Quantity Surveying - Key Concepts and Definitions
Quantity Surveying
Course Description
Deals with cost estimation, planning, analysis, control, and valuation.
Provides skills for cost estimation, planning, and scheduling in civil engineering projects.
Course Background
2-unit subject with 72 contact hours.
Prerequisites: CE243 and MGT 11.
Covers project estimation, cost planning, value engineering, cost-benefit analysis, lifecycle costing, cost control, and project planning and scheduling.
Course Objectives
Learn the importance of quantity surveying and its relevance to project management.
Apply basic knowledge in quantity surveying.
Module Overview
Module 1: Introduction to Quantity Surveying
Module 2: Cost Estimation
Module 3: Cost Planning
Module 4: Value Engineering
Module 5: Cost Benefit Analysis
Module 6: Life Cycle Costing and Valuation
Module 7: Cost Control
Module 8: Planning and Scheduling (PERT, CPM, Gantt chart, network diagram)
Key Definitions
Estimator: Provides initial cost estimations for construction projects.
Quantity Surveyor: Advises on and monitors construction costs before, during, and after a project.
Key Differences Between Estimators and Quantity Surveyors
Project Scope: Quantity surveyors often handle larger, more complex projects.
Priorities: Estimators focus on accurate and timely cost estimations for winning tenders. Quantity surveyors focus on providing the Bill of Quantities (BOQ).
Quantity Surveyor Duties
Estimate materials, time, and labor costs.
Prepare, negotiate, and analyze costs for tenders and contracts.
Advise on legal and contractual issues.
Value completed work and arrange payments.
What is Quantity Surveying?
Deals with calculating physical quantities and estimating prices, costs, and expenditures.
Manages costs, minimizes project expenses, and enhances value while ensuring legal and quality requirements are met.
Also referred to as a cost engineer or project controls manager.
Character of a Quantity Surveyor
Methodical thinking, knowledge of construction, problem-solving, financial management, communication, and computer literacy.
Traits of a Quantity Surveyor
Communicative, critical thinker, composed under pressure, organized, humble, and team-oriented.
Relevance of Law to Quantity Surveying
Provides advice and services related to project procurement, value, and cost.
Legal Knowledge Areas
Rights over land, building regulations, taxation law, contract law, housing management, land use planning, procurement and tendering, company law, labor disputes, occupational safety and health, dispute resolution, and professional negligence.
Importance of Legal System Knowledge
Understanding the legal system is crucial for quantity surveyors in their practice.
Teaching Law to Quantity Surveying Students
Goal is to work intelligently with lawyers and avoid legal issues through preventive measures.
Core Functions
Cost estimation, planning, and control.
Bill of Quantities preparation.
Tender analysis and contract administration.
Cash flow preparation.
Client advisory on contractual methods.
Required Skills
Rights over land, limitations and rights of access (easements and right of way)
Legal and regulatory compliance in relation to Building construction
Principles of revenue/taxation law focusing on Capital allowance, capital taxation
Compulsory acquisition of land (takings of private land) and compensation
Contract
Housing management and policy
Landlord and tenant including leases and tenancies aspects
Land use planning, development control and sustainable development
Procurement and tendering
Sale and purchase of real and personal property
Company law including secretarial affairs, insolvency, winding up
Labour disputes, employment contracts
Occupational safety and health
Dispute Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques
Dispute Avoidance Techniques
Professional Negligence and Indemnity