Navigating the construction world is intricate. As a contractor, ensuring your projects stay on budget and deliver impeccable quality is paramount. The most effective way to achieve this? Regular on-site visits by your Quantity Surveyor (QS).
How a QS can save you money on your construction project
A QS doesn’t just manage costs from behind a desk; their role is hands-on. They estimate expenses, monitor the actual outlays, and find avenues for savings. But their effectiveness multiplies manifold when they’re physically present on site. Here’s why:
1. Early detection of potential issues:
There was a project last year where a QS, during a routine site inspection, noticed that a specific material being used was prone to early wear and tear. The contractor would have faced hefty repair costs post-completion if this had gone unnoticed. The QS intervened in time by being there, suggesting a cost-effective yet durable alternative.
2. Ensuring adherence to plans:
The QS ensures that what’s happening on the ground aligns with the original plans and specifications. On a project in Dublin, one of our QS’s at Carroll Estimating spotted a deviation from the design during an on-site visit. This early detection saved the contractor from expensive rectifications down the road.
3. Skillful negotiations with suppliers:
An informed QS doesn’t just accept supplier prices at face value. Upon visiting the site and assessing material quality on a recent project, our CEO, Paddy Carroll, realised there was room to negotiate. Armed with on-site insights, he successfully negotiated a 15% reduction with a supplier, leading to substantial savings.
4. Pinpointing cost-saving opportunities:
Your QS, being present on the site, can suggest efficient construction methods or alternate materials. It’s a real-time feedback loop; as they inspect, they identify. For instance, after observing the workflow in a project in Kildare, one of our lads proposed rearranging tasks that trimmed weeks off the schedule, translating to savings you wouldn’t sniff at.
Tips for contractors to maximise the value from your QS:
Regular Communication:
Establish a consistent communication format with your QS. The more they know about your vision and concerns, the better they can serve your interests.
Schedule routine on-site visits:
Ensure your QS visits the site periodically, be it weekly or monthly, based on the project’s size and complexity.
Provide all necessary documentation
Always furnish your QS with updated plans, contracts, and any other relevant documentation. This ensures their assessments and recommendations are based on the latest information.
Encourage continuous learning
The construction industry is ever-evolving. Encourage your QS to attend seminars, workshops, and courses to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices.
Feedback loop:
After every project phase, sit down with your QS to discuss what went right, what could’ve been better, and how to implement improvements moving forward.
Conclusion:
The on-ground presence of a QS isn’t just a good-to-have; it’s essential. They’re not just observing but acting, intervening, and optimising in real-time. With a QS routinely inspecting your site, you can be assured that every penny invested is being utilised optimally. So next time you kick off a project, make sure your QS isn’t just on the payroll but also on the ground, actively safeguarding your interests.
Read our blog post on the 3 effective strategies for contractors to catch every variation and extra.
Learn more about how a QS can help you with a free consultation from the team at Carroll Estimating.