Putting in a tender for a construction project can be daunting. That’s where a contractor’s Quantity Surveyor (QS) comes in. With their help, it can be a smoother and more successful experience. QS’s are experts in measuring and rating jobs, preparing tender bids, and managing project finances from the bid stage to the final account.
But how does it work? What is the role of a QS in a construction tender process?
Here are 10 Things a Contractor’s QS Does When a Contractor Wants to Put in a Tender
Understanding Your Business Inside Out
First things first, before even starting to look at the job, the QS will want to get to know the contractor. Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat client, they dig deep to understand your business, what you’re about, and the kinds of projects you usually take on. This includes understanding your experience, capabilities, and financial situation so they can tailor their approach to fit your unique needs.
Assess the Project Site
Next up, the QS will then visit the job site to assess the access, the location, and the potential challenges. Is it a tight squeeze or an open field? The location matters too. City centre jobs often mean higher costs compared to more rural settings.
Determine the Contract Type
Contracts can be tricky. The type of contract will affect the way the tender is put together. Your QS knows how to move forward whether it’s a blue form, yellow form, short form, or a public contract. They also check for PC and provisional sum allowances. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s about understanding the rules of the game and making sure they rate and measure the scopes of work accurately, on day one.This helps us ensure that we’re bidding on a project that is financially feasible.
Talk to the Design Team
We meet and talk with the architect, the engineer, and the M&E consultant to get a better understanding of the project. This is a good opportunity to get clarification on any questions we have about the drawings or specifications. This helps us identify any potential issues and ensure we’re bidding on a well-designed and feasible project.
Requests for Information (RFI’s)
There may be items on the drawings or specification that are not quite clear. This is where RFI’s come in. We can submit RFI’s to the architect, the engineer, and the M&E consultant to clarify any outstanding questions. This helps ensure we have a clear understanding of the scope of work.
Decide Whether the Job Needs to be Measured or if a Bill of Quantities is Available
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Does the job need measuring, or is there a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) ready to go? If no BOQ is available, we will need to measure the job ourselves. This is a time-consuming process, but it is essential to ensure that we have accurate quantities.
Import the Job Into Estimating Software
Now your QS gets techy! The QS will measure the job or import the quantities from a bill of quantities using top-notch estimating software to bring all the job details together. This will give you a detailed breakdown of the work to be done and paint a complete picture of the project costs.
Break Down the Work Into Trade Packages
The QS will then break down the work into trade packages. This is a way of organising the work so that different subcontractors can bid on it.
Get Quotes From Suppliers and Subcontractors
Your QS hits the phone! They reach out to all the suppliers and subcontractors linked to you for the best prices. It’s about building a team that works for you at a price that works for you.
Measure, Rate and Submitting the Tender
Armed with all the information, the QS will then measure and rate the work. This means they will calculate the cost of each item of work, taking into account the quantities, the unit rates, and the overheads. Then, with your agreement, they submit the tender, on or before the due date, putting your best foot forward.
In conclusion, a contractor’s QS is more than just a number cruncher. They’re your strategist, your advisor, and your ally in the complicated world of tender bids. Understanding these 10 steps they take can give you the confidence to know you’re always bidding on profitable projects. With a skilled QS by your side, you’re not just bidding; you’re bidding to win.
Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways Carroll Estimating can help you:
4. Managing all your QS work from tender bid to final account