Who is a Forensic Quantity Surveyor? What do they do?

Quantity surveying is a job that mostly comes under the construction industry. And as we all know; the construction industry continues to grow and create more opportunities these days. They play an important role in controlling the finances and budget of a construction project. But there are several types of Quantity surveyors.  Forensic quantity surveyor is one of the divisions under the quantity surveying jobs. Let us read to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a Forensic quantity surveyor.

What is Quantity Surveying?

A professional in the construction sector with in-depth knowledge of construction contracts and costs is a quantity surveyor (QS). Quantity surveyors are financial consultants in the construction sector who have the necessary qualifications and expertise to advise on cost and contractual arrangements, as well as draft contract agreements. They contribute to making sure the building project is finished within the allocated budget. Contractors also use quantity surveyors to assist with project planning, bidding, and bill submission to clients, as well as for the valuation of the construction work for the contractor.

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Who Is a Forensic Quantity Surveyor? What Do They Do?

Forensic Quantity Surveying is a specialist field that applies quantity surveying principles to legal cases, disputes, claims, and investigations involving construction projects. The practice of quantity surveying itself is centred on project cost estimation and management, encompassing labour, materials, and other expenditures. These abilities are applied in the field of forensic quantity surveying to examine and settle disagreements or legal matters that come up during or after a building project. The process of forensic quantity surveying entails a thorough review of all available records to find relevant details. Then, using the fundamental principles of quantity surveying, it is determined whether or not a party has any contractual rights, including the right to make a monetary claim, by determining the true value, not the cost. This forensic study gives the client peace of mind because the expert report frequently influences the decision on whether to pursue a claim in a tribunal.

Key Responsibilities of a Forensic Quantity Surveyor

The abilities and skills of a normal quantity surveyor and a Forensic quantity surveyor are the same. However, there are some variations when it comes to their roles and responsibilities. The responsibilities of a normal quantity surveyor are that of estimating and managing the finances. Whereas the responsibility of a Forensic quantity surveyor mostly revolves around legal matters such as investigation, analysis, risk assessment, dispute resolution etc. Let us learn about the key responsibilities of a Forensic quantity surveyor in detail.

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Investigation and Analysis

Construction projects are examined by forensic quantity surveyors to ascertain the accuracy of costs, appraisals, and other financial factors. They might look at things like scope changes, cost overruns, delays in projects, and anomalies in contract documentation. The investigation and analysis are to be done for the following reasons.

• Analyze the contract account’s entitlement, liability, or both.
• Determine the value of a claim.
• Provide more clarity and support for that claim.
• Dispute the Payer’s undervaluation of an account
• Contest a claim brought against a contracting party
• Recognize the risks associated with claims
• Get ready for legal procedures like court cases, arbitrations, mediations, and adjudications.

Collection of Evidence

The collection and presentation of evidence are essential in adjudication to solidify a party’s argument. They have a great deal to offer this process. They can gather extensive proof, such as correspondence, financial data, and variation records, to support the client’s argument because of their proficiency in cost analysis, delay analysis, and contract interpretation. These professionals can support their client’s stance throughout the adjudication process by making a convincing and transparent argument.

Claims Evaluation

A forensic quantity surveyor assesses a party’s claim for additional expenses or damages as a result of project problems to establish the validity of the claim and estimate its possible financial impact. This entails evaluating the expenses incurred, contrasting them with the initial projections, and taking the obligations imposed by the contract into account.

Dispute Resolution

Forensic quantity surveyors are qualified to offer expert analysis and testimony in cases involving disagreements between contractors, owners, and subcontractors, among other parties involved in a building project. They assist in facilitating settlement through discussions or legal actions by evaluating the financial effects of changes, delays, and other issues.

Documentation Review

Forensic quantity surveyors examine project documentation, contracts, specifications, and other related materials for inaccuracies ambiguities, and potential points of contention.

Expert Witness

Forensic quantity surveyors frequently serve as expert witnesses in legal procedures. They provide impartial assessments based on their experience to assist judges, arbitrators, and other parties in understanding complex construction-related financial issues.

Damage Quantification

Forensic quantity surveyors determine the financial value of losses claimed as a result of construction errors, delays, or other issues by taking into account elements such as cost escalation, lost productivity, and longer project durations.

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Mediation and Arbitration

Forensic quantity surveyors can help with mediation and arbitration proceedings by offering clear and complete evaluations of construction-related financial issues. This can help parties achieve settlements and avoid endless legal fights.

Cost Audits

Forensic quantity surveyors may audit project costs to guarantee that expenses are recorded correctly and by contractual agreements.

Risk Assessment

They evaluate the financial risks involved in various project circumstances and provide information on how potential hazards may affect project costs and schedules.

Collaboration with Legal Professionals

Quantity surveyors can work with legal experts to maintain a strong and well-prepared case in complicated disputes that go to official adjudication proceedings. They help legal teams grasp the complexities of the construction business and give them the data they need to develop a compelling legal case by offering their insightful opinions and technical know-how.

Kinds Of Disputes and Allegations Requiring Forensic Analysis

A few examples of the claims and issues that may arise during a construction project that require forensic analysis are listed below.

• Extensions of Time also known as Delay Analysis
• Variation values
• Loss and/or Expense value
• Termination and/or Repudiation
• Defects Liability
• Revival of Historic Final Accounts that are older than 6 to 12 years
• Contra Charges

Education Required by a Forensic Quantity Surveyor

The education needed to become a Forensic quantity surveyor is the same as the one needed to become a quantity surveyor. First, you have to complete your engineering degree or a similar discipline upon graduation.

After getting the necessary education you need experience. the best way to attain this is experience. and the best way to get this is by joining an internship in a construction firm or taking an apprenticeship under a very knowledgeable and experienced quantity surveyor. Then you have to take the necessary licences so that you can work as a quantity surveyor lawfully.

Overall, forensic quantity surveying is an important field that helps resolve construction-related conflicts by combining quantitative analysis, knowledge of building costs, and comprehension of contract terms. It helps to guarantee that building endeavours are evaluated accurately and impartially in legal situations, resulting in more equitable dispute settlement.

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Forensic Quantity Surveyor FAQs

1. What I the most essential step to avoiding disputes in construction projects taken by a forensic quantity surveyor?

Ans: It takes open and honest communication to stop disputes from getting worse. To guarantee that all parties involved in a project have a clear and mutual understanding of the goals, schedule, and contractual duties, quantity surveyors serve as intermediaries. By encouraging efficient channels of communication and organizing frequent progress meetings, they can spot possible problems early on and try to find solutions before they turn into conflicts.

2. What is proactive contract management?

Ans:  Proactive contract management is a crucial component in the work of a quantity surveyor. They can assist in identifying possible points of disagreement up front by carefully reading and comprehending the terms and scenarios in contracts. To be honest, it is better for everyone when disagreements don’t arise in the first place, which is why quantity surveyors are so important in good contract administration. This includes document control, variation management, and payment certification.