Different Types of Quantity Surveyors

8 months ago
Ashley
3 minutes

Quantity Surveyors (QS) play a crucial role in the Built Environment industry by managing costs and ensuring the financial viability of projects. They can specialise in various areas, leading to different types of quantity surveyors based on their roles and the sectors they work in.

Here are the main types:

1. Consultant Quantity Surveyor / Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)

  • Role: Often works for a consultancy firm or as an independent consultant. They are involved from the pre-construction phase to the completion of the project.
  • Duties: Preparing cost estimates, budgeting, tendering, contract administration, and cost control.
  • Clients: Typically hired by project owners, developers, or architects.

2. Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor

  • Role: Employed by construction companies (contractors) to manage the financial and contractual aspects of a project during the construction phase.
  • Duties: Preparing and negotiating contracts, managing subcontractor payments, ensuring project profitability, and handling variations and claims.
  • Clients: Works internally within the construction company, focusing on the contractor’s interests.

3. Civil Engineering Surveyor

  • Role: Specialise in civil engineering projects such as roads, bridges, railways, and infrastructure developments.
  • Duties: Similar to other QS roles but with a focus on civil engineering works, including managing earthworks, drainage, and other infrastructure costs.
  • Clients: Often works for civil engineering firms or on large-scale public infrastructure projects.

4. M&E (Mechanical and Electrical) Quantity Surveyor

  • Role: Specialises in the mechanical and electrical aspects of construction projects, such as HVAC systems, electrical installations, and plumbing.
  • Duties: Managing costs and contracts related to M&E works, including evaluating and pricing complex systems.
  • Clients: Typically works with specialised M&E contractors or within larger construction firms.

5. Project Quantity Surveyor

  • Role: Involved in all stages of a construction project, from inception to completion, often acting as the lead QS on a project.
  • Duties: Overall cost management, contract administration, value engineering, and final account settlement for the entire project.
  • Clients: Works across different sectors and can be employed by consultants, contractors, or large organizations.

6. Consulting Engineering Quantity Surveyor

  • Role: Focuses on projects within the engineering sector, working closely with engineering consultants.
  • Duties: Cost estimation, budgeting, and financial management for engineering-specific projects such as power plants, industrial facilities, and specialised infrastructure.
  • Clients: Typically collaborates with engineering firms or industrial clients.

7. Public Sector Quantity Surveyor

  • Role: Works for government agencies, municipalities, or other public sector bodies.
  • Duties: Managing public funds, ensuring value for money on public projects, and adhering to public procurement regulations.
  • Clients: Government bodies or public institutions.

8. Commercial Quantity Surveyor

  • Role: Specialises in the commercial aspects of construction, focusing on the profitability and financial management of construction projects.
  • Duties: Financial planning, managing commercial risks, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that the project is delivered within budget.
  • Clients: Typically employed by commercial enterprises, property developers, or large construction firms.

9. Professional Quantity Surveyor

  • Role: Typically chartered and recognized as having met certain professional standards. May work across various sectors, including residential, commercial, or infrastructure.
  • Duties: A broader range of responsibilities, often including expert witness services, dispute resolution, and providing strategic advice.
  • Clients: Varies widely, including private clients, corporations, and legal entities.

Each type of quantity surveyor brings specialised expertise to their role, tailored to the specific demands of their sector, ensuring that construction projects are delivered efficiently, on budget, and in compliance with contractual obligations.