vary depending on
various factors, such as the scope and complexity of the project, the level of expertise required, and the
duration of the engagement. Generally, the professional fees are charged based on an hourly rate or a
fixed fee basis. The hourly rate can range from RM100 to RM 500 per hour, depending on the experience
and qualifications of the quantity surveyor.

References:
Harun, S. N. (2011). Heritage Building Conservation in Malaysia: Experience and Challenges. Procedia
Engineering, 20, 41–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2011.11.137
webmaster. (n.d.). Quantity Surveying Division (QS). Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia.
https://rism.org.my/quantity-surveying-division-qs/
Scale of Fees & Practice. (n.d.). Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia. Retrieved May 2, 2023, from
https://www.bqsm.gov.my/en/committee/scale-of-fees-practice/
Difference between being a Consultancy Quantity Surveyor and a Contractor Quantity Surveyor…and
why it matters. (2018). Linkedin.com.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/difference-between-being-consultancy-quantity-surveyor-aishah-abdull
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