Top 3 Tips to Get the Most from your Quantity Surveyor
1. Give your construction project the best start by getting your QS on board early
Preconstruction work – involving estimating, budgeting and value engineering – is exactly the right time to get your Quantity Surveyor on board. Getting them involved at the start of large construction projects will pay major dividends later, as opposed to mid-way through works, when you’re already invested in the project and have missed out on potential cost savings from the outset. Don’t overlook the central role a good Quantity Surveyor plays in construction projects, from beginning to end.
2. Get ahead by choosing a QS with a construction background
If you can, find a QS with practical hands-on knowledge of actual construction costs and economies. In addition to the necessary professional qualifications, a QS that has worked for construction companies, rather than only on the “client side”, will provide you with valuable additional expertise. This will not only help keep your construction work to budget; it will also save you time.
3. Ensure your QS and PM are on the same page
Your quantity surveyor works closely with your project manager. Often because the quantity surveyor and the project manager join the construction team from the same company, it is assumed they have a solid, collaborative working relationship. This is not always the case when the roles are split across different departments of a large organisation. To prevent the potential of silos developing, ensure there are open communication channels (see our previous blog on “Creating a Sustainable Construction and Building Industry” which outlines how to create high performing teams.)
Preconstruction work – involving estimating, budgeting and value engineering – is exactly the right time to get your Quantity Surveyor on board.
Our team is here to help
At Morden we have Quantity Surveying experience in both the vertical and horizontal space and experience in delivering residential and commercial projects. We’ve worked on stadiums, sports centres, churches, hospitals, community centres, high-rise residential and high-rise office space. Our experience covers every market sector you can think of and without doubt, the best time to get us involved is at the very beginning – before the detailed design and most certainly before things turn to custard. A good QS can help to turn badly performing projects around, especially when teamed with an experienced project manager. If things go really bad you’ll need an expert witness to help you navigate the sometimes not so subtle intricacies of litigation. We can help settle legal disputes with the commercial and legal expertise we provide, partnered with our QS skills.
Our team has successfully managed the finances on billions of dollars worth of real, tangible construction projects over a period of more than 30 years, both in New Zealand and overseas. This includes extensive experience acting as QS for many major contractors. Talk to us about your next construction project. Our tight team has all the experts you need in one place. Based in Wellington, we are available across New Zealand. Are we the right fit for your next project? Give us a call for a confidential chat.
