Client Quantity Surveyor Details: Budgeting, Tendering & Cost Management
In any size of construction project, there are many factors at play; thus, dealing with each one of them is nearly impossible for a client, which is why a Client Quantity Surveyor comes into action.
Construction is a line of work where adequate financial and resource management can lead to major setbacks. A project may face unexpected time delays, or the project may have exceeded its planned expenses. So, to tackle these and several other aspects, the services of a quantity surveyor are crucial. Think of them as a financial handler for the entire construction process.
ACHIEVE CLARITY ABOUT THE ROLE OF A CLIENT QUANTITY SURVEYOR WITH US AND LEARN HOW THEY MAXIMIZE YOUR PROJECT’S POTENTIAL!
A Look into the Role of a Client Quantity Surveyor
A client QS is an expert who is hired to deal with the construction and all its aspects. Being a client QS, they oversee and manage finances, resources, and timelines, and collaborate with other professionals.
Let’s have a deeper understanding of what construction aspects they are involved in.
Impactful Contributions of a Quantity Surveyor in Construction
Also known as an Employer Quantity Surveyor, this expert contributes to a construction project, as explained in the discussion below:
1. Budget Formation
By liaising with clients, a client QS will help in establishing and managing a budget. They will be involved in the budget preparation process right from the preliminary estimation stages. In this stage, Pre-Construction Estimating Services are performed by a professional estimator. These estimates analyse financially feasible projects. And, a QS will be present as a proxy of the client.
A quantity surveyor will also make sure that reserve funds are actually added to deal with any possible uncertainty in any construction phase.
A client’s QS role definitely goes beyond budget preparations. They also monitor that all the construction expenses are being done as per the outlined budget.
This encompasses the following:
2) Cost Planning and Distribution
In the pre-construction phase, a QS, along with the cost estimator, plans for each construction task. They will perform comprehensive Material Takeoff Services required for construction. Not only that, but they will also estimate the cost of required labour and equipment.
These services will ensure that every segment of construction receives the right budget to carry out its particular tasks. Another purpose for carrying out these services in detail is to gain better control over the expenditure in construction. More control ultimately means that the budget would not be disturbed throughout the construction.
3) Strategic Tendering
For rendering development, a client QS works with the design team. While working with them, they assess which procurement path will yield the most favorable outcome for the client. In strategizing, they will evaluate the following Tendering option:
Competitive tendering
In this strategy, the scope of the construction is well defined, and a client can choose from multiple contractors.
Negotiated tendering
This tendering strategy is needed when a client wants a contractor to become a partner or when the availability of contractors is limited.
Design and build tendering
This strategy is applied when the requirements of a project are not clearly outlined. In this strategy, the risk shifts mostly towards the contractor.
Additional Essential Contributions of a Client QS
A client’s QS contribution goes beyond the aforementioned categories. They will also be included in the following:
Contractual Administration
A quantity surveyor also reviews the submissions of a contract. In this review, they will assess that the agreed-upon contract terms are included.
Value Management
As a client, QS is a client liaison; they ensure value management in all tasks. By working with construction and MEP Cost Estimators. They do so to constantly find opportunities where cost can be saved without jeopardizing the quality. They will always look for better and more cost-effective alternative materials or MEP components.
Claims Management
A quantity surveyor also plays a crucial role in managing any claims. They will examine a contractor’s right to claim. They do so by inspecting the event that caused the right to claim. By acting on behalf of a client, they will negotiate fairly, keeping in mind the interests of a client.
An Overview of a Client Quantity Surveyor’s Responsibilities
This aims to provide you with an overview of a Client Quantity Surveyor’s Responsibilities:
Financial Optimization
A quantity surveyor makes sure that the finances in a construction project are being managed efficiently. They ensure that the cost estimates are accurate and remain so throughout the project. This will not only prevent the budget from exceeding, but will also ensure cost optimization in each task.
Legal Compliance
Quantity surveyors, because of their expertise, can effectively ensure a construction project’s legal compliance. They ensure that each task complies with all the legal obligations.
Risk Elimination
A client’s QS is also responsible for developing risk-mitigating strategies for any potential risks in construction. These strategies ensure that a client’s investments are protected and the costs are being managed optimally.
Standardized Quality Control
A quantity surveyor will make sure that a standardized quality is maintained in all the construction tasks. Focusing on qualitative work, they ensure that the entire construction project meets the highest standards of efficiency. Thus, enhancing a client’s satisfaction and portraying the utmost credibility of a quantity surveyor.
MAKE YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BY HIRING US AS YOUR QUANTITY SURVEYOR AND GET THE MOST CLIENT-TAILORED SERVICES!
Concluding Remarks
Wrapping all of the above, a Client Quantity Surveyor is the one who plays a paramount role in a construction project. They are involved from the initial planning stage to the final construction walkthrough of a client. Their involvement ensures that a client that every aspect of construction is being performed while keeping in mind the best possible interests of the client. Furthermore, with this article, you can have a better understanding of what a quantity surveyor working on behalf of a client does!
