The Role

We are URGENTLY looking for a Quantity Surveyor to be mainly responsible for the precontract activities which include, but not limited to: Preparing feasibility studies and budgets for proposed projects. Assisting the estimators in pricing the tender project based on the contractors quotations. Assisting in the preparation of all tender documents such as Bills of Quantity (BOQ), Specifications, Addendum, Tender Analysis and other tender documentation. Quantity taking-off and materials surveying based on the plans and specifications. . the role and function of a professional quantity surveyor is firstly to draw up a bill of quantities which is a type of tender document usually produced by a professional Quantity surveyor, it usually contains information to do with a particular construction project as well as measured quantities from the various drawings in accordance with a standard measurement code such as the agreed rules of measurement. This document will subsequently be priced by contractors and used throughout the construction project for valuation and cost control purposes. The bill of quantities provides vast amounts of information about a particular building project and also includes a detailed breakdown of each item of the proposed work. A bill of quantities is firstly a tender document and secondly a contract document which is prepared in accordance with established codes of measurement and conditions of contract provisions. Each bill of quantities should contain certain basic information and be presented in a recognised format so as to facilitate ease of use.

as well as this it can also be the job of the QS to manage cost control of the project and to over see the schedule of works to be completed and ensure the project does not run over budget or beyond the contracted time frame, which could lead to damages being sought on behalf of the owner.

Pre-Contract Quantity Surveyor Our role in the preparation of tender/contract documents is to facilitate the administration of projects by providing accurate bills of quantities based on quantities of work in accordance to the published Standard Method of Measurement (SMM), as well as the tailoring of comprehensive, balanced Contract Conditions. Our extensive knowledge of the Middle East market has led to a highly developed database, allowing us to account for territory specific costs and prices of work, labour, materials and plant in addition to implications of design that are relevant to the Middle Eastern legal and geographical environment. Methods used include cost planning, value engineering, feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis, lifecycle costing, valuation, and cost estimation. Post-Contract Quantity Surveyor Our role in the post Contract stage is to ensure accurate measurement and pricing of construction work in order to comply with the Contract in addition to tracking changes requested by the owner or his architect/engineer. Our knowledge in various type of projects in the Middle East helps us understand the needs of Owners/Contractors. Apart from accurately recording day to day project running, managing settlement of variations, and certification of interim payments, CONSSULT also manages sub-contract formation, forecasting of costs and values of the project, cash flow forecasts and the determination of final accounts.

Post Contract - Construction Stage

Contract Review: Review of Contract documents to ensure security of all Contractor/Employer rights and incorporation of all necessary clauses and conditions. Variations & Claims: Preparation of variations and claims to be submitted to Engineer/Employer, in accordance with the Contract procedures and requirements. Alternatively, review and analysis of variations and claims submitted by Contractor, and preparation of counter-claims. Quantity Surveying: Review/preparation of Contractors interim and final payments in accordance with Contract Conditions. Read more >> Contract Administration: Regular review of procedures, time schedule and correspondence to ensure the proper administration of the Contract. Read more >> Project Management: Assuming the complete role of the Engineer (as defined in FIDIC and similar standard contracts), including follow-up of Contractors activities, costs and time schedule, reporting to the Employer and managing the project as a whole. Read more >> Mediation: In case of disputes between parties, conducting mediation sessions in accordance with international regulations, as well as those of the Egyptian ADR Association in order to resolve amicably and to the benefit of all parties. Arbitration: Wherever mediation is unsuccessful, assuming the role of Arbitrator, either as assigned by one Party, or as Lead Arbitrator, in accordance with UNCITRAL and other standard procedures, in order to realize a fair determination of each Party's rights.

Pre contract - Tender Stage

Budgeting & Cost Consultancy: Production of detailed budgetary prices for all services based on available designs and/or design criteria. Advising on basic levels of costing, rules of thumb, relevance of local influential factors, etc. Cost Estimation : Estimation of material, equipment and labor costs for services based on available design documents (drawings, specifications and Bills of Quantities). Tender Review: Complete review and analysis of in-house tender costs and/or Contractor quotations for all services, and furnishing of recommendations. Tender Management: Management of complete tender process, from invitation to tender, through liaison between tenderers and technical consultants, to evaluation of submitted tenders. Quantity Surveying: Production of detailed quantity takeoffs/Bills of Quantities from design drawings and/or checking of existing quantities. Read more >> Value Engineering: Review of design documents and introduction of design alternative proposals to reduce cost including complete evaluation of advantages and disadvantages. Risk Assessment: Assessment and valuation of risk factors, based on specific Contract conditions and design documents. Tender Documents: Preparation of Tender Documents including General & Particular Conditions of Contract, Preliminaries, Instructions to Tenderers, Method of Measurement, and liaison with technical consultants to produce complete tender package.

