BRIEF HISTORY OF QUANTITY SURVEYING AS A PROFESSIONAL

BRIEF HISTORY OF QUANTITY SURVEYOR

The origin of Quantity Surveying as a profession dates way back in the 17th century during the restoration of London after the Great Fire in 1666, though the first reference to a Quantity Surveyor is found in the Bible in the book of Luke 14:28 which says “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower, will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it.

Before 1666, masons, carpenters and other craftsmen were paid by the day, but because of the large amount of labor needed to reconstruct the city after the fire, it was decided that each craftsmen be paid for the quantity of his trades work. This meant that instead of being paid a wage, the tradesmen were paid for the amount of masonry, carpentry or any other craft ship contained in the building.

In essence one had to study the drawings and measure the quantity of work of each trade contained in the building and at the same time prepare an estimate for the total cost of the building. Hence, from that humble beginning, the Quantity Surveying profession evolved.

THE SERVICES OF A QUANTITY SURVEYOR

The role of a Quantity Surveyor in connection with building contracts can be summarized as follows:-

Financial Advisor

Prepares budgets for building projects.

Advises on the effects of quality to the budget.

Advises on what size and standard of structure can be constructed for a given expenditure.

Act with other consultants to ensure that the financial provisions of the contract are properly interpreted and applied so the client’s financial interest is safeguarded and that the contractor is paid a fair price for the works.

Construction Advisor

Advising on the cost of alternative materials

Advising on the cost of construction method

Advising on effect of site condition on budget

Advising on the feasibility of different sites

Advising on tendering procedure and contractual arrangements

Preparation of tender documents

Exercise cost control during construction to ensure that cost is not exceeded without authority

Contract Administrator

Advising on matters between Clint and Consultants

Advising on matters between Client and Contractor

Advising on contract interpretation, payments, changes in scope of works, variations, claims, final accounts etc.

In Conclusion a Quantity Surveyor is expected to:

Give impartial advice

Achieve value for money

Manage the budget and control cost

Achieve a quality product

Satisfy the client

TRAINING OF A QUANTITY SURVEYOR

Quantity Surveyors have to complete an appropriate university degree course ( usually 4 years Building Economics Course in the University of Nairobi) which requirements are as follows.

KCSE applicants or equivalent: Mean Grade C+ with a mean of grade C+ in the following subject clusters: English or Kiswahili: Mathematics: physical science: geography of accounts or commerce or economics or Building construction or drawing and design.

KACE (A Level) applicants or equivalent: Two Principal passes, A minimum principal “D” pass in either Mathematics or physics and in any one of the following subjects: Economics, Geography and Chemistry and a credit pass in English Language at KCE level or equivalent.

Diploma holders 

A minimum KCE division II or C mean grade in KCSE in addition to a credit pass or equivalent of Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) Diploma or its equivalent in Building Construction, Architectural Studies, Civil Engineering and Applied Physical Sciences.

Degree holder

A holder of University degree or its equivalent from a recognized University in the following areas, Architectural Engineering, Design or any other relevant degree.

Post graduate 

A postgraduate Masters programme (MA in construction Management) is also offered in the department. The admission requirements are as follows:

The common regulations governing the Masters degree in all Faculties of the University of Nairobi shall apply.

Holders of at least an upper second Class Honours Degree in Building Economics, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Engineering, Land Economics from the University of Nairobi or an equivalent qualification from a university recognized by Senate.

Holders of at least a Lower Second Class Honours Degree in any of the disciplines specified in above with a relevant postgraduate diploma or other equivalent qualification or at least two years relevant work experience.

Experience

Upon graduation one undergoes a 2 years practical experince which qualifies them to sit for the professional exams which upon successful completion enables a person to be registered by the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of the Republic of Kenya.

Quantity Surveyors Assistants (Technicians) are required to be ordinary Diploma holders or its equivalent in Building Construction & Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying and Building Construction.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Quantity Surveyors are engaged in the following areas:-

Public sector mainly with the ministry of Roads and Public works and government parastals.

Private sector with consulting firms.

Building and civil engineering contractors

Financieirs and property developers

Project management firm

Educational Institutions as lecturers.

QUANTITY SURVEYING

Subject description

Surveyors work in a variety of different settings including people's homes, the sea bed, roads and motorways, collectables and large construction sites. They are also responsible for the protection of the environment in which they are working.

Quantity surveying is primarily centred on construction and the management of the costs and budgets of large projects. From the moment a plan is drawn until a large construction project has been completed, a quantity surveyor is likely to be involved in a legal, technical and financial capacity. The functions of a quantity surveyor are broadly concerned with the control of the cost on construction projects, the management and maintenance of the budget, valuations and any legal matters arising through the course of the project. They are required to make sure that the project remains profitable and efficient.

Quantity surveyors need to be highly numerate, commercially aware, professionally trained and great communicators. The job requires a combination of technical, financial and legal knowledge. There are a couple of routes into the profession. Most people will undertake a higher education qualification followed by a period of training within a relevant organisation. However it is possible to train on-the-job with the help of professional bodies such as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors or the Chartered Institute of Building. Both organisations play leading roles in the training, development and accreditation of surveyors and courses in surveying.

Example areas of study

Courses in quantity surveying vary in their content and structure. Some courses will have a sandwich year where you can undertake a year in industry where you can gain valuable experience in quantity surveying and learn relevant skills. Each course will have different teaching styles and different modules, so you will need to check with the institutions that you wish to apply to for up to date information. Some areas you may study include:

Construction technology

Business and construction economics

Construction law

Arbitration

Building technology and services

People and information management

Facilities management

Estate management

Architecture and design appraisal

Professional development

Computer-aided design

Value engineering

Feasibility studies

Planning law

Risk analysis

Estimating and valuation

Substructures and drainage

Floors and roofs

Commercial management

Conversion and refurbishment

Property development

Some career possibilities

With a qualification in quantity surveying career possibilities include contracting or private quantity surveying, building surveying, construction management or consultancy, accountancy and financial services management or estate management. International opportunities may also be possible within the field.

What do I need to get on a course?

You will need to check with the institutions that you wish to apply to for the full entry requirements as these will depend on the type and level of the course that you wish to study.

UCAS Tariff: 150 - 300 points, preferably including mathematics

A-levels: CC - AAA preferably including mathematics

SQA Highers: CCCC - BBBB

SQA Advanced Highers: BB preferably including mathematics

Irish Leaving Certificates: CCCC - BBCCC preferably including mathematics

International Baccalaureate: 24 - 32 points

European Baccalaureate: 66%

BTEC National Diploma: MMM - DDM in a relevant subject

For your application or interview, evidence of the following may be useful:

A keen interest in the construction and management of large projects  Demonstrable numerical ability and organisational skills  Some construction or other relevant experience

HOW TO BECOME A QUANTITY SURVEYOR?

Whether you've always had your heart set on being a Quantity Surveyor or whether you've never heard of this occupation but have always wanted to have a good job in the construction industry, this article may be of some help to you!

• Understand the Duties of a Quantity Surveyor. The first step in becoming a QS(Quantity Surveyor) is to understand what role a Quantity Surveyor plays in the construction industry. Many people, when asked what a Quantity Surveyor is will just give the reply "Erm. They survey quantities". In actual fact they perform various roles including managing the costs and finances of a project, calculating quantities eg. how many bricks will be needed for a house, advising clients on procurement routes and deciding which contractor does a particular project once tender documentation is received.

• Realise the Differences in Types of Surveying. Quantity Surveying is a different profession altogether from Building Surveying. Building Surveyors offer professional advice on many areas relating to the occupation and construction of property, from the design of modern structures to facilities management. Building Surveyors' play a part in the diagnosis and remedy of building faults, rehabilitation and extension of buildings, detailed building surveys, property appraisals, and the management of property. This is different from Quantity Surveying as the tasks in Step 1 show a QS's duties. Also, Land Surveying is different from Quantity Surveying as Land Surveying focuses primarily on calculating the volume of coal etc. to be excavated from an opencast mine etc.

• Differentiate between the two types of Quantity Surveying. These consist of a Private Practise QS who works with a QS organisation in an office and advises clients as well as constructing a Bill of Quantities for different Contractors on different projects. In a Private Practise the Quantity Surveyor has a close relationship with different Architects and Clients. The other type of Quantity Surveying is a Contractor's QS where the QS works for the same contractor on different projects that they have and is used to produce Bills of Quantities for this Contractor.

• Decide if Quantity Surveying is your desired career based on Steps 1 and 2. Step 3 is a choice made once you are qualified, but I feel it is important you are aware of the difference now. If you have always wanted to become a QS then you will be aware that the best subjects to do at school are subjects such as Maths, Physics, English and Computing. If you have left school and can get into college to do even just a one year course in Quantity Surveying or a variety of construction careers just to get a feel of which one you like, you have a high chance of being accepted as a direct entry student in university.

• Attend a University to study to become a Quantity Surveyor. Some companies who have Quantity Surveyors may be willing to take on trainees with one or two days per week spent at university. Another option is either to go straight to university as part of a full time course or direct entry as previously mentioned. The university course most people do is around 4 years full time and fees will differ depending on the country you live in.

• Get a Job as a Quantity Surveyor. This may be quite a difficult task depending on where you live as QS organisations are mostly in cities if it is a private practise. However, with the current state of the economy the Contractors are not as tied for money as Private practises. The Quantity Surveyor is one of the top ten most available careers according to a British newspaper. Additionally, there are many jobs abroad available for this career and for some reason which is unknown to me, it seems a more available career in British ruled countries such as Australia and Canada.

What is a Quantity Surveyor?

Just What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

Rules state that a "Quantity Surveyor" means a person educated, trained and qualified, and who is particularly and regularly engaged, for the purpose of livelihood, in the following work:

The preparation of Bills and/or Schedules of Quantities of materials, labour and services required in the construction and equipment of building, or engineering works, and;

The preparation and valuation of progress and final payments in connection with any contract or sub-contract, and;

The appraisal of the value of proposed constructions or other structures already erected, and;

The preparation of specifications when required so to do, and;

Acting as arbitrator in cases of dispute in connection with building, or engineering work, when required so to do, and;

To advise from time to time on cost management, or value management.

To carry out such other duties as may properly be those of a Quantity Surveyor.

So just what does a Quantity Surveyor do and how do you become one? Basically, the Quantity Surveyor is the person responsible for figuring out just what a building is going to cost and in some cases for making sure that construction costs and production are managed as efficiently as possible. In some of today's projects there may be many millions of dollars involved.

A Quantity Surveyor can identify and collate the costs involved in order to develop an overall budget for any project. They can then undertake cost planning which aims to help all members of the design team arrive at practical solutions and stay within the project budget. It is the final detailed estimate prepared by the Quantity Surveyors, in consultation with a project architect, which forms a basis on which subsequent tenders can be evaluated. Schedules of quantities translate the drawing, plans and specifications produced by the design team to enable each contractor to calculate tender prices fairly, on exactly the same basis as the competitors.

Once tenders have been accepted, the Quantity Surveyor can provide cash flow data to enable a client to programme his resources adequately to meet contract commitments. In other words, the Quantity Surveyor decides how much of a job should be paid for at any one time. With interest rates the way they are, no one wants to hand over money before it is due.

In most construction contracts, the contractor is paid monthly and the Quantity Surveyor can value the work carried out each month submitting a recommendation for certified payment.

The Quantity Surveyor can also be called on to assess cost effects when changes occur and agree on variation with contractors.

Following completion of a contract, the Quantity Surveyor prepares a statement of final account, summarising the cost charges that have occurred and arriving at a final contract sum.