What is Quantity Surveying?

This may be a question raised by of students who are going through the process of selecting courses offered by universities or colleges. I had asked the same question too when I was offered the course. Therefore, I'm writing this particular post to answer some of the frequently asked questions for those who think they may choose for this course.


1) Question: What do we study on the quantity surveying course?

Answer:
Syllabus for the course varies for every college or university. However, the main subjects will cover cost estimate for construction works, standard method of measurement, construction contract, building economics, procurement, specification and construction technology.


2) Question: What is the job of a quantity surveyor?

Answer:
The major role of a quantity surveyor is to control and monitor the cost of a construction project and advise the client (developer/owner) on financial and contractual status of the project. QS need to prepare interim payment for contractors, prepare financial statements for the clients, prepare tender and contract documents, prepare cost for changes in the contract, advise on contractual claims, etc.


3) Question: Whom a quantity surveyor will normally work with?

Answer:
Quantity surveyors will normally work with the client (who is financing a construction project), the contractor (builder of the project) and the designers (engineers and archtiects).


4) Question: Where can a quantity surveyor work in?

Answer:
A quantity surveyor can choose to work:-
a) directly in the client (developer/owner) organisation;
b) with a QS consulting firm which carries out work on behalf of a client organisation;
c) with construction companies who are the builders or suppliers; or
d) with financial institutions, eg. banks, in advising loan and payment for a construction project.


5) Question: Does quantity surveyor design?

Answer:
Quantity surveyors have nothing to do with design as it is engineers and architects' responsibilities. QS merely estimates the cost implication for certain design and make their advice on the financial aspect on the design.


6) Question: Do we have a governing institution for quantity surveyors?

Answer:
Yes. RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor) is a international governing institution for quantity surveyors. It helps to set, maintain and regulate standards.


Having some more questions? Feel free to write down your comment and I will try my best to answer it.