The Benefits of Incorporating Quantity Surveying Early in the Construction Process

29th June, 2023

As the construction industry continues to evolve and become more complex, construction companies are realizing the importance of incorporating quantity surveying into the construction process at an earlier stage. The primary objective of this is to optimise construction costs while ensuring that quality is not compromised. The role of quantity surveyors is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry and companies that utilize their expertise are reaping significant benefits.

Accurate cost estimation

One of the primary benefits of incorporating quantity surveying early in the construction process is the accurate cost estimation of the project. Quantity surveyors are trained to incorporate their expertise and knowledge to produce accurate cost estimates of a construction project, from the preliminary design stage to the final construction stages. By introducing a quantity surveyor in the early stages of cost estimation, the cost of the project can be estimated accurately, allowing the client to plan their budget accordingly. The estimate produced by quantity surveyors is based on their experience with similar projects, current price of materials, labour rates and companies overheads and profits percentage, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of cost overruns.

Project feasibility analysis

Before a construction project can commence, it is essential to conduct a feasibility analysis to determine whether the project is viable. The analysis process involves identifying possible alternatives for the project and assessing the risks and benefits of each alternative. By incorporating quantity surveying early in the feasibility analysis process, the feasibility of the project can be analysed in a more concise manner. Quantity surveyors can help in assessing the project feasibility, identifying the financial and technical risks, and suggesting alternative solutions if required.

Value engineering

Value engineering is a process that focuses on reducing costs while maintaining or improving the quality of the project. This in turn can help to identify any potential value engineering opportunities. Quantity surveyors can evaluate the design and identify any aspects that can be modified or substituted to achieve cost savings without compromising the quality or functionality of the project.

Project cost management

Another significant benefit of incorporating quantity surveying early in the construction process is effective project cost management. Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in managing project costs, and their input can significantly impact the construction process’s overall success. The early involvement of a quantity surveyor means that they can monitor and control the cost of the project from the design phase to completion. It also means that they can identify areas where budgets can be optimized, providing the client with a better return on investment.

Risk management

Risk management is an essential aspect of any construction project. Incorporating quantity surveyors into the construction process at an early stage can help to identify underlying potential risks and evaluate these risks in advance. Quantity surveyors can also help in developing risk mitigation strategies to minimize the likelihood and impact of adverse events. The risk can be properly assessed, and the likelihood of project derailment can be reduced by bringing a quantity surveyor on board.

Quality assurance

Quality assurance is an integral part of any construction project. Quantity surveyors play a critical role in ensuring that the final constructed product meets the required quality standards. When conducted at an early stage, this ensures that quality assurance checks can be implemented from the beginning. Quantity surveyors can help to develop quality metrics and ensure that quality is maintained throughout the project. Since they are involved from the beginning, they can help to address any potential quality issues before they become significant problems, which could be something structural, material or labour based.

Improved project communication

Effective communication is crucial for any construction project. Incorporating quantity surveying early in the construction process can help to improve communication between stakeholders, including the contractor, client, and project manager. Quantity surveyors can help to facilitate communication as they possess a deep understanding of the financial and technical aspects of construction projects. Effective communication helps to ensure that everyone understands the project’s goals, leading to better decision-making and project outcomes.

Efficient procurement

The procurement process can be complex and time-consuming, particularly in construction projects. Incorporating quantity surveying early in the procurement phase can help to make the process more efficient. Quantity surveyors can provide valuable insight into the procurement process, identifying the most cost-effective sourcing options, while maintaining the required quality standards.

Time and cost savings

Incorporating quantity surveying early in the construction process can lead to significant cost and time savings. By identifying potential cost savings opportunities and developing strategies to minimize risks, project delays and cost overruns can be significantly reduced. It also means that any issues that are identified during the design stage can be addressed before construction begins, reducing the likelihood of expensive rework.

In conclusion, the benefits of incorporating quantity surveying early in the construction process cannot be overstated. Accurate cost estimation, project feasibility analysis, value engineering, project cost management, risk management, quality assurance, improved project communication, efficient procurement, and time and cost savings are just some of the benefits. By involving quantity surveyors early on, clients can ensure that their construction project is optimized for cost and quality, leading to a successful outcome. Overall, quantity surveying is an essential aspect of any construction project, and early involvement of a quantity surveyor.