Role and Responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor

Role and responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor 1
Role and responsibilities of a Quantity
Surveyor
By Nuwantha Lakpriya
BTEC HND in Quantity Surveying
Lecturer Ms. Imasha Perera
Unit 7- Quantity Surveying Practice
Colombo School of Construction Technology
10/12/2021

Role and responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor 2
Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................... 3
What is the construction industry......................................................................................... 3
Task 1........................................................................................................................... 4
P1 Describe the different types of quantity surveyors and their role within a project........................4
M1 Compare the roles of the professional quantity surveyor and the main contractor’s quantity
surveyor..................................................................................................................... 5
D1 Analyze the professional status of a quantity surveyor in terms of the benefits that this brings to the
role........................................................................................................................... 6
Task 2........................................................................................................................... 7
P3 Describe the role of the quantity surveyor in the feasibility stages of a project...........................7
M2 Analyze the interactions between the design team and the quantity surveyor............................8
D2 Evaluate the role of the quantity surveyor in defining tender and procurement strategies.............8
Task 3........................................................................................................................... 9
P5 Describe the role of the quantity surveyor during the construction phase..................................9
M3 Explain the relationship between financial control and valuation........................................10
P6 Discuss the contract administration activities of a quantity surveyor during construction............11
Task 4......................................................................................................................... 12
P7 Discuss the pre-contract administration of a project.........................................................12
M4 Explain how a client’s budget for a project can be controlled.............................................13
P8 Describe how a project is financially controlled..............................................................14
References............................................................................................................... 15
Introduction

Role and responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor 3
What is the construction industry
What is the definition of "Construction Industry"?
The construction industry refers to the process by which a project is completed. Specifically, this
includes the process that starts with estimating what will be needed and continues through the
building, overseeing construction, and finally demolition. The objective of this industry is to
create buildings that are constructed with care for those who use them or are responsible for their
maintenance. It may also concern itself with creating temporary shelters or other facilities on
which people rely during an emergency situation, such as an earthquake or flood[ CITATION
noa17 \l 1033 ].
The construction industry can be broken down into five different segments including:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Utility and Transportation & Public Facilities.
Each of these segments are further broken down into more specific aspects of construction.
Under the residential segment, there is the residential new construction, residential remodeling
and additions, and residential specialties. The same goes for the commercial segment.
Some specific job titles include but are not limited to:
- Construction Supervisor
- Construction Estimator
- General Contractor
-Quantity Surveyor (QS)
The processes involved with each of these job titles can be very similar in that they all have to do
with creative problem solving, complex planning, and careful administration. Each different job
title may also have specific requirements associated with them.

Role and responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor 4
A Construction Supervisor takes the lead of all people in a construction site but does not
necessarily have to be responsible for completing the work.
The following are some specific skills a Quantity Surveyor (QS) may need:
- Good Communication Skills
Having good communication skills is essential in any type of job. However, in the construction
industry it is even more important to ensure that those who work under understand instructions
clearly and accomplish their tasks to completion without confusion. It is also important to be able
to communicate quickly and efficiently in such a way that everyone understands what each
person involved with a task needs to do. Following these instructions is important to prevent
incorrect work from occurring.
- Teamwork
A Quantity Surveyor needs to be a good team player in order to make sure that everyone does
their part and no one goes without helping where needed. A team player may be someone with
other good leadership skills or a person who is very skilled at completing tasks. It is important
for the construction employer to know whether or not you can work well with others in this field
as it will help ensure the smooth process of the project getting done on time, in a reliable manner,
and with few complications.
Task 1
P1 Describe the different types of quantity surveyors and their role within a project.
A Quantity Surveyor is a profession that involves carrying out field surveys and meetings with
clients so they can provide their input on the estimates. This is then used by the Quantity
Surveyor to construct an estimate which has been agreed with the client, but also means that they
are educating them on what role they have in the estimation process.
In order to carry out these tasks successfully, there are certain skills and duties of a Quantity
Surveyor which must be adhered to; for example, negotiation skills, negotiating power when