Construction projects are typically difficult to organise. Most importantly, they can eat up a lot of your valuable time, which you could be spending on more important things. This is why hiring the proper individuals for your project is essential. Let’s understand who is required at what timeframe: cost consultant vs quantity surveyor.
What is a Cost Consultant?
Cost consultant are experts in the field that advise clients on construction cost estimation, and project management. These consultants also define what projects entail, provide guidance on how to set up projects, and inspect contractors’ work.
They need solid communication, business, and teamwork skills to complete their responsibilities efficiently. They are in charge of inspecting each phase of a project to ensure that it follows the agreed-upon design and approving or rejecting changes before they are executed.
The pool of specialized talent available to a consultant is often larger than that available to an in-house team. Furthermore, consultants may be a more time-effective solution due to their experience and data gathered from working on projects similar to yours.
Consultants can assist you in avoiding delays and gaps in construction projects, achieving operational goals, increasing the return on investment of your building, and making the construction process more efficient in general. Consultants can also help you anticipate issues before they become expensive and time-consuming.
Another reason to hire construction cost consultant is the building industry’s labour shortage. Working with consultants provides you with access to a versatile workforce that suits your needs.
It’s important to remember that the sooner you hire experts, the more they can assist you. After all, if a big planning blunder is found months or even years later, your costs will quickly outweigh any consulting fees.
The optimal time to begin working with construction consultants is typically at the concept stage of design projects and during consultant mobilization.
What is a Quantity Surveyor?
Quantity surveyors are responsible for estimating and controlling the costs of large construction projects. They ensure that constructions comply with legal and quality requirements. Quantity surveyors are present at all stages of a project. Clients rely on them to ensure that the final product is cost-effective, whether they’re working on residential, commercial, or industrial projects.
You’ll be prepared for any prospective tax deductions, mediations, arbitrations, and replacement cost predictions if you hire a qualified quantity surveyor.
Neglecting to hire a quantity surveyor is one of the most typical blunders made during a building or engineering project. Decision-makers frequently make the mistake of assuming that the lack of a quantity surveyor will reduce labour expenses.
However, the expense of a quantity surveyor’s work is an investment with a guaranteed high return. These are highly qualified, appropriately certified, and incredibly well-rounded individuals who can help you not only save money on a maintenance or construction project but also improve revenues.
When you hire a quantity surveyor for the first time, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without such an important skill set on your team.
Cost Consultant vs Quantity Surveyor: The Difference
The key differences between estimators and quantity surveyors include:
- The projects that they undertake. Quantity surveyors are regularly called upon to work on larger, more complicated projects. Quantity surveyors are frequently recruited to undertake significant projects for the public and commercial sectors due to their AIQS accreditation and extended skill set. Consultants are more typically involved with residential and small business projects, though this isn’t always the case.
- The priorities they have. A consultant’s primary purpose is to offer accurate and fast cost estimates in order to assist their clients in winning tenders. A quantity surveyor, on the other hand, is responsible for preparing the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), which specifies the quantities of materials and labour needed to accomplish the project. The BOQ aids tenderers in addressing any potential differences between tender documents, allowing them to create a fair and accurate construction cost computation.
- The role they play. Quantity surveyors often assist with building projects before, during, and after completion. Consultants, on the other hand, are mostly involved before a project starts (i.e. in the tendering phase). Consultants must prepare a cost summary presentation based on labour, material, and feasibility requirements during this phase. Following the award of the tender and the start of the project, the estimators will provide continuing support as new circumstances need a new cost estimate.
Cost Consultant vs Quantity Surveyor
Cost consultants and quantity surveyors have one thing in common: they both assist in the smooth running of projects. They all contribute to the creation of dependable, precise estimates that enable project managers to decrease financial risks and gain more cost control.
Finally, this enables builders to realize their goals for their projects while staying on schedule and within budget. As a result, both consultants and quantity surveyors are considered critical to a project’s success.