- Introduction
- 1. What is the Key Skill for a Quantity Surveyor?
- 2. How to Develop a Project Scope and Prepare a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?
- 3. Why is Detailed Cost Estimation Essential?
- 4. What Should You Know About Contracts Before and After Signing?
- 5. How Can Procurement Skills Boost Your Career?
- 6. Why Learn About Time and Quality Management?
- 7. How Do Cost Control and Earned Value Management (EVM) Affect a QS's Role?
- 8. Why is Knowledge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Important?
- 9. What Makes a QS Truly Unmatchable?
Introduction
Why do some Quantity Surveyors (QS) earn much more than others with the same job title? The answer lies in mastering specific skills that set them apart. This blog post explores nine secrets to becoming an unmatchable quantity surveyor. Real-world examples will show you the importance of each skill.
1. What is the Key Skill for a Quantity Surveyor?
The key skill for any QS is the ability to measure quantities accurately from drawings. A QS must excel in quantity takeoffs. AutoCAD is not the best tool for this. It is a drafting tool, not a takeoff tool. Instead, use tools like PlanSwift, Costex, or Bluebeam. For example, Bluebeam provides advanced PDF tools for precise quantity takeoffs (Bluebeam).
Example: On a project worth 1 million USD, it should not take more than a day to quantify. If it does, you need to improve your skills or tools. Being fast and accurate with measurements is crucial to avoid errors and save time.
2. How to Develop a Project Scope and Prepare a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?
A QS must develop a clear project scope and a detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ). Understanding the divisions in the BOQ, such as preliminaries, site works, and concrete works, is essential. This helps in turning drawings into executable plans.
Example: Don’t wait for instructions when you receive new drawings. Know the BOQ divisions well and spot any missing items. Use a previous project’s BOQ for guidance if the projects are similar. But always check for unique items that need different approaches or measurements.
3. Why is Detailed Cost Estimation Essential?
Detailed cost estimation sets an expert QS apart from an average one. It requires understanding the difference between cost and price. A QS needs to break down rates and consider all cost elements—materials, equipment, labor, and subcontractors.
Example: Suppose you need to estimate the cost of building block walls. Knowing the productivity rate of a mason is crucial. If you assume a mason completes 8 square meters of walls per day, you base it on data or expert input. Incorrect assumptions can lead to financial mistakes and poor pricing.
4. What Should You Know About Contracts Before and After Signing?
A Quantity Surveyor must understand pre-contract and post-contract works. Before signing a contract, review clauses on performance bonds, payment terms, and dispute resolution. These clauses can affect your costs.
Example (Pre-Contract): If a contract requires a performance bond through a bank guarantee, there will be costs. Include these costs in your estimate. Failing to do so means paying from your own pocket.
Example (Post-Contract): Once the contract is signed, the QS manages payment applications, certifies subcontractor payments, and handles claims. If an item is missing from the BOQ and the contract is lump sum, the cost may come from your pocket.
5. How Can Procurement Skills Boost Your Career?
Procurement combines all QS skills into one role. It involves preparing requests for proposals, negotiating agreements, and managing contracts. A strong grasp of procurement enhances your QS abilities.
Example: While managing procurement, ensure subcontractor quotes match the proposals you sent out. This avoids scope mismatches and cost overruns. For example, if a subcontractor claims a high price due to “high quality,” know the difference between “quality” and “grade.” This ensures quotes align with project needs.
6. Why Learn About Time and Quality Management?
Time and quality management are as crucial as cost control. Delays or poor quality can affect costs significantly. A QS should understand planning, scheduling, and the relationships between activities (finish-to-start, start-to-finish).
Example: Consider when a vendor delays a material delivery. Knowing the cost impact of delays helps you decide on actions. You could negotiate faster delivery or find a new supplier to avoid extra costs.
7. How Do Cost Control and Earned Value Management (EVM) Affect a QS’s Role?
Cost control and Earned Value Management (EVM) are essential in a QS’s job. These involve tracking costs against the budget and understanding project metrics.
Example: If actual costs are higher than budgeted costs, a skilled Quantity Surveyor will spot this early. They can suggest corrective actions, like renegotiating subcontractor terms, choosing alternative materials, or adjusting the schedule.
8. Why is Knowledge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Important?
Knowledge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is vital for a QS. ADR methods like arbitration and mediation resolve conflicts without going to court.
Example: If a dispute arises over a variation order, knowing ADR methods helps find a resolution. This minimizes delays and keeps costs in check.
9. What Makes a QS Truly Unmatchable?
To be unmatchable, a QS needs a blend of skills—measurement, cost estimation, contract management, procurement, time management, and dispute resolution. Mastery in these areas makes you a standout professional.
Example: A well-rounded QS can attend any meeting and engage confidently. Whether it’s with a vendor, client, consultant, or project manager, they provide insights and make strategic decisions.
Conclusion
To become an unmatchable Quantity Surveyor, you need more than just technical skills. You need a deep understanding of all construction aspects. By mastering these nine secrets, you position yourself as a vital part of any team, delivering projects on time, within budget, and with minimal disputes.
