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In the dynamic world of construction and project management, maintaining tight control over costs is a paramount concern for successful outcomes. This is where the role of quantity surveying emerges as a critical factor. Quantity surveyors play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient cost control throughout the entire project lifecycle. Their expertise and meticulous analysis not only help in budget optimization but also contribute to effective decision-making, risk mitigation, and timely project delivery.
In this article, we explore the fundamental importance of quantity surveying in cost control and how these professionals add value to construction endeavors.
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What is Quantity Surveying?
Quantity surveying mainly deals with the estimation, control and planning of the cost of a construction project. All the activities listed below come under this.
- Cost estimation
- Cost planning
- Value engineering
- Feasibility studies
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Lifecycle coasting
- Valuation
Quantity surveying essentially helps a business to use the resources it has in hand such as manpower, material and money effectively. This job is done by a quantity surveyor. For doing this job, a quantity surveyor should have up-to-date knowledge and information regarding the market, tools and other equipment that might help to plan and schedule the construction activities and resource allocation. Another field in which a quantity surveyor should have thorough knowledge is Risk analysis. A quantity surveyor should be able to do a detailed risk analysis and decide between retaining and transferring the risks found. All in all, we could say that good knowledge of construction technology is essential for this job position as many other responsibilities including contract procurement, dispute resolution and tender evaluation come under their job profile.
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What is Cost Control?
1: What is the main purpose of a Bill of Quantities (BoQ)?
It is the process of finding and reducing the expenses of a business in order to attain more profits. Cost control begins with the budgeting process. The firm owner or the employee concerned makes a comparison between the actual financial results of the company and the budgeted expectations. If the actual cost is higher than the expected value then the management needs to take action according to the given information. For example, the business can obtain raw materials from a vendor who will be able to sell it at a reduced price. Similarly, many companies use outsourcing as a method for cost controlling as paying a third party to do a task is rather profitable and time-saving than doing it themselves. Cost control plays an important role in maintaining and growing profitability.
The difference between budgeted and actual expenses is called the variance. Therefore we can say that variance analysis is used as a critical tool to identify areas that could be improved and make appropriate changes. A company should perform a variance analysis every month on each revenue and expense account. The largest variances (preferably the largest percentage difference) should be addressed first as they are the ones that have the most impact on the company’s results.
Cost control is extremely important. In a market, the low-cost producers are the people who make the most profit. Decreasing costs is the key to increasing the efficiency and profitability of any business.
Types of Cost
There are different types of costs. They are listed in the table given below.
| No. | Name | Explanation | Examples |
| 1 | Fixed costs | Does not change | Rent
Insurance payments |
| 2 | Variable coasts | Will change with productivity | Wage labour
Energy usage |
| 3 | Direct costs | Are involved with operations or production | Raw material cost |
| 4 | Indirect cost | Unrelated to the business’s core operations | Overhead |
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Master Quantity Surveying – Build a Rewarding Career Today!
Gain in-demand skills in cost estimation, project budgeting, and contract management with our Quantity Surveying Course. Learn from industry experts and boost your career in construction and infrastructure. Enroll now and take the first step toward success!
Know MoreQuantity Surveying in Cost Control
Now we will explore the significance of quantity surveying in construction cost control, how it impacts project success, and why hiring a qualified quantity surveyor is essential for modern-day construction management.
1. Early Cost Planning & Advice
During the project’s design phase, QS professionals work closely with architects and stakeholders to analyse cost implications of design decisions. This ensures better financial forecasting and budget alignment with client expectations.
2. Value Engineering for Budget Optimisation
Quantity Surveyors evaluate alternative materials, construction methods, and technologies to reduce costs without compromising on quality. This process, known as value engineering, ensures maximum value is derived from the client’s investment.
3. Continuous Monitoring and Cost Tracking
Cost control is not a one-time task—it is a continuous process throughout the project lifecycle. QS professionals monitor progress, compare actual costs with budgeted figures, and flag deviations for timely corrective action.
4. Job Costing and Performance Analysis
During the construction phase, QSs maintain job cost accounts, breaking down the total budget into specific work items. These accounts help track actual vs estimated costs, giving project managers clear visibility into financial performance.
5. Deviation Identification and Risk Management
Quantity surveyors identify deviations from the planned schedule, cost, or scope. Their insights help mitigate risks early, ensuring minimal disruption to project timelines and finances.
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Roles of a Quantity Surveying in Cost Control
A quantity surveyor has many responsibilities when it comes to a project. Some of them are listed below.
- Make the tender and contract documents which may include quantities with architects, clients etc.
- Conduct cost analysis for maintenance and repair work.
- Provide an estimate of material costs.
- Provide assistance in establishing clients’ needs.
- Perform risk management.
- Perform value management.
- Conduct cost control.
- Conducting analysis of construction blueprints.
- Conduct feasibility studies.
- Give advice on procurement strategy.
- Find, analyse and find solutions for possible commercial risks.
- Hire and divide work between sub-contractors.
