What Is a Quantity Surveyor’s Role?
The quantity surveyor is the cost specialist in any construction team. Their work begins before the first blueprint is drawn and continues until the last nail is driven.
Primary QS Responsibilities:
- Feasibility studies and cost planning
- Preparation of bills of quantities (BOQ)
- Monitoring and reporting project expenditures
- Valuing completed work for interim payments
- Advising on disputes and contract interpretation
Project Management: Leadership with Purpose
A project manager oversees scope, time, cost, and quality. While the QS focuses on cost, the project manager ensures that goals are met through planning, resource management, and risk mitigation.
Key PM Responsibilities:
- Developing schedules and tracking progress
- Coordinating with stakeholders and vendors
- Managing teams and resources
- Handling documentation and compliance
How These Roles Intersect for Success
Together, the QS and project manager optimize both the “what” and “how” of project delivery.
Examples of Synergy:
- If labor costs spike, the QS revises projections while the PM adjusts task schedules to avoid delays.
- In case of design changes, the QS calculates cost implications, and the PM coordinates approvals and implementation.
Conclusion
When financial acumen meets operational oversight, the result is a construction process defined by clarity, precision, and success. The collaboration between quantity surveyor and project management professionals is the gold standard for efficient, cost-conscious building. For any developer or investor, this partnership is essential to maximizing value and ensuring delivery excellence.