The activities carried out by Quantity Surveying Branch in line with the above-mentioned functions are provided as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Provide advice on construction costs and construction economics. Conduct or participate in pre-contract negotiations. Vet through tender / quotation document and ensure that the documents are in order before calling of tender / quotation. Provide advice on procurement procedures and contract arrangements. Arrange for tender advertisement / quotation notice. Compile and issue tender / quotation documents (and custodian of Tender Table Documents) .

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Arrange for refund of tender document deposits. Attend Tender / Quotation Opening. Represent Director of Public Works in the respective Tender Board Consideration Meeting. Receive duly opened tenders from the State / Federal Central Tenders Board and make arrangement for distribution of tender documents received to the Tender Financial Evaluation Committee, Tender Technical Evaluation Committee or the respective Branch. 11. Appoint Tender Financial Evaluation Committee members and Tender Technical Evaluation Committee members. 12. Prepare and compile Tender Evaluation and Recommendation Report. 13. Arrange MTEC Meeting. 14. Compile and forward Tender Evaluation and Recommendation Report to the respective Tenders Board. 15. Rationalization of Summary of Tender / Quotation and/or Schedule of Rates. 16. Prepare and issue Letter of Acceptance. 17. Compile and distribute Contract Documents (and custodian of the original contract documents) .

18. Receive, check and seek confirmation on the authenticity of bank / insurance guarantee (and custodian of
the original bank / insurance guarantee) . 19. Vet through interim / final certificates and final account. 20. Check proposal to issue variation order, variation order and price variation order. 21. Provide advice on the issuance of certificates and notices required in the administration of contracts such as certificate of delay and extension of time, non-completion of work, notice of default, notice of determination / termination of employment of contractors, etc. 22. Evaluate, negotiate and process settlement of claims. 23. Provide assistance in arbitration and litigation process.

Preparation of interim and final application for payments. (by Contractor) Preparation of valuations for interim and final certificates (by Consultant/Client) Variation orders, preparation of variation accounts, and valuation of variations. Preparation, evaluation, negotiation and reporting on claims.

Financial control - Preparation of financial statements, cost-value reconciliation, cost advice, cash flow forecasting (value and cost) Statement of final accounts of a contract Arbitration, insolvency and bankruptcy

Computer applications in Quantity Surveying

A Quantity Surveyor is an individual who oversees many parts of the construction operation. Traditionally this role has been performed by a highly trained person with extensive knowledge in the operational procedures involved with construction or project management. This position often acts as an independent contractor and is a trusted and respected source for professional consultation. The roles of the Quantity Surveyor are diverse and vital to the project life cycle. Project life cycle Quantity surveyors are a key member of the construction team; frequently involved from the initial planning stages to the end of construction and beyond. Fiscal, legal and engineering aspects are all managed by this position Planning During the planning procedures this individual plays a key role in assessing whether the project is feasible from an economic standpoint. The Quantity Surveyor may act in consulting role to engineers and architects, advising them on cost effective methodologies and procedures. Professionally trained in building code and by-laws, the surveyor will ensure that the project adheres to local and national regulations. Feasibility, both from an engineering and economical standpoint, is a key factor in the planning procedure. Construction While the project is underway and all the teams of engineers and construction personnel are in operation, the Quantity Surveyor plays a pivotal role in making sure the process runs smoothly and within budget limits. Dispute conflict can arise during these times and the Quantity Surveyor, if need be, can step in to act as a liaison between conflicted members of the construction process. Good interpersonal relationships between all members of the construction team keep the project moving forward. Close attention is also kept to monitoring the costs and economics involved during the construction process. Keeping the project running without conflict and economically sound are valuable services provided by this role. Post-Construction After the project has been completed, the responsibilities and function shift. This objective now is to monitor the building and make sure that operational costs are kept inside the budget. During this time, the responsibilities are to make sure the project adheres to local and national tax laws. Insurance is another aspect of the project. Insurance claims and cost of replacement are dealt with by the Quantity Surveyor. Valuable and accurate estimates of damages and costs of destroyed or damaged goods are also provided. Other Roles/Responsibilities This role is not limited to overseeing the financial and engineering aspects of the project. Contractors benefit from the estimates of cost-effective purchasing plans. Organizing tenders and compiling purchase reports are crucial in optimizing spending during a project. During purchasing research, this individual may also provide alternative purchasing plans. The balance between cost and quality is important for any construction process.

