DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

QUANTITY SURVEYING & ESTIMATING 1

Topic 1 General Introduction to Quantity Surveying and Estimating

A. What is quantity surveying and estimating?

Quantity surveying is calculation of the quantities of materials required and expenses likely
to be incurred in the construction of work. Estimating is the procedure of calculating
approximate cost of a work by calculating the cost at suitable rates.

Quantity surveying is the branch of construction studies which deals with the cost of
construction works. To enable a quantity surveyor to perform his / her duties effectively, he /
she must have an adequate understanding of the laws, economics, engineering, mathematics
and the concepts relating to types of construction works involved.

B. What are the roles and responsibilities of a consulting Quantity Surveyor?

1. Undertake economic feasibility studies of construction projects – such as project

appraisal. Is it economically advisable to undertake the project?
2. Preparation of preliminary estimates (cost advise)
✓ the probable cost of project based on the client’s brief (before detail drawings are
prepared)
✓ the type and size of building that can be constructed within client’s cost limits or
budget
3. Design cost planning and cost control, involving
✓ analysis of building at the design stage so that the cost of various parts are assessed
and related to the cost the whole building
✓ the cost of alternative designs are assessed from which a choice is made based on
cost and performance
✓ from these decisions and choices, a suitable design is arrived at within the budget
4. Estimating the cost of construction projects
5. Preparation of bills of quantities
6. Preparation of tender documents such as Articles of agreement, Conditions of contract,
Form of tender (tender form), Bills of quantities, Schedule of rates, Specifications,
Drawings (by architects and engineers)
7. Advice on how tenders should be obtained
8. Advise on the form of contract (Conditions of contract) to be used for the project based
on the type of project, the circumstances of the project, the client’s needs, etc.
9. Examines, and analyses tenders or quotations received from main contractors, sub –
contractors, suppliers, etc., and prepare tender reports
10. Assess the value of work done by contractors for the purpose of progress payments
11. Cost control during the construction stage of the project, example;
✓ assessing the cost of variations
✓ financial effects of delays, extension of time, etc.
✓ preparing periodic reports of the financial position of construction work on progress

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12. Interprets the terms or conditions of contract as they affect the project, example;
✓ the rights and responsibilities of the parties
✓ the powers of the various persons on the contract
✓ the effects of certain actions or lack of action
✓ when and how a contractor’s claim can be succeed
13. Analyses, assess and negotiates contractual claims
14. Prepare and or agrees the final account (Final Account in construction contracts is the
agreed statement of the amount of money to be paid at the end of a building contract by the
employer to the contractor) of the project to the contractor (or contractor’s representative)

C. What are the duties and responsibilities of the contractor’s Quantity Surveyor?

The duties and responsibilities of the quantity surveyor who works for a construction
company will vary according to the size of the firm (company).

The main duties / responsibilities will include several of the following (but not limited);
1. Preparation of bills of quantities for small and medium size projects
2. Re – measurement of works on large contracts
3. Preparation of estimate to enable the construction company to submit tenders
4. Preparation of schedule of materials required for carrying out construction projects
5. Calculations of site operations cost to help future tender estimating
6. Costing of work done on site and comparing with tender amounts so as to find out the
profitability of the work
7. Preparation and/or agreeing on the valuation of the work done for the purpose of
progress payments
8. Preparations, submitting to and agreeing with the consultants, claims for reimbursable
site costs such as;
✓ variations
✓ day works
✓ rise and fall, etc.
9. Agreeing on sub – contractors and suppliers accounts
10. Preparation and agreeing the final account of the projects with the consultants

D. What are the main areas of employment for a quantity surveyor?

The main areas of employment includes (but not limited) to the following:
1. Setting up own practice as a consulting quantity surveyor
2. Working as an employee for;
✓ professional / consulting firms
✓ main contractors
✓ sub – contracting companies
✓ manufacturers / suppliers of construction materials
✓ government departments
✓ statutory organizations
✓ educational institutions (teachers, lecturers, researchers, etc.)

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