Construction cost control vital in SA’s shrinking economy

12th February 2016

  

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South Africa’s shrinking economy, coupled with soaring building costs, has made construction cost control more important than ever.

“There is an alarming tendency – particularly for major government contacts – to totally omit the quantity surveyor (QS) from the professional team,” cautions Association of South African Quantity Surveyors director Larry Feinberg.

“This could lead to spiralling costs and a total lack of control on management of what could be a multimillion-rand project; economic wastage that South Africa, in the midst of a devastating drought and other major threats to our economy, can now ill afford,” he states.

Feinberg says, although quantity surveying is by no means a new profession, there still seems to be ignorance about the vital role a QS plays in – and how he or she can contribute to – building projects in a variety of industries.

A QS manages all costs relating to building, civil engineering and mining projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Also, a QS seeks to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money, while – importantly – still achieving the required standards and quality. Many of these standards are specified by statutory building regulations, which the QS will understand and adhere to.

“A QS may be employed by either the client or the contractor, working in an office or on site. They are involved in a project from the start, preparing estimates and costs of the work. When the project is in progress, the QS keeps track of any variations to the contract that may affect costs and create reports to show profitability,” Feinberg explains.

The QS’s responsibilities vary depending on the nature and stage of the project being worked on and can include preparing tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities with the architect and/or client; undertaking cost analyses for repair and maintenance project work; assisting in establishing a client’s requirements and undertaking feasibility studies; performing risk, value management and cost control; advising on procurement strategy; identifying, analysing and developing responses to commercial risks; preparing and analysing costings for tenders; allocating work to subcontractors; providing advice on contractual claims; analysing outcomes and writing detailed project reports; valuing completed work and arranging payments; maintaining awareness of the different building contracts in current use; and understanding the implications of health, safety and environmental regulations.

“In today’s business environment, QS’s are also expected to provide essential guidance and input regarding sustainable construction, as well as play a far bigger role than ever in post-occupancy matters, such as life cycle costing and facilities management,” he concludes.

Edited by Zandile Mavuso
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

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