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Quantity inspectors ensure construction project costs remain in control and contracts are completed as agreed. They require post-secondary training and certification, with four main tasks: cost planning, value management, property research review, and lifecycle costing. In North America, this function is typically performed by a cost accountant.
All the different quantity inspector jobs are focused on ensuring that the costs of a construction project remain in control and that all contracts are completed as agreed. Most quantity inspector jobs are available in the construction industry, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. This is a professional position, with strict post-secondary training requirements and a certification process. In North America, the same function is typically performed by a cost accountant. However, many companies have found that a quantity inspector has additional skills and knowledge that add value.
There are four main tasks of a quantity inspector: cost planning, value management, property research review, and lifecycle costing. All four jobs require successful completion of a post-secondary training program, which provides training in reading schematic diagrams, project costing, purchasing practices, construction, and contract law. While many of these skills are taught in general project management and cost accounting courses, there are nuances in the construction industry that can have a significant impact on the outcome and conclusions. Also, schematic review and surveying techniques are only available in a dedicated surveyor program.
Cost planning is essential for any business venture, but it is absolutely critical in construction