Contract drafting and interpretation is a valuable role that this position can provide. With a professional knowledge of legal documents, consultation to companies, contractors, or any involved in the construction process can be provided. The diverse and essential roles provided by the Quantity Surveyor allow for any aspect of the construction or development process to run smoothly. By keeping the project within legal, economical, and structural limits, this position is crucial for any project. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3850546

NZIQS Rules state that a "Quantity Surveyor" means a person educated, trained and qualified, and who is particularly and regularly engaged, for the purpose of livelihood, in the following work: 1. The preparation of Bills and/or Schedules of Quantities of materials, labour and services required in the construction and equipment of building, or engineering works, and; 2. The preparation and valuation of progress and final payments in connection with any contract or sub-contract, and; 3. The appraisal of the value of proposed constructions or other structures already erected, and; 4. The preparation of specifications when required so to do, and; 5. Acting as arbitrator in cases of dispute in connection with building, or engineering work, when required so to do, and; 6. To advise from time to time on cost management, or value management. 7. To carry out such other duties as may properly be those of a Quantity Surveyor. So just what does a Quantity Surveyor do and how do you become one? Basically, the Quantity Surveyor is the person responsible for figuring out just what a building is going to cost and in some cases for making sure that construction costs and production are managed as efficiently as possible. In some of today's projects there may be many millions of dollars involved. A Quantity Surveyor can identify and collate the costs involved in order to develop an overall budget for any project. They can then undertake cost planning which aims to help all members of the design team arrive at practical solutions and stay within the project budget. It is the final detailed estimate prepared by the Quantity Surveyors, in consultation with a project

architect, which forms a basis on which subsequent tenders can be evaluated. Schedules of quantities translate the drawing, plans and specifications produced by the design team to enable each contractor to calculate tender prices fairly, on exactly the same basis as the competitors. Once tenders have been accepted, the Quantity Surveyor can provide cash flow data to enable a client to programme his resources adequately to meet contract commitments. In other words, the Quantity Surveyor decides how much of a job should be paid for at any one time. With interest rates the way they are, no one wants to hand over money before it is due. In most construction contracts, the contractor is paid monthly and the Quantity Surveyor can value the work carried out each month submitting a recommendation for certified payment. The Quantity Surveyor can also be called on to assess cost effects when changes occur and agree on variation with contractors. Following completion of a contract, the Quantity Surveyor prepares a statement of final account, summarising the cost charges that have occurred and arriving at a final contract sum.

Pre-Contract
Services Tender vetting Detailed examination of contractual and programming obligations Benefits Identification of onerous conditions of contract Minimising tender risks

Analysis of proposed rates and prices for lump Increasing confidence factors on tender sum sum contracts Taking off bills of quantities and providing budget prices Facilitating speedy tendering and increased accuracy

Post-Contract
Services Interim valuations and final accounts Identifying extras and preparing star rates Final account preparation Notification of claims Claim preparation and negotiation Sub-contractor financial and contractual management Benefits Speedy and accurate payments Avoids missed opportunities Maximum cash recovery Protects and secures the contractual position Prevents losses and maximises profits Eliminates claims and maintains predetermined margins

