If you’re the owner of a construction project, you’re interested in making the most of every penny you invest. That usually means carefully selecting services and hiring professionals you absolutely cannot do without – architects, engineers, builders, etc. But when it comes to quantity surveyors, many assume they’re a luxury. However, this assumption could cost you more in the long run.
What if we told you that a quantity surveyor isn’t an item of expenditure, they’re actually a smart investment that can have a positive effect at every stage of construction? This is how they can save you money on your next project.
1. Accurate Cost Estimations
Right from the start, a quantity surveyor can analyse your project in detail. Specifically, they determine how much labour, materials, and time it’ll take to complete the job. Using this information, they prepare a Bill of Quantities – a detailed document that helps contractors understand the scope of work and accurately price it during the tendering process. Overall, a QS helps prevent underpricing, overpricing, or nasty surprises down the line.
2. Contract Management
Every construction project involves entering into a contract. For smaller projects, it might be an accepted quote with terms and conditions, while larger ones use standardised contracts such as NEC or JCT. Either way, a quantity surveyor ensures those contracts protect your interests.
For starters, they will actively consult with clients during the tender stage and highlight contract clauses that could unfairly affect you. After a contract is in place, they help manage your contractual rights and obligations. In case of issues, they can refer to the contract and recommend appropriate actions. At the end of the day, contract management may lead to fewer disputes and a smoother, cost-effective performance.
3. Value Engineering
Value engineering implies getting the best possible outcome without cutting corners or sacrificing quality. In practice, it means that your QS will look at various alternatives (materials, construction methods, etc.), and identify ones that offer better value.
Let’s say there’s a material that performs just as well but costs significantly less. Or a technique that speeds things up. The task of your QS is to find those opportunities and help make decisions that benefit your project.
4. Budget Monitoring
You should realise that the construction process isn’t 100% predictable, even if you have the most accurate estimates. For instance, extreme weather can halt work for days, or you may run into hidden structural issues during a renovation. Long story short, there can be dozens of things that don’t go according to plan. You cannot control such unexpected events, but you can stay in control of cost management throughout the construction process.
A quantity surveyor provides ongoing cost monitoring and meticulously tracks expenditures against the budget. If there are any deviations, you will know about them early on and be able to take necessary actions.
5. Ensuring Compliance
Besides actual construction, your project will also involve paperwork, regulations, legal responsibilities, etc. Thanks to a professional quantity surveyor, you can ensure that everything – all contracts, designs, plans, and so on – complies with the industry standards. Avoiding delays, or alterations due to non-compliance is another great reason to hire a quantity surveyor.
6. Dispute Management
Disputes with your contractors may put your project at risk and lead to serious financial losses. However, if you have a quantity surveyor on your side, they will step in to provide expert advice and resolve issues as quickly as possible. Overall, they help prevent dispute escalations and expensive legal battles.
7. Final Account Preparation
As your project comes to an end, you can task your quantity surveyor with drawing up final accounts. Relying on the final invoices from your builder can be risky since they might include additional costs or apply for expenses after the project has been completed. However, if you have final accounts for each contractor, you can ensure that all parties agree with the final costs. Once they are signed, no additional costs can be requested unless stated otherwise in the contract.
Make Every Pound Count with Peja Surveying
Hiring a quantity surveyor is not another expense. It is an investment that pays off. At Peja Surveying, we’ve spent 8+ years helping construction project owners reach their goals. With countless success stories, we know how to keep your plans on track and your costs under control. Feel free to contact us to learn how we can help you save money on your next project.
