Bills of Quantities
Bills of Quantities are used for construction works where tenders are being sought from building contractors. The Bills are produced in accordance with the Standard Method of Measurement.
Budget Estimates/ Cost Plan
At outline scheme a detailed budget estimate/ cost plan will forecast the cost of the building works.
BREAAM
BREAAM is a measure to establish how environmentally friendly a building is. They are assessed on the specification of the works and score points. Over a number of points will give a different score. Buildings usually are aiming to achieve status Very Good. This impacts the cost of the building. Excellent is the highest score.
Cashflow Forecasts
A forecast of expenditure on a monthly basis over the contract period, based upon the construction programme.
Change Management
In construction projects delay is a very expensive and very often client changes causes this. To actively manage change during the construction phase is critical to successful completion. To implement a clear process in the construction phase reduces this risk.
Contract Preparation
Advise on which of the Standard Form of Building Contract issued by a recognised body to be used for the project.
Claims
In the event of a dispute arising prepare a claim to substantiate the client’s position.
Construction Design Management(CDM)
Construction Design Management is a statutory requirement for ensuring Health and Safety is managed in construction projects. A CDM coordinator is appointed to fulfil this task.
Dispute Resolution
When disputes arise construction projects there is contractual route to resolution which is agreed between the parties. Clients will normally appoint a quantity surveyor to advise on the disputed issue and represent him in the proceedings. Usually this is on a time charge basis.
Employer's Agent
On the Design & Build type contracts clients can appoint an Employer’s Agent to act on his behalf to administer the contract. Quantity Surveyors are usually in a good position to do this because of their knowledge of the standard building contracts.
Feasibility Studies
A feasibility study is carried out in the early stage of a project to establish the requirements and a ROM cost for the works so that a decision can be made on whether the objectives are met or not.
Final Account
After the works are complete the final account of the works is prepared and agreed with the contractor.
Financial Statements
As the works proceed on site the quantity surveyor will produce regular cost reports which keep the client up to date with the estimated final cost of the project.
Project Management
On large scale building projects it is sometimes advisable to appoint a project manager in addition to the design team. The role of the project manager is to ensure that the programme is kept to.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
A recognised professional body which regulates and monitors its member with codes of conduct. Membership to this body is via the Assessment of Professional Competence and subscription. Members are required to carry out Continued Professional Development.
Standard Form of Building Contract
A standard form of building contract usually The Joint Contracts Tribunal Form or the NEC form is a standard form of building contract which have been tried and tested over the years and where the parties are familiar with the distribution of the risk. These contracts are similar and cover area such as payment, dispute, termination, variation etc.
Schedule of Works
Schedules of works are lists of items of works that need to be carried to complete the works.
Specification
A specification is a comprehensive written document that identities all the requirements of that particular piece of work which also sets out which Building Regulations that it needs to comply with.
Sustainability
Projects may need to meet planning requirement usually 30 per cent of renewables and this has an impact on cost.
Taxable Allowance
In construction projects cost incurred can be written off against corporation tax. This is called Capital Allowances. Enhanced Capital allowances are also allowed whereby a greater level of cost can be written off against tax at an earlier stage.
Tender Documentation
Tender documentation is a compilation of documents that will form an agreement with a contractor to carry out the works for a sum of money. Tender document can be but not limited to the following:-
Drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities, Health and Safety Plan, Site condition surveys, archaeological surveys, Mechanical and Electrical requirements, structural design etc.
Tender Lists
A tender list is a list of contractors that would be invited to submit a tender for the works. Usually to get on to this list the contractors need to be vetted for suitability for the works. Over a certain value the tender need to advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
Valuations
During the progress of the works a surveyor values the works carried out on normally a monthly basis, using the priced contract documents and will also recommend payment for variations to the contract instructed by the contract administrator.
Value Engineering
Projects can be over designed therefore to implement a value engineering workshop at a critical time prior to contract award brings in the contractors knowledge of alternative solutions that can bear greater cost efficiencies.
