The Role of Professional Quantity Surveyors in United States of America USAn Construction

Controlling Costs and Value Engineering

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a construction cost expert who manages all commercial and financial aspects of a building project. For any significant construction in United States of America USA, hiring a professional QS is a sound investment that prevents overspending and ensures value for money.

Key Responsibilities of a QS

• **Feasibility Studies and Cost Planning:** Provides accurate budget estimates for the proposed design, allowing the client to adjust scope to fit their financing before construction begins.
• **Bills of Quantities (BoQ):** Produces a detailed list of all materials and labor required. The BoQ is essential for obtaining accurate and comparable tenders from contractors and acts as the project’s financial blueprint.
• **Contract Administration:** Manages financial contracts, verifies contractor payment claims, and assesses the cost implications of any design changes, preventing budget creep.
• **Valuation and Final Accounts:** Measures the work completed on site for payment purposes and prepares the final financial statement upon project completion.

The QS acts as the client’s financial watchdog, ensuring that every shilling spent translates into realized value on the building site.