Have you ever considered outsourcing your QS work? All the major construction companies are doing it these days. It saves time, resources, overheads, and so much more.
If you’re only used to hiring in-house, read on to see the six major differences between using a contractor and a team of QSs and Estimators for your tendering.
Don’t Drain Your Resources
Hiring an in-house QS puts pressure on your internal resources, which could be used elsewhere. For example, your in-house QS might need to pull information from other departments, use shared software, or depend on your admin staff to assist with the tender process.
This takes time away from other areas of the business, whereas an outsourced team of QSs and estimators comes fully equipped with their own tools, software and expertise. They’re already trained and up-to-date with the latest industry practices, so they can hit the ground running.
Competing for Time
Your internal contractor often juggles multiple responsibilities—looking after current jobs while trying to win new projects—and just doesn’t have the time to do it all.
They end up becoming reactive to situations rather than having space to be proactive. A dedicated team of QSs and estimators focuses solely on tendering, ensuring every detail is covered and deadlines are met. They have time to think ahead, foresee and possible issues and plan for them.
Conflicting Interests
Contractors wear many hats, juggling roles such as QS work, estimating and project management. They constantly shift focus and prioritise urgent tasks over important details, which can impact the quality of work produced. But when you outsource, each team member can concentrate fully on their area of expertise, whether it’s analysing costs, managing tenders, or coordinating with suppliers.
The Price Comparison of Inhouse vs Outsourced QS
Hiring in-house may seem cheaper initially, but the long-term costs add up. Salary, sick leave and annual leave all need to be covered. Outsourcing eliminates these costs, giving you a more predictable budget without the headache of employee management.
Plus, you get to cut back on overheads, software subscriptions and licences because the team of QS’s has all that plus the expertise to boot, so you don’t need to waste any more time on training.
No Replacement QS Needed
If your QS ups and leaves during a project, that’s when shit hits the fan. The QS deeply understands the project’s specifics, including intricate cost breakdowns, supplier agreements and ongoing negotiations. When they leave, they take all that knowledge with them.
On the other hand, outsourcing to a team means this risk is reduced. They have systems to ensure all project details are documented and accessible to the entire team so everyone’s on the same page.
There’s No Limit To Live Jobs Or Tenders
A team of QSs and estimators can handle unlimited projects at once. They bring a range of experience and knowledge that a single contractor simply can’t match.
Plus, they build strong relationships with clients, suppliers and merchants on every project. You never know when you might need an introduction or the reputation of the team you outsource to plays in your favour. This means you can scale your business without worrying about limited time and resources.
Conclusion
Outsourcing your QS and estimating is a strategic move that can save you time, money, and stress. With a dedicated team, you benefit from their expertise, resources, and full attention to your projects.
If you’re considering outsourcing, contact us today at Carroll Estimating to find out how we can help you grow your business and make more money with a seamless process from tender bid to final account.