Profession quantity surveyor

Quantity surveyors have under their helm complete management of the cost involved in building and construction projects from the inception of the project until the delivery. They strive for an efficient use of the resources whilst keeping an eye on quality, quality standards, and client's requirements.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Building construction principles

    The component elements and principles of building construction such as types of wall construction and foundations, defects in walls and roofs and ways to address such defects.

  • Building codes

    The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.

  • Urban planning law

    Investments and urban development agreements. Legislative developments regarding construction in terms of environmental, sustainability, social and financial matters.

  • Cost management

    The process of planning, monitoring and adjusting the expenses and revenues of a business in order to achieve cost efficiency and capability.

  • Construction industry

    The products, brands and suppliers active in the construction field.

Skills

  • Manage budgets

    Plan, monitor and report on the budget.

  • Finish project within budget

    Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

  • Prepare construction documents

    Draft, update and archive documents concerning the planning and implementation of construction or renovation projects including information about security systems and accounting documentation.

  • Calculate needs for construction supplies

    Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.

  • Control of expenses

    Monitoring and maintaining effective cost controls, in regards to efficiencies, waste, overtime and staffing. Assessing excesses and strives for efficiency and productivity.

  • Communicate with construction crews

    Exchange information with the construction crews or supervisors to ensure smooth progress of the construction project. Obtain updates on the progress and any obstacles, and inform the crews of any changes in the schedule or procedures.

  • Manage contracts

    Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes.

  • Advise on construction materials

    Provide advice on and test a wide range of construction materials.

  • Identify customer objectives

    Identify individual motives resulting in short, medium and long term fitness goals.

  • Order construction supplies

    Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.

  • Oversee construction project

    Make sure that the construction project is carried out in compliance with the building permit, the execution plans, the performance and design specifications, and the relevant regulations.

  • Keep records of work progress

    Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.

  • Perform cost accounting activities

    Execute the cost related activities and operations within the accounting activities such as standard cost development, average pricing analysis, margin and cost ratio analysis, inventory control, and variance analysis. Report the results to management and advise on possible courses of action to control and reduce the costs.

Optional knowledge and skills

advise on risk management carry out tendering assess construction compliance civil engineering estimate profitability project management coordinate construction activities liaise with financiers communicate with customers monitor parameters' compliance in construction projects advise architects monitor contractor performance real estate market contract law follow the statutory obligations quality standards provide cost benefit analysis reports monitor construction site civil law ensure compliance with construction project deadline audit contractors

Source: Sisyphus ODB