What exactly does the job of a quantity surveyor in the construction industry is a common query we receive frequently. This blog will tell you precisely what they do.

As a stakeholder in the project, you must be certain that your construction project is completed on time and within the budget, as well as ensure you get the most value for your money. But how do you do this? In essence, it's as simple as calling the quantity surveyor, a professional whose task is to make sure you get the most value in exchange for your money.

Quantity surveyors can help you get the best quality products and services at the lowest cost. Through their years of working experience, they are aware that any project could, at any point, be the subject of unexpected expenses. They are available to ensure the project is running without a hitch, no matter what the circumstance.

Here's a some of the most important things that a quantity surveyor should undertake during any construction job:

• Quantity take-off
• Estimation
• Controlling costs and managing
• Contract Management
• Risk management
• Procurement
• Management of projects

Let's examine each one on its own

1. Quantity Take-Off. This is the process where a quantity surveyor makes use of sketches and plans to work out the quantity of materials and other work items that are required to be completed in order to finish a job.

After determining all the amounts, the quantity surveyor converts the measurements into a Bill of Quantities (BOQ). It is essentially a shopping list. However, instead of shopping for a grocery list, it lists all the things that must be accomplished to complete an assignment.

2. Estimation. Once the BOQ is completed and an estimator has it, they can use it to determine the rates in accordance with the list of quantities. For example, if the BOQ states that there is 10m3 of concrete that has to be put into the foundation, the estimator will work to determine the price of carrying out the task.

3. Controlling and managing costs is a possibility at any point in the construction project. Once the construction project is launched, the process of controlling costs and managing begins, and along there is a new and important job for our Quantity Surveyor. The control of costs at the very beginning is crucial if the work will be finished within a certain budget.

4. Contract management. The quantity surveyor can be an intermediary during construction. For instance, if an alteration to construction is expected to impact costs, the quantity surveyor could discuss the issue with the person concerned and come to an acceptable solution for both parties. In some cases, if the project owner is short on money or funds, the quantity surveyor could cooperate with the bank in order to secure additional funding to fund the project.

5. Risk management is another crucial aspect of the construction process that requires quantity surveyors. The ability to spot risks requires experience and understanding of the issues which have been faced by previous projects. It is a difficult task for an industry that is known for its numerous risks.

The quantity surveyor should also be aware of and implement steps to offset any potential effect that risk might affect the project.