Navigating the world of Quantity Surveying: Contractor vs Consultant Roles

Cobus Hattingh
12th Sep, 2024

Quantity Surveyors play a crucial role in the construction industry, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Their expertise are essential whether they're working for a Contractor or a Consultant. While the core skills and responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors remain constant, their focus and daily tasks can vary significantly. Here, we compare the roles of Quantity Surveyors working for Contractors vs those working for Consultants, shedding light on how their responsibilities, work environment and career development can differ.

 

1. Core Responsibilities

Quantity Surveyor for a Contractor:

• Cost Control: Quantity Surveyors working for Contractors focus on managing the costs during the construction phase and maximizing profits for the Contractor. They are involved in preparing detailed cost estimates, managing budgets, and controlling expenditures to ensure the project stays within financial limits.
• Valuation and Payments: They are responsible for preparing interim valuations and certifying payments to subcontractors and suppliers. This involves assessing work completed and ensuring that payments are accurate and timely.
• Change Management: Quantity Surveyors manage variations and changes in scope, negotiating with clients and subcontractors to agree on fair compensation for any changes to the original contract.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating financial risks throughout the project lifecycle is crucial. This involves analysing potential risks and developing strategies to minimize their impact on the project’s budget.

Quantity Surveyor for a Consultant:

• Pre-Construction Services: Consultants typically engage Quantity Surveyors early in the project, focusing on cost planning and feasibility studies. They provide detailed cost estimates during the design phase and advise on budgetary constraints.
• Tendering Process: Quantity Surveyors assist with preparing and managing the tender process. They evaluate bids from contractors and help clients select the most cost-effective option.
• Contract Administration: During the project, consultants handle the administration of contracts, ensuring that all contractual obligations are met and resolving disputes that may arise between clients and contractors.
• Cost Reporting: They provide clients with detailed cost reports, tracking the financial progress of the project and ensuring that it remains aligned with the budget.

 

2. Work Environment

Quantity Surveyor for a Contractor:

• Site-Based Focus: Quantity Surveyors working for contractors often spend a significant amount of time on-site, monitoring progress and managing costs directly associated with the various construction activities.
• Dynamic Environment: The work environment is fast-paced and can be reactive, dealing with immediate issues that arise on-site and making quick decisions to address budgetary concerns.

Quantity Surveyor for a Consultant:

• Office-Based Focus: Consultant Quantity Surveyors typically work from an office setting, though they still make site visits to observe progress and attend site meetings. Their work is more focused around documentation, analysis, and client meetings.
• Strategic Environment: The role involves a more strategic focus, working closely with clients and design teams to provide advice and ensure that the project aligns with financial expectations from the outset.

 

3. Career Development

Quantity Surveyor for a Contractor:

• Specialisation: Working for a contractor can lead to specialization in managing costs and risks related to specific types of construction projects, such as commercial, residential, or industrial.
• Progression: Career progression may involve moving into Senior Quantity Surveyors roles, project management, or even director positions within the contractor’s organisation. There is also the opportunity to gain expertise in specific construction methods and project types.

Quantity Surveyor for a Consultant:

• Broader Exposure: Consultant Quantity Surveyors often gain broader exposure to various projects and clients, enhancing their expertise in cost planning, contract management, and client advisory roles.
• Career Growth: Advancement might lead to senior consultant positions, project management roles, or partnership opportunities within the consulting firm. The role also provides a strong foundation for moving into strategic management and advisory roles.

 

4. Skills and Attributes

Quantity Surveyor for a Contractor:

• Practical Experience: Strong practical experience in cost management, construction processes, and site-specific challenges is essential. They need to be adept at problem-solving and negotiating under pressure.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in tracking costs and managing budgets on-site is crucial. Quantity Surveyors must also be effective communicators to coordinate with various stakeholders on the project.

Quantity Surveyor for a Consultant:

• Analytical Skills: Consultant Quantity Surveyors require strong analytical skills to forecast costs, assess tenders, and manage client expectations. They must be skilled in financial modelling and risk assessment.
• Client Management: Excellent client management and advisory skills are essential, as they work closely with clients to provide strategic guidance and ensure financial viability throughout the project.

 

Conclusion

Both Contractor and Consultant Quantity Surveyors play pivotal roles in the construction industry, each with unique responsibilities and work environments. Contractor Quantity Surveyors are hands-on with project costs and site management, while Consultant Quantity Surveyors provide strategic financial oversight and client-focused advice. Understanding these differences can help aspiring Quantity Surveyors choose the path that best aligns with their career goals and personal interests, and it can also guide clients in selecting the right expertise for their projects.

 

References

du Plessis, H. and Oosthuizen, P. (n.d.). Construction project management through building contracts, A South African perspective, Acta Structilia. Available at: https://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2415-04872018000100006. (Accessed: 10 August 2024).

Team, G.C. (n.d.). Quantity surveyor, Go Construct. Available at: https://www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-me/quantity-surveyor (Accessed: 27 August 2024).

www.asaqs.co.za. (n.d.). What is a Quantity Surveyor? - Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). [online] Available at: https://www.asaqs.co.za/page/what_is_QS. (Accessed: 18 August 2024).

Discover the top Quantity Surveyor Skills & Responsibilities (2024) RIB Software. Available at: https://www.rib-software.com/en/blogs/quantity-surveyor-knowledge-skills-traits (Accessed: 28 August 2024).

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