- Developing and maintaining documents that keep track of project costs.
- Travelling to company sites.
- Negotiating contracts so that they will stay within planned budgets
- Give advice about contractual claims.
- Conduct analysis of outcomes and prepare comprehensive progress reports.
- Value finished work and arrange payments.
- Have good awareness of various building contracts in use.
- Settling financial and accounting issues for a business.
- Having knowledge about health and safety regulation’s implications.
- Preparing and analysing costing for tenders
- Offer advice on the topic of property taxation.
- Helping clients in locating and gaining access to additional and alternative funding sources.
- Enabling clients to start construction projects.
- Providing advice on the costs associated with particular building maintenance.
Quantity Surveyor as a Career Path
With a favourable work-life balance and appealing earning potential, quantity surveying is a highly desired profession. Additionally, there is a ton of room for growth and specialization in this area. Starting out as an assistant quantity surveyor, assistant cost manager, or assistant manager and working your way up to assistant vice president, assistant director, or general manager is a viable career path. Jobs in this sector are anticipated to grow as a result of the boom in the infrastructure and construction sectors brought on by the country’s rapid urbanization. It is common for various surveyor types to be needed at construction sites to work in designated estimation and costing areas. Depending on a person’s background, schooling, company and location, a quantity surveyor’s average pay may change. A quantity surveyor makes an average yearly base salary of Rs.3,26,407.
Job Titles Coming Under Quantity Surveying
There are many other jobs a person can get other than being a Quantity Surveyor if you are qualified in Quantity Surveying. A few of them are listed in the table below for your reference.
| No. | Name of the Job | Description |
| 1 | Construction manager | Construction managers are experts who oversee and build infrastructure projects for homes, businesses, and the general public. They oversee all duties of a construction team and manage projects from start to finish. To ensure adherence to safety laws and regulations, they oversee construction activities both on and off-site. |
| 2 | Loss control surveyor | They examine construction sites to evaluate various financial risk factors for the business in question. They make an effort to evaluate any potential property damage brought on by weather or other construction problems. Loss control surveyors can also be those who are interested in quantity surveys because there are many comparable characteristics between the two positions. Both positions involve assessing construction sites and the price of building materials. Both roles also make an effort to reduce financial risks that might result in sizable financial losses. |
| 3 | Project manager | Project managers organize and oversee a company’s various projects. They guarantee that projects are finished on time and within budget. They may be in charge of both short-term projects such as content creation or presentations and long-term projects such as a marketing campaign. |
| 4 | IT project manager | A technology expert called an IT project manager is in charge of creating and managing technological projects, which includes managing a budget, assigning team members’ tasks, and setting deadlines. They are in charge of setting objectives, delegating tasks, and communicating pertinent information to the team. IT project managers also help develop software, fix broken parts, and make user-friendly apps and programs. |
| 5 | Senior estimator | Senior estimators examine blueprints and consult with clients to assess the risks associated with a construction project. They frequently work with a group of surveyors to create cost-saving plans, such as ordering supplies in bulk and planning concurrent construction projects. They assist a construction company in methodically achieving its financial objectives. |
Master Quantity Surveying – Build a Rewarding Career Today!
Gain in-demand skills in cost estimation, project budgeting, and contract management with our Quantity Surveying Course. Learn from industry experts and boost your career in construction and infrastructure. Enroll now and take the first step toward success!
Know MoreQuantity Surveying Course in Entri App
This is an upskilling course begun by the entri app for civil engineering graduates. Check out the specialities of this course listed below and attend a free Demo class today itself.
- Recorded Video Classes
- 3 Live Classes in a Week
- WhatsApp group for doubt clearance
- 6-Month Mentorship
- Placement assistance
- Live Projects from the Middle East
- Personal Mentorship
- Certification
The article above gives us an overall idea of the roles, responsibilities and job profile of a Quantitative surveyor and importance of Quantity Surveying in Cost Control. We have also discussed possible job titles and salaries coming under the same career path. Consult with your mentors to learn more about this subject
Final Thoughts
The importance of quantity surveying in cost control cannot be overstated. A skilled QS ensures that projects remain financially viable, legally compliant, and efficiently executed. Whether it’s a government highway or a commercial high-rise, quantity surveyors are the unsung heroes keeping construction grounded in financial reality.
If you’re looking to build a career that combines technical knowledge with financial acumen, quantity surveying might be your calling.
Master Quantity Surveying – Build a Rewarding Career Today!
Gain in-demand skills in cost estimation, project budgeting, and contract management with our Quantity Surveying Course. Learn from industry experts and boost your career in construction and infrastructure. Enroll now and take the first step toward success!
Know MoreFrequently Asked Questions
1. What is the job of a Quantity Surveyor?
A Quantity Surveyor is a specialist who manages construction costs and contracts. They are responsible for project cost estimation, budget creation, and project completion within the allocated funds and on time.
2. Who can become a Quantity Surveyor?
Civil engineering graduates.
