Question 1

What does a Quantity Surveyor actually do?

Accepted Answer

A question that gets asked a lot and it's slightly more than counting bricks!

There are a few different types of Quantity Surveyors that perform slightly different roles for example a Client side's QS, a Main Contractor's QS, a Developer's QS, a Sub-Contractor's QS or a QS working for a Bank. Ultimately all of the above Quantity Surveyor's use an their in depth knowledge of construction, construction contracts, applicable law and regulations to advise on running a construction project from a commercial perspective.

Question 2

Why do I need a Quantity Surveyor?

Accepted Answer

When starting out on a Construction project the main question a Client wants to know is 'How much is this going to cost me?' and rightly so!

In essence if you do not have someone managing the build costs you will allow your builder or Contractor to control the costs for you and there is obviously and incentive for them to charge as much as possible.

Below gives a brief summary of how Quantity Surveyors advise and control constructions costs.

Firstly a QS will put together a bill of quantities. This identifies all the items of works needed to be carried out including the quantities required for each item. The QS will measure from drawings and reference the specifications to gain an understanding of how much of each item from the Bill is required for example 100m2 of solid Oak Wood flooring. Market rates for supply and install will then be added against each item in the Bill to provide an accurate budget from the outset.

If an an initial budget is too high a Value Engineering exercise can be undertaken, which generally involves; excluding elements of work all together / cherry picking essential works, reducing the spec of finishes, looking for a cheaper methodology to carry out the works, or splitting out certain trades or materials from the Contractor and finding cheaper Sub-Contractors.

Once there is a contract is drawn up between Client and Contractor, it will contain the bill of Quantities. Rates from the Bill of Quantities can then be used to price any variations to the works and can act as a benchmark for pricing future variations that are similar in nature to the works carried out. This prevents Contractors from pricing variations to works with no real reference which will increase costs throughout a project and without QS control will inevitably happen.

Aside from producing a bill of Quantities and putting together a schedule of rates for variations, Quantity Surveyors will analyse quotations from Contractors and use their in depth knowledge of construction to look for any scope gaps within quotes before works are started and contracts are signed. This prevents a Client thinking they have bought 'X' and when the Contractor starts on site they say 'I only priced for 'Y' 'and then request more money to carry out the missing works.

Once all quotations are received, a comparison is completed to line up the quotations together. It can be analysed to give interesting insights into more or less expensive items and can highlight where rates differ from all quotes which generally indicates a Contractor has missed something in their pricing. It allows the QS to identify any items of works that have been missed, 'best of' prices for each item of work to give a 'best of cost', any provisional sums that have been priced by the Contractor and any specific exclusions.

Negotiation will then take place with the top few or preferred Contractors and a Contract including all relevant contract documents will be drawn up. This provides a clear definition of responsibilities for both parties. To help provide cost certainty contracts will include a detailed scope of works which expands on the bill of quantities, specifications of materials, valuation dates and payment terms, programme durations and dates, Schedules of Rates and Daywork rates for different trades or workers including hourly rates for pricing variations.

There are multiple scenarios in during a construction projects where costs can increase but the above process massively decreases risk and helps protect and maintain budgets. Employing a QS to carry out these works gives you someone with years of expertise on your side and will hugely increase your chances of successful outcomes.

Question 3

Why choose OC Surveying?

Accepted Answer

We have 20 years of Construction Industry experience and hold RICS accredited degrees in Quantity Surveying. Our experience comes from working for various National and International Main Contractors and Developers with a London focus with a wealth of experience to call on to provide cost certainty. Using state of the art technology paired with current market rates we provide detailed and accurate cost advice.

We take pride in our attention to detail and our ability to deliver a first class service at competitive pricing. Choosing OC Surveying means partnering with a company dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence in the industry.

We operate under a set of core values at all times:

Listening and understanding client needs

Complete transparency from the outset

Honesty and Integrity

Question 4

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing is tailored to meet the specific needs of each project to ensure you receive the best possible service when engaging our services. For a free quote, tailored to your unique requirements, we encourage you to contact us directly.

For smaller projects, where you require our services at the outset to Contract Stage Only we can provide a Lump Sum Fixed Price.

For larger projects requiring services from conception to completion we charge between 1.7% and 3.2 % of the Construction Costs depending on Construction Contract type used and overall project value.

For add-hoc services, our hourly rate is £100.00 plus VAT.

We aim to be as competitive as we can whilst still being able to maintain a top quality service for our clients and will always advise if we can match our competitors quotes.