THE 3 [TYPE OF AREAS, ESTIMATION, & BILLS] OF QUANTITY SURVEYING

 THE 3 [TYPE OF AREAS, ESTIMATION, & BILLS] OF QUANTITY SURVEYING

QUANTITY SURVEYING

Quantity surveying is the process of estimating the cost of all materials before or during construction. It involves calculating the quantity of materials needed, such as the total area to be finished, the total volume of concrete, and the total weight of reinforcement bars.

In quantity surveying, a group of qualified consultants who work in the construction sector estimate and track construction costs from the project's inception to its completion. Quantity surveyors collaborate closely with project owners, engineers, architects, contractors, suppliers, and accountants.

In quantity surveying, the surveyors make use of their understanding of construction techniques to counsel the owners on the most cost-effective way to meet their requirements. Quantity surveyors can use methods like cost planning, cost analysis, estimating, and value management to create a project budget.

After finishing the drawings and designs, the quantity surveyor may prepare a bill of quantities and cost estimation that is given to the contractor for use in submitting tenders. Through cost management, the quantity surveyors ensure that the design stays within budget during design.

Quantity surveying estimates costs based on labour and material costs, and estimation is unquestionably the most crucial component of any construction project. Accurate estimation ensures the best use of resources while significantly reducing costs.

DRAWING STUDY:

The quantity surveyor must have the necessary knowledge to study the drawings before beginning to extract quantities from the drawing.

If the actions listed below are taken, numerous mistakes can be avoided;

1. To visualize the work entitled look over the drawings and attempt.
2. Make sure they are in agreement with one another.
3. To see the plans, elevations, sections, and details check the drawings carefully.
4. If serious errors are discovered then the architect should be informed.
5. In some places, if the dimensions do not exist in some places then it is always better to note and write them.

BILL OF QUANTITIES:

Quantity surveyors calculate the precise quantities to be worked in accordance with the requirements when a building owner wants to know, prior to the start of construction, what the cost of his building would be. These quantities, when collected into a bill, form a bill of quantities.

There are the following advantages of the bill of quantities such as;Competitive tendering is frequently used.It serves as the foundation for rates for measured work that can be used in the project.It is used in building operations to complete interim payments.ESTIMATE:The estimate is a prepared estimate of the likely cost of a work or item before construction actually begins.The comprehensive estimate of all costs is divided into two parts;Abstract of Estimate (QTO)Quantity Take Off Form (AEF)

1. Abstract of Estimate (QTO) 
2. Quantity Take Off Form (AEF)

SUBSTANCE TAKE-OFF; (QTO)

The building quantity takeoff's plan, section, and elevation details provide precise measurements of the quantities and are presented in tabular column format.

FORM FOR ABSTRACT ESTIMATE; (AEF)

It provides the price of each individual piece of work and is calculated in tabular form.

QUANTITY SURVEYOR TYPES:

Following are the two categories of quantity surveyors:

1. Professional consultant or quantity surveyor

2.Construction estimator and contractor quantity surveyor

Professional quantity surveyor/consultant:

1. A quantity surveyor did his job and demonstrated managerial abilities in the construction process in relation to the costs of the clients. Before the construction is designed, a qualified quantity surveyor can calculate the cost and share their findings with the client.
2. Professional quantity surveyors are among the most well-known quantity surveyors and perform a variety of tasks, including cost estimating, value management, cost planning, life cycle costing, valuations, etc.
3. Professional quantity surveyors are fully knowledgeable about the costs associated with construction, including cost price, work price, labour cost, and material cost, among other costs. These costs are beneficial to the quantity surveyors.

CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATOR / CONTRACTOR'S QUANTITY SURVEYOR:

These quantity surveyors are employed by the contractor company during both the construction and post-construction phases and perform a variety of tasks including administration, planning, project management, and estimation.

He is also accountable for carrying out various tasks, such as estimating the work and the cost of construction projects, while keeping in mind that typically a subcontractor completes this portion of the work. He reports to the contractor's quantity surveyors.

AREA TYPES FOR QUANTITY SURVEYING:

The quantity surveying types of areas act as a guide for the contractor for a specific job.

As listed below, there are three different types of areas in quantity surveying;

1. Carpet Area
2. Built-Up Area
3. Super Built-Up Area

TILE AREA:

The carpet area is the space inside an apartment's walls, and the terrace and balconies are typically taken into account when calculating the carpet area as half of the actual space.

AREA BUILT-UP:

The built-up area, also known as the plinth area, includes the carpet area and the thickness of columns, external walls, and internal walls. It is typically 10% to 20% larger than the carpet area.

SUBSTANTIAL BUILT-UP AREA:

Super built-up area, also known as Saleable Area, includes built-up space along with shared amenities like the lobby, lift shafts, corridor, etc., as well as shared usable spaces like the swimming pool, garden and clubhouse, among others.

QUANTITY SURVEYING BENEFITS:

The following are some benefits of quantity surveying:

1. Quantity surveying is a highly esteemed profession in the construction sector.
2. The surveyors in quantity surveying increase your confidence in obtaining a high-quality result.
3. The cost of construction is provided by quantity surveying either during or before construction.
4. Quantity surveying provides the most accurate cost for the structure for construction projects.
5. You can manage your construction costs by using quantity surveying.
6. Quantity surveying enables you to choose affordable techniques.

What is the difference between quantity surveying and civil engineering, and how do I pursue them?

Civil engineering has such a large impact on our society that it includes a variety of professions such as structural, geotechnical, environmental, water resources, construction management, and transportation engineers. Quantity surveying is a career that combines engineering, construction, and economics.

Surveyors of Quantities

Quantity surveyors manage construction project costs. They contribute to the completion of the construction project within the projected budget. A quantity surveyor's alternative job titles include "cost consultant," "commercial manager," "cost manager," and "cost engineer."

The tasks quantity surveyors complete will differ according to whether they are working on the design or the construction stage of a project (and therefore whether they are working for a consultancy – which focuses on the design stage – or the contractor, who builds the project). Depending on the stage of the project and their employer, they might:

• price/forecast the cost of the different materials needed for the project;
• prepare tender documents, contracts, budgets, bills of quantities and other documentation;
• track changes to the design and/or construction work and adjust budget projections accordingly;
• procure or agree the services of contractors and/or subcontractors who work on the construction of the project;
• measure and value the work done on site;
• pay subcontractors;
• liaise with the client and other construction professionals, such as site managers, project managers and site engineers;
• select and/or source construction materials; and
• write reports.

Qualification for Quantity Surveyor

Students should enrol in institutions that offer a Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying after completing a suitable pre-university programme. Because some programmes include a semester of industrial training or internship, this degree could take up to three and a half years to complete. Students will learn the fundamentals of the construction industry in their first year by taking classes like Measurement and Site Surveying. Following that,Students will learn how to use cutting-edge software such as BuildSoft and Masterbuild, which are useful project costing tools for quantity surveyors. Project Management and Construction Law are two other subjects covered in a Quantity Surveying degree. Graduates must register with the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia to become qualified quantity surveyors (BQSM).This is followed by two years of employment supervised by the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM). Following that, individuals must participate in a professional interview and exam conducted by BQSM and RISM. Only those who pass will be recognised in Malaysia as a Registered Quantity Surveyor.

Engineers of Civil Works

Civil engineers design, improve, and safeguard the environments in which we live. They plan, design, build, and maintain building structures and infrastructure such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and water and sewerage systems. They also design and construct tall buildings and large structures that can withstand all types of weather.

Civil engineers are classified into two types: consulting engineers and contracting engineers. Consultants are primarily responsible for project design and work in an office setting. Contractors then take the designs and put them into action during the construction process. Contractors manage the structure's construction on-site.

Work activities can vary depending on whether you are a contractor or a consultant.

• conducting technical and feasibility studies, including site investigations; 
• developing detailed designs using a variety of computer software; 
• performing complex calculations
• coordinating with clients and a variety of professionals, such as architects and subcontractors;
• assembling job specifications and supervising tendering procedures
• solving design and development issues
• managing project budgets and resources; 
• scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries; ensuring project compliance with legal requirements, particularly health and safety;
• assessing project sustainability and environmental impact; and ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed on time and within budget.

Civil Engineers Qualification

To practise as an engineer in Malaysia, one must have a degree recognised by the Engineering Accreditation Department of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and be registered as a graduate engineer. Following that, one can apply to become a professional engineer.

Civil Engineers and Quantity Surveyors Needed

The skills you will require vary depending on the industry, but there are some that most employers will look for. These include the ability to prioritise and meet multiple deadlines; a logical approach to work; strong spatial awareness; excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills; and the ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently. In this field, commercial awareness is becoming increasingly important.

If you want to see a list of recommended tertiary programmes related to this article, click here. If you are unsure about the path you want to take for your tertiary education, you should find this psychometric test useful in providing an aptitude breakdown and course suggestions after you complete the test. Feel free to take the test; after all, it's free.