QS Flashcards
The RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing, designing, delivering, maintaining, operating, and using a building into eight stages. It is a framework for all disciplines on construction projects. As a potential quantity surveyor on a multi-million pounds commercial development, discuss the role of the Quantity Surveyor from stages 1-6 of the RIBA plan of work. (40 marks)
A Quantity Surveyor is essential to the RIBA Plan of Work in a multi-million pound commercial development, as they would be in charge of cost management and budgets, preparing financial documents and giving financial advice.
Stage one is Preparation and Brief, the Quantity Surveyor would counsel the client on the feasibility and profitability of the project to ensure they have a clear understanding of the finance side before making decisions. They would have to consider a land acquisition fee, construction cost, maintenance and operating cost, market analysis, and bank loans, and use this information to provide advice on preliminary cost and procurement methods.
The next stage is concept design, this is essential as it ensure the design aligns with the budget of the project. The QS undertakes a detailed cost estimate using the new information and tells the client how well it will work, using initial design proposals. They can give advice on changing materials or forms of construction to fit the budget without compromising quality. Additionally, cash flow forecasting is introduced to the client to help them understand financial estimates throughout the different stages.
The third stage, developed design, is more about developed cost control. The QS will prepare a pre-tender cost estimate and refined cost plan and conduct risk analyses for any potential cost overruns. They will also make cost allowances for any regulatory requirements such as fire safety and accessibility.
Stage four is technical design, the stage of the final cost plan and tendering. This is the important stage where the Quantity surveyor will prepare the cost tender and cost tender documents; bill of quantities and any contractual documents. The BoQ is a comprehensive document which lists materials, labour and plant required. The QS will provide the client with advice on contractors selection.
Stage five is the construction stage. Monthly valuations will be prepared by the contractor, they are the work done up to a particular point. The quantity surveyors job is to assess and certify these to ensure financial discipline and to keep the client up-to-date on the budget status. Managing contractual claims is an important role of the QS to prevent cost overruns and disputes.
Handover and close out is the sixth stage, the QS finalises costs and settles the final payment and account, closing the project financially. They ensure all contractual obligations are met, and any outstanding claims are resolved to ensure a smooth financial close-out. This project can provide feedback for future cost estimates.
The role of the Quantity Surveyor in this multi-million pound commercial development is crucial as the client will need someone with expertise to provide them with advice and organise the financial side of the project. From creating feasibility studies and providing advice on contractors, to preparing a tender and settling payments, a QS will prevent financial risks and ensure the project is a success.
Your organisation (A-Z Construction Limited) has been invited to tender for an office development in central London. You have been tasked to price the tender document. One of the items to be priced in the bill of quantity is curtain walling for external façade of the building, which is to be subcontracted. You received a quotation of £1,250,000.00 from your curtain walling subcontractor.
a. As the QS working for the main contractor, provide detail explanation on how you will go about adjusting the quotation before inserting the figure in the bill of quantity. (20 marks)
I would start off by considering the delivery costs involved, to unload and store the material. This would be the initial cost in setting it up, followed by the fixing cost, including the trained workers needed to put it all together and fix it to the building. Installation supports such as bracket and anchors may be required and must be added to the quotation. Plant cost would be a large expense, including the process of transporting it, setting it up and paying workers. A crane is likely to be needed for the project, in addition to non-mechanical plant. Wastage will be about 2-5% of the cost and other sundries should be considered too. Preliminaries such as site set-up, site staff, facilities and scaffolding will be added on and priced at the end of the bill of quantities, into two parts, the description and then the costs. The final cost to consider is profit and overhead, such as, any legal fees, insurance, repairs etc.
Explain the difference between tender and construction inflation allowance in relation to cost plan preparation. (10 marks)
These both allow for cost inflations in construction, but they are used for different stages of the project. The tender is used as the formal first estimate, including all expected costs and risks, such as, supply goods, buying land, shares, etc. The data is prepared using historical data and cost indices.
Construction inflation allowance is a contingency sum to allow for any rising costs, it is added to the projects budget to account for any potential costs and can be adjusted depending on changes.
