Role of the Quantity Surveying Profession

Role of the measure Surveying ProfessionIn order to identify the role of the cadence surveyor in the modern UK industry we will review his implications and duties during all the different stages of the construction cycle.Also and for information we will review how a Client appoints a bill surveyor and when, in order to belowstand his early involvements in the process.And final examly we will explain how the surveyor claims his requitals and how the Client paid the QS services.But firstly, lets go in the ancient to understand where the job of quantity surveyor comes from and when it first appears in the UK.HISTORYThe quantity surveyor profession freighter trace its roots back to the rebuilding of London aft(prenominal) the Great fireROLE OF A criterion SURVEYOR NOWADAYS metre surveyors are the accountants of the building profession planning and managing constitutes of construction projects from start to finish. amount of money surveyors (or QSs as they are known, since its a bit of a mouthful) either work for a private QS practice and act on behalf of clients or for a detection firm which carries out construction work.This profession is certainly not all hard hats and wellies. In fact the role of the quantity surveyor has changed so dramatically in recent years that the profession doesnt always answer to the name of quantity surveying any more thanYou will often see private practices referring to themselves as cost consultants and project managers because of the nature of the work they now handle. Due to the recession, QSs have had to adapt or die and there are now fewer, larger private practices than always before taking on a broader remit of work.No longer do quantity surveyors just measure and price work, they have a more strategic role. Nowadays the QS is conglomerate at all stages of a project from preparing tenders and planning costs to preparing final bills of quantities essentially, making sure projects are planned and finish to cost and qu ality, on time.UK construction professionals are respected abroad and, partly in response to the depressed home market, many UK firms have developed an world-wide outlook.WHEN TO APPOINT A QUANTITY SURVEYORIn order that maximum benefit can be gained from his skill a Quantity surveyor should be appointed by any client as soon as possible in the life of a project, preferably at the arising of a scheme, so that the QSs advices can be provided onThe costs of the project (meet the Clients budget).The best procurement route can be selected according to the Client requirements.Selection of others consultants and keep downors.It is recommended that a Client and his Quantity surveyor should meet and discuss the appointment before any agreement is reached, unless the services provided by the Qs is to be restricted in the process.HOW TO SELECT AND APPOINT A QUANTITY SURVEYORThere are three methods available when it comes to select a Quantity surveyorSelection based on existing knowledgeA Cl ient whitethorn select and then appoint a QS using existing knowledge of the surveyors performance and reputation. This may a result of past succefull project, good relationship or by recommandations from others.Selection from a panel maintained by a ClientA Client may maintain a panel of Quantity surveyors. He will have records of their experience which will enable him to make any selection or appointment.Selection from an ad hoc list produced by a ClientIf a Client cannot make a decision using any of the two others methods it may be more appropriate produce an ad hoc list.Whichever of the above methods of selection is used it is important for the selection criteria to include the followingThe financial standing of the QS under considerationThe experience, competence and reputation of each prognosis for equal chance.Their ability to provide the services required by the Client.SERVICES OFFERED BY A QUANTITY SURVEYORThis diagram shows the different phases of the construction cycle. The Quantity surveyor is involved in each of these phases. The following will explain what the duties of the QS are during the construction cycle.Quantity surveying in Construction phasesInception and feasibilityAt inception and feasibility the Quantity surveyor has the duty ofLiaise with client and other consultants to determine the Clients requirements and development of the full brief.Advise on selection of other consultants.Advise on implications of proposed project and liaise with other experts to develop such advice.Advise on the most appropriate procurement route.Establish Clients order of priorities for quality, time and cost. work up initial budget estimate from feasibility proposals. have overall project cost calculations and cash flow projections.Design stageDuring the design stage the Qs willPrepare and develop preliminary cost plan.Advise on cost of design teams proposals.Monitor cost implications during detailed design stage.Maintain and develop cost plan, and furbish up periodic reports and up involutiond cash flow forecasts.Tender documentsDuring this stage, the Quantity surveyor willAdvise on tendering and contractual arrangements taking into accounts the Clients priorities and information available from designers.Advise on indemnification responsibilities and liaise with Clients insurance advisers.Advise on warranties.Advise on bonds for performances and other purposes.Prepare tender and contract documents in conjunction with the Clients and members of design team.Provide copies of documentations as concurAdvise on use and/or amendments of standard form of contract or contribute to drafting of particular requirements in association with Clients lawful advisers.Draw up form of contact, obtain contract drawings from members of the design team and prepare and deliver to both parties contract copies of all documents.Tender selection and appraisalAt this stage of the tender actions phase the Qs has toAdvise on shortlisting prospective tenderer s.Investigate tenderers and advise the Client on financial status and experience.Attend pre-contract question with tenderers.Arrange delivery of documents to selected tenderers.Check tender submissions for accuracy, level of pricing.Advise on errors and qualifications and, if necessary, negotiate the offers.Advise on submission of programme of work and method statement.Prepare appropriate documentation if necessary, to adjust the tender received to an acceptable contract sum.Review financial budget in view of tenders received and prepare rewrite cash flow.Prepare tender reports with appropriate recommendations.ConstructionDuring the construction the Quantity surveyor willPrepare recommendations for interim payments to contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in accordance with the contract requirements.Post contractDuring this last stage of the construction cycle the Qs willValue designers draft for varying the project before issue.Prepare periodic cost reports in agreed format a t specified intervals including any allocations of cost and/or copies as requested by third parties.Prepare the final account.Attend meetings as provided under agreements.Provide copies of documentation as provided under the agreement.PAYMENTSThe Client shall pay the QS for the performance of the services the fees and charges in such instalments as are set in the fee offer clause. All fees and charges under the agreement are exclusive of value added Tax which if due shall be paid concurrently in addition. The due date for payment shall be 7 days after the date of the submission of the invoice. The quantity surveyor when submitting his invoice shall on each invoice confirm the basis on which the stated amount is calculated.The final date for payment has to be 21 days after the due date for payment. The payment has to be made no later than the final date for payment.Any amount due to the Quantity surveyor under the agreement which remain unpaid by the client after the final date must be bear interest at the rate stated in the fee offer clause.BIBLIOGRAPHYClient guide to the Appointing a Quantity Surveyor, first edition(February 1992 RICS booksCost Planning of Buildings, Eighth Edition Ferry and BrandonLecture notes 2010 Discipline Project 2RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2007 amended Nov 2008