At this stage the project brief should be finalised, a preferred option agreed and the detailed design should be delivered within the identified parameters of cost, time and quality. Clear definition of the project is necessary in order to attain a successful outcome. Previous Actions Preconstruction encompasses the development of the detailed design, formulation of the tender documentation, undertaking the tender process and concluding the contract documentation. The choice of procurement route will determine how much of these stages overlap but by the start of this stage, a number of issues will have been addressed and actions taken, including the following: Feasibility completed LSC support for preferred option attained Alternative site secured, disposals agreed Surveys and statutory requirements concluded Statutory authorities, utilities information concluded including consultation with the planning offices Development cost plan prepared Project team appointed. This should include main contractor representation as soon as is practical. Project execution plan and programme established Statutory Obligations It is the duty of the design team to effect compliance with a statutory control and attain the appropriate consents e.g. consents for planning, Building Regulations, means of escape. Planning approvals can be a complex process and may require the appointment of specialist consultant to assist in attaining a successful approval. Value Engineering This is a process of examining the function of a building to ensure that it is delivered in the most cost effective way. It involves reviewing the design proposals at each stage of the design process to analyse whether client objectives have been achieved without over design or specification and at minimum cost. In major and complex projects this process may be best facilitated by a specialist in this field. In less complex projects this can be lead by the project manager.

Post Contract Construction

The change from pre-construction to the construction stage reflects all the preparation required to define your project that allows the construction work to start on site. Pre-start Meeting This meeting takes place to establish roles and responsibilities, lines of communication, proper working arrangements and health & safety issues. The arrangements for quality control are clarified which normally involves the introduction of a Clerk of Works to the team. The Clerk of Works is responsible for inspecting the works and confirming that the construction works are in compliance with the clients requirements. Design Management This can be a demanding and complex process. The Project Manager should clarify the responsibilities of the lead designer and other project team members and should formulate a design management plan as a basis for managing and controlling the design process. The lead designer will be responsible for the coordination and integration of the work of all design consultants. Project Coordinator

The Project Manager should arrange and convene regular progress meetings to review the project status and identify any actions necessary to deliver the design management plan. Follow up actions are controlled by the issue of minutes to all parties. The lead designer will convene, chair and minute all design team meetings. The cost consultant will attend these meetings to advise on costs, update the project cost plan and monitor design development against the agreed budget. The Construction Design and Management Co-ordinator will attend these meetings to advise on the health and safety aspects of the project. The Project Manager may attend these meetings, although not essential. He will receive minutes of these meeting and will report on these and all other matters to the Client on a regular basis. Client approval and sign off to the design will be required at the conclusion of the process. Site Establishment
Once the contract has been signed the contractor can start on site. The Project Manager should agree operational procedure and site administration issues, for example:

Clarify site boundaries, survey adjacent properties. Note: a party wall surveyor may be required to agree any restrictions and or awards. Security, means of escape Accommodation and site welfare facilities Health and safety issues

Risk Management Formal risk management should continue into this stage and will seek to identify and mitigate specific construction related risks such as: Disruptive activities with the potential to delay and/or add cost Health and safety on the site personnel and for the general public Time, Cost and Quality Management The main contractor will have the responsibility for managing the works on site to meet the contract requirements. They should provide, and update when necessary, a detailed construction programme to allow the project to be monitored and regularly report on progress. Although the contractor has the responsibility to supervise the works, the Design Team has the responsibility for inspecting the works. Where the Design Team have been novated to the contractors team under the contract, the Project Manager should agree alternative arrangements for these inspections. Specific appointments may take place in either scenario to undertake or assist in this role, for example, a Clerk of Works. Project Monitoring The Project Manager should report regularly to the Client to an agreed structure including the following issues: Overall project status Current expenditure Anticipated final costs Variation and the reasons for same

Updated cashflow Existing and anticipated problems with proposed mitigation, risk register update Planning status Team performance Quality management Approvals as required Change Control Time and cost implications of introducing variations to the contract requirements increase exponentially as you move from the design stage and through the construction stage. As such, the project should be clearly defined prior to contract signature and any changes avoided if at all possible, during the construction stage. Strict change control procedures should be applied to minimise the impact of any unavoidable changes and should include client approvals informed by accurate assessments of time, cost and quality implications. Disputes Management Disputes are generally avoided through well defined projects, clear briefing, contracts that openly identify the risks and a culture of co-operation and trust. Problems can still arise though and a staged approach should be adopted to deal with them. The following is a generic approach to dispute resolution stages. 1. Discussions should take place between Principals. 2. A mediator should be appointed. Settlements through this process should be agreed in writing. (Note: A mediator has no powers of enforcement). 3. Appointment of an independent adjudicator. The right to appoint an independent adjudicator is provided under the Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1996 and can give recourse to a quick decision on an identified dispute. 4. Formal arbitration or litigation these are usually long and costly processes and should only be used as a last resort.