Quantity Surveying
Chartered Quantity Surveying and Cost Management Services
The Chartered Quantity Surveyor's principal role is to ensure that the building client receives value for money.
Back in 1971 the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) defined the traditional role of the QS as follows :-
The distinctive competence of the QS or quantity surveyor has been described as a skill in measurement and valuation in the field of construction in order that such work can be described and the cost and price can be forecast, analysed, planned, controlled and accounted for. Core services may also include cost planning and preparing bills of quantities, interim valuations and final accounts for building works.
Whilst times have moved on, the fundamentals of our profession have not escaped us. Nor have these principals been sidelined by our building and development clients. Clients who still require the protection offered by sound contractual advice and the security of knowing that their interests are receiving first rate financial management.
By careful application of traditional measures and controls we offer value focused management. An approach which secures best value for our clients. Whilst modern day projects may benefit from application of our more sophisticated techniques we must never forget the fundamental skills and knowledge which underpin our professional approach.
VFM Chartered Quantity Surveyors provides the full range of expertise, covering pre and post tender advice on cost management and contract matters. Carefully selected staff have the benefit of wide ranging experience, including expertise on a variety of procurement arrangements from the traditional, to the innovative in a range of different project and client types in both public and private sectors including PFI.
Appointment of a professional Quantity Surveyor offers many benefits and is essential for effective cost management and control. Although the nature of any one appointment may vary, typically at feasibility stage, we estimate realistic cost parameters and agree the client budget before funds are committed. Thereafter, costs are closely controlled during design development, and by tendering and advising on contractor selection we can secure the best tender value. During construction, we protect clients' money by negotiating interim contractor payments and settlement of the contractor's final account. Value is strengthened by realising any cost savings whilst safeguarding against inflated contractor claims for extras.
Some of the traditional QS services we offer are set out below however this is not in any way intended to represent an exhaustive list and should be interpreted in the wider context of our overall consultancy and project management services :-
Pre-contract services :-
Advising on the building cost
relationship of alternative sites and forms of construction
Preparation of preliminary indications
of costs for any proposed scheme and comparative costs of alternative
schemes
Advising on procurement strategy and
the method of tendering
Advising on the most appropriate form
of contract and any supplementary conditions
Preparing and assisting with
preparation of contract documents and appropriate specifications
Advising on comparative costs of
capital expenditure in relation to maintenance and operational costs
Tender Stage :-
Prepare comparable estimates in line
with tender proposals
Prepare schedule of rates or measured
Bills of Quantities on a remeasurable or lump sum basis
Negotiate with a Contractor during the
preparation of its offer and agree suitable schedules of rates for the
purpose of fair evaluation of change during the course of the
contract
Examine tenders and comment on the
basis of pricing and the financial standing of the offer and report
accordingly
Negotiate acceptable terms and report
on possible savings on cost if required
Perform similar services in respect of
work ordered directly by the building owner outside the terms and scope
of the main contract
Contract Stage :-
Agree the value of interim payments to
the contractor and certify payments
Calculate and agree the valuation of
changes arising during the course of the contract
Measure and agree the value of works to
be paid for on a measured basis as appropriate
Advise the building client on the
anticipated final cost position periodically during the course of the
works
Agree and certify the contractor's
final account
In summary we protect the building
clients interests throughout with pre-contract services ranging from
feasibility studies and cost planning at project inception to
procurement strategy, tender preparation, evaluation, checking,
reporting and recommendations. Post-contract, we evaluate regular
interim payments during construction and negotiation and agreement of
variations and changes including the final account on completion.
Contractual Advice :-
Further services are available should
contractual advice and claims expertise become necessary in the event of
a dispute eventuating.
VFM has successfully negotiated
settlements on a variety of contractual claims involving extensions of
time and associated loss and expense recovery. Initially we offer to
carry out a summary review of contract information to establish the
viability of any proposals prior to proceeding. A full service is
offered to progress claim entitlement negotiations to a successful
conclusion. In the event of a dispute materialising we are able to
provide support and advice should the matter be referred to
adjudication.
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