Quantity surveyors are essential members of the construction industry. They are responsible for managing the costs of construction projects, from the initial planning stages to the final completion. Quantity surveyors work closely with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed within budget and on time.
There are two main types of quantity surveyors:
- Client-side quantity surveyors work for the client, such as a property developer or government agency. They are responsible for advising the client on the cost of a project and for managing the contract with the contractor.
- Contractor-side quantity surveyors work for the contractor. They are responsible for estimating the cost of the project, preparing and managing the contract. Also, they monitor the progress of the project to ensure that it is completed within budget.
Do Quantity Surveyors Go On Site?
Yes, quantity surveyors do go on site. However, the frequency and duration of their visits will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. For example, client-side quantity surveyors may visit the site more often during the early stages of a project to discuss design changes and to monitor progress. Contractor-side quantity surveyors may visit the site more often during the construction phase to measure work completed and to prepare valuations.
How often do QS professionals go on site?
The frequency of quantity surveyor site visits will vary depending on the project. For smaller projects, quantity surveyors may only need to visit the site a few times throughout the construction process. However, for larger, more complex projects, they may need to visit the site on a weekly or even daily basis.
Why do QS professionals go on site?
QS professionals go on site for a variety of reasons, including:
- To conduct site surveys and measurements
- To inspect the quality of work and materials
- To review progress and identify any potential delays
- To meet with contractors and subcontractors
- To resolve any disputes or issues
- To oversee the final handover of the project
Tasks Performed by Quantity Surveyors On Site
Some of the tasks that QS Professionals may perform on site include:
- Measuring and recording work completed: Quantity surveyors need to accurately measure the amount of work that has been completed in order to prepare valuations and to ensure that the project is on track.
- Inspecting work for quality: Quantity surveyors need to ensure that the work completed is of high quality and meets the requirements of the contract.
- Resolving disputes: Quantity surveyors may be called upon to resolve disputes between the client and the contractor, such as disputes over the cost of work or the quality of workmanship.
- Providing advice to the client and the contractor: Quantity surveyors can provide valuable advice to the client and the contractor on a range of issues, such as cost-saving measures and contract management.
Importance of Quantity Surveyors Going On Site
There are several benefits to QS professionals going on site, including:
- Improved accuracy of estimates and valuations: Quantity surveyors can more accurately measure work completed and estimate costs when they are able to visit the site regularly.
- Better quality control: Quantity surveyors can better ensure that the work completed is of high quality by inspecting it regularly on site.
- Stronger relationships with clients and contractors: Quantity surveyors can build stronger relationships with clients and contractors by visiting the site regularly and communicating with them face-to-face.
- Greater understanding of the project: Visiting the site allows QS engineers to gain firsthand insight into the project, enabling them to proactively identify and address potential problems.
Conclusion
Quantity surveyors play a vital role in the construction industry. They are responsible for managing the costs of construction projects and for ensuring that they are completed within budget and on time. Quantity surveyors who visit construction sites regularly are more likely to be successful in their careers and to provide better value for money to their clients.
My Own Insights: I believe that it is important for quantity surveyors to go on site regularly. This allows them to:
- Get a better understanding of the project and the challenges that the contractor is facing.
- Build stronger relationships with the client and the contractor.
- Identify potential problems and develop solutions early on.
- Ensure that the work completed is of high quality and meets the requirements of the contract.
In addition, I believe that quantity surveyors can learn a lot by visiting construction sites. This knowledge can help them to become better at their jobs and to provide better service to their clients.