Types of Quantity Surveyors: Roles, Skills, and Responsibilities in Construction Projects
In the world of construction, a quantity surveyor is considered an integral part, and there are various Types of Quantity Surveyors. A quantity surveyor’s involvement in construction starts right from the planning phase. Their job is to ensure that the construction finances are being effectively managed. That is why these professionals are seen as a communication medium between a contractor and a client.
Definition of a Quantity Surveyor
The basic Quantity Surveyor Meaning is that they are those professionals who are responsible for managing and controlling costs in construction. They do so by ensuring that a project stays within the budget till the last construction phase. Other than that, they also ensure productive resource utilisation.
We will dive deeper and explore various types of QS in construction projects.
Distinctive Types of Quantity Surveyors in Construction
These are the specialists who are involved throughout a construction project’s lifecycle. Where the fundamental function is to manage costs, these professionals specialise in various construction phases.
1) Quantity Surveyor for Contractors
This quantity surveyor works with a contractor on a construction project. Their primary role is to ensure that a project is delivered profitably from a contractor’s viewpoint.
Primary Functions
- They are responsible for preparing bids and pricing strategies
- Negotiate with subcontractors and suppliers on behalf of a contractor
- Monitor construction costs to ensure that they stay within the set budgetary constraints
Professional Requirements
- Knowledge about different construction techniques
- Strong relationship development with suppliers
- Adequate risk management acumen
2) Client Quantity Surveyor
This quantity surveyor, as the name suggests, provides advisory services to a client. Thus, represent and protect their finances throughout the project.
Core Functions
- They analyse how financially feasible a project is
- Determine and develop the costs of required quantities along with the bid documentation
- Administer construction contracts and manage contractual variations
Required Competencies
- Client relationship management
- Ample knowledge of contractual law
- Cost management and estimation with accuracy
3) Senior Quantity Surveyor
This Quantity Surveyor Role is to supervise multiple projects at a given time. Also, they manage teams of quantity surveyors in a large-scale project.
Responsible
- Development of construction strategies and policies
- Allocating resources in a construction project
- Supervising contractual negotiations
Technical Proficiencies
- Team leading and management traits
- Contractual negotiations and conflict resolution
- Financial assessment and reporting
4) MEP Quantity Surveyor
MEP Quantity Surveyor Services focuses on creating a budget for MEP systems in a construction project.
Fundamental Duties
- Estimating the cost of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Ensure that the work-related needs of MEP subcontractors are met
- Coordinate with other MEP specialists, such as engineers, designers, and estimators
- Performing value engineering in the MEP system construction projects.
Foundational Responsibilities
- Technical aptitude for MEP system installation
- Interpretation skills of MEP drawings and any other specifications
- Coordinating with specialists associated with MEP systems
5) Estimation Quantity Surveyor
These quantity surveyors’ area of focus lies with the pre-construction phase, in which they estimate the total required costs.
Major Duties
- Prepare and examine project bids with contractors
- Prepare cost estimates for a construction project
- Identification of risky areas and the development of risk-mitigating strategies
Key Proficiencies
- Detail-oriented while assuring accuracy in the estimates
- Mathematical efficacy
- Aptitude for using construction estimation software
6) Civil Engineering Quantity Surveyor
This type of QS is to oversee and inspect projects, such as roads, buildings, tunnels, dams, and any other public-related infrastructure.
Role Overview
- Cost management for infrastructures
- Tackling complex site conditions
- Managing site utilities and any other temporary work
Critical Skills
- Basic understanding of civil engineering principles
- Capable of analysing and calculating site earthworks
- Incorporating sustainable practices where possible
7) Financial Quantity Surveyor
This QS is known for providing financial advice through the design stage of a construction project. Their whole focus is on assuring value engineering in the entire design stage.
Basic Responsibilities
- Cost plan development through a design stage
- Ensuring value engineering in all design tasks
- Risk identification and contingency planning
Notable Skills
- Cost planning strategically
- Fundamental design understanding
- Data analysis for risk assessment
Additional Beneficial Expertise for Quantity Surveyors
Each Kind of Quantity Surveyor has its own set of skills. Besides those specific characteristics, a QS must also possess the following expertise:
Interpersonal
- Efficient analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
- Communication and collaboration with other professionals
- Organised documentation and time management
- Negotiation skills on behalf of clients or contractors
Technical
- Know construction-related technology, whether it’s construction management or estimation software
- Continuing the above point, one can perform Material Takeoff Services in a construction project by using digital tools
- Cost control and planning techniques
Workplace
- Knowledgeable regarding construction regulations and codes
- Implementing and inspecting work-related health and safety measures
- Environmental considerations
Imperativeness of Hiring a Quantity Surveyor
The construction realm has evolved to the point where it has become quite complex, and it is still continuously evolving. That is why a quantity surveyor has become an integral part of a construction project. The points below will help you get a better grip on why a QS is essential:
- They ensure that costs are controlled and estimates are accurate till the end
- They identify any financial or contractual risks and rectify them to prevent any potential losses
- They ensure that a project’s resources are optimally utilised to gain maximum outcome
- With thorough planning and management, they ensure that work is being done in accordance with the agreed-upon quality standards.
Final Comments
There are numerous types of Quantity Surveyors across the construction industry. Each type of quantity surveyor QS plays a critical role in construction. This professional ensures that a construction project remains within its budgetary limitations from the initial stage to completion. Also, these professionals ensure that the project is being conducted according to the agreement and in compliance with all the local regulatory codes. Because of the recognisable importance of a quantity surveyor in construction, this article uncovers valuable information about their roles, duties, and necessary skills that they must possess.
