QS estimating software is used to help professionals accurately calculate project costs. It uses historical cost data to predict future prices, which can save time and money for construction projects.
Quantity Surveyors are involved from the design cost planning stage right up to the final accounts on a building project. They conduct Rough Cost Estimate and Detailed Estimates, and prepare valuation certificates before payments can be released.
What is Quantity Surveying?
Quantity surveyors are cost engineers who manage the costs of building projects and infrastructure. They are involved in the project from start to finish and work with both architects and contractors. Their responsibilities include reading and interpreting construction documentation such as drawings and specifications. They are also tasked with pricing/forecasting materials and labour requirements. They make sure that the project is completed within budget.
Typically, they are employed in the private sector with consultancy firms or construction companies and have a role in both design and construction phases of a project. Public sector government agencies also employ quantity surveyors to manage projects on their behalf.
In the case of a contractor’s quantity surveyor, they will be more hands-on with the project as they are on site daily and are tasked with working with various different specialists. This is referred to as the ‘dirtier’ side of the profession. Private quantity surveyors tend to spend more time in the office and don’t get dirty on site as often.
Quantity surveyors are tasked with organising and awarding the component work packages to smaller, more specialised construction companies (known as subcontractors). They will oversee the progress of each subcontractor and make sure that they do their job as specified. Other duties include arranging staff payments and, at the end of the project, settling final accounts. They may also assist with insurance estimation, tax depreciation and arbitration.
Quantity Surveyors and Estimators
Quantity surveyors and estimators are both skilled professionals that work in the construction industry. They advise and monitor construction costs before, during, and after a project is completed. They also prepare tax depreciation schedules and replacement cost estimation (primarily for insurance purposes).
While both jobs have different duties, they share one main thing in common: they help make projects run smoothly and safely. Quantity surveyors and estimators both rely on their extensive knowledge of construction processes, cost management, and procurement to craft accurate estimates that reduce financial risks for builders and ensure that projects stay within budget.
A qualified quantity surveyor works on all aspects of the financial side of a construction project, from initial feasibility studies to tendering and cost budgeting. They also assist with contractual matters and project management. They are often hired by contractors to help them with valuation of construction work, bidding and project budgeting and to provide invoices for clients.
In addition, a quantity surveyor may be responsible for pricing/ forecasting the various components needed for a project and adjusting budget projections as changes are made. They may also be tasked with preparing construction programs, tracking progress and forecasting the date of completion for a construction project.
A qualified estimator typically creates cost estimates based on blueprints and design documents provided by the client. These estimates include materials, labor, and other expenses that will be needed to complete the construction. They also identify potential risks and provide recommendations to help minimize their impact on the project’s final costs. In order to perform their jobs, both Quantity Surveyors and Estimators must have strong math skills. Additionally, they must be able to read and understand blueprints.
Quantity Surveying Methods
Quantity surveyors can use a number of methods to calculate and estimate building costs. They may start by preparing a feasibility study based on a client’s requirements or the designers’ sketches. This will give an overall estimated budget. They also prepare detailed estimates for each stage of the project – materials, labour, and services. They can even compare the proposed project with others like it to identify cost variations.
As construction progresses, they monitor the budget and ensure that it’s within the pre-established limits. This could include renegotiating contracts with suppliers or contractors, tracking changes to the design plans, and adjusting the overall projected costs accordingly. Depending on the nature of their work, quantity surveyors might also be responsible for recording all expenses and settling final accounts.
Because of their deep understanding of construction cost planning, including material price inflation, labor costs, and fluctuations in currency value, they can help prevent costly mistakes during the project. They can also forecast potential risks, which allows them to plan accordingly and reduce the risk of budget overruns. This process is made easier using a range of tools, such as construction takeoff software, which helps to minimize human error and speed up the estimation process. It’s also important to choose a reputable company that’s regulated by RICS for the best results.
Quantity Surveying Software
In today’s digitized construction industry, quantity surveyors use software to automate their tasks and improve productivity. Software solutions speed up processes like takeoffs and cost analysis, minimizing the risk of human error. They also allow quantity surveyors to produce more accurate estimates, ensuring that projects adhere to their budgets and timelines from the beginning.
When choosing a QS Software solution, it’s important to identify the needs of your business and determine the specific workflows for cost estimating, takeoff, and billing. You should also consider how the software will integrate with existing project management systems and other internal tools. Make sure to prioritize software with robust APIs that facilitate data exchange.
The best QS software is easy to navigate and features tools that minimize the time required for measurements. It also allows for selective copying of dimensions between drawings. These features enable users to complete the takeoff process in less than a day and reduce the number of errors caused by manual calculations.
In addition, these software programs help to manage the risks associated with overage in construction projects. Overage is costly for both the quantity surveyor and the company funding the project, and can lead to delays and unplanned expenditures. With the right software, it’s possible to anticipate the costs of each component and adjust for inflation. This prevents overages from occurring in the first place, saving companies valuable resources and reducing the risk of project failure.