WHAT IS ROLE OF QUANTITY SURVEYOR IN INDIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ?

The Fundamentals of Quantity Surveying for Civil Engineers in the Indian Construction Industry 

Introduction:- 

Quantity surveying (QS) is a vital aspect of the construction industry, particularly in India, where the construction sector is rapidly growing. A quantity surveyor’s role encompasses the management and control of costs within construction projects, from inception to completion. This blog aims to delve into the fundamentals of quantity surveying, highlighting its importance, key responsibilities, and practical examples within the Indian construction context.

Importance of Quantity Surveying :-

Quantity surveying ensures that construction projects are financially viable and cost-effective. QS professionals provide expert advice on construction costs, contracts, and project management, contributing to the overall success and efficiency of projects.

Key Responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors

1. Cost Estimation and Planning
   • Preparing detailed cost estimates for various stages of the project.
   • Developing cost plans to monitor and control expenditures.
   • Example: In a residential project, a QS estimates the cost of materials, labor, equipment, and overheads to develop an accurate budget.
2. Tendering and Contract Administration
   • Preparing tender documents, including bills of quantities.
   • Evaluating and negotiating tenders to select the most suitable contractors.
   • Example: For a commercial building project, the QS prepares a detailed bill of quantities (BOQ) and invites contractors to bid, ensuring competitive pricing.
3. Cost Control and Management
   • Monitoring project costs against the budget.
   • Identifying cost variances and implementing corrective actions.
   • Example: During the construction of a highway, the QS tracks expenditures and compares them to the budget, addressing any cost overruns promptly.
4. Valuation of Work and Payments
   • Assessing the value of completed work and certifying payments to contractors.
   • Ensuring that payments are made according to the contract terms.
   • Example: In a large-scale infrastructure project, the QS evaluates the completed work and certifies interim payments to the contractor.
5. Risk Management
   • Identifying and managing financial risks associated with construction projects.
   • Developing risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential impacts.
   • Example: In a metro rail project, the QS identifies potential risks such as material price fluctuations and plans for contingencies.

1. Residential Building Project
   • Scenario: Constructing a 10-story residential apartment in Mumbai.
   • QS Role: The QS prepares a cost estimate based on current market rates for materials and labor in Mumbai. They develop a detailed BOQ, conduct a tendering process to select contractors, and manage the project budget throughout the construction phase. Periodic valuations are conducted to ensure contractors are paid accurately for completed work.
2. Commercial Office Complex
   • Scenario: Developing a commercial office complex in Bengaluru.
   • QS Role: The QS starts with a feasibility study to determine the project's financial viability. They prepare tender documents and administer the tendering process, ensuring competitive bids. During construction, the QS monitors costs, manages variations, and ensures the project remains within budget. They also handle final account settlements with contractors.
3. Infrastructure Project (Highway Construction)
   • Scenario: Building a new highway in Rajasthan.
   • QS Role: The QS estimates costs for road materials, labor, and equipment based on regional data. They prepare and evaluate tender documents, selecting the most cost-effective and capable contractor. Throughout the project, the QS tracks expenditures, manages claims and variations, and ensures financial control.
4. Industrial Plant Construction
   • Scenario: Constructing an industrial manufacturing plant in Gujarat.
   • QS Role: The QS provides cost planning and estimation services, preparing a comprehensive budget. They manage the tendering process and contract negotiations. During construction, the QS oversees cost control, manages subcontractor payments, and ensures the project adheres to financial constraints.

Thu Apr 2, 2020