Hiring a QS to do a nixer might seem like a good idea at first. It’s cheaper overall; you can even price the job a bit lower to win the tender bid and who’s going to know?
Well, as soon as work starts, the General Contractor (GC) and Project Quantity Surveyor (PQS) will see right through it. If you’ve been thinking about hiring a QS to do a nixer, read on to find out what that could mean for the success of your site.
It’s unprofessional from the start.
GCs and PQSs are smart. They likely know the QS you’ve hired has a full-time gig and probably even knows the company. The construction industry is built on relationships, trust, and competence. Getting someone to do a side job sends the wrong message.
You look cheap – even if you don’t mean to.
It might suggest to others that you’re cutting corners. When you hire a QS juggling a full-time job, it can give the impression that you’re more focused on saving money than quality. It’s a mark on your reputation that’s hard to shake. If it looks like you’re treating the project as cheap, then others are going to treat you as cheap.
It can cause unnecessary delays.
Construction is fast-paced. Quick decisions are crucial. If your QS is only working after their regular hours, guess what? They’re not available when you need them most. Whether it’s negotiating, getting urgent costings, or adjusting rates, it all has to wait. But time isn’t always a luxury you can afford on-site.
Deadlines and documentation go missing.
A QS doing a nixer already has a lot on their plate. They just want to get the job done and get home so it’s no wonder deadlines can get missed and the documentation they submit might not be as thorough as it should be. They’re likely rushing to get everything out the door. If that means mistakes or missing details, you’re the one left to pick up the pieces.
If something goes wrong, you’re not covered.
One of the biggest risks is insurance. They probably don’t have their own independent insurance, so if something goes wrong, like a wrong rate on a job or an oversight that costs you money, you’re unprotected. That’s a huge risk for your business. Who’s going to cover the loss?
They’re not bothered about building relationships.
A QS doing a nixer doesn’t have the time to build rapport with your clients or key stakeholders. They’re just trying to get the job done quietly and quickly. That means less involvement, fewer site visits, and less accountability. You’ll have to visit the site and more than likely do some of the QS’s work, like measuring and submitting payment claims.
Is it really worth it?
Yes, the job will be cheaper, and payment claims will be less expensive. But when things go wrong, you’re left picking up the pieces. It’s your name above the door; without proper support, you leave yourself vulnerable. You might think you’re saving money by hiring a QS to do a nixer, but the long-term risks outweigh the short-term savings.
If you’re looking for support on your next project, contact us today at Carroll Estimating to learn how our team of professional QS and Estimators can help you set up a successful site with a seamless process from tender bid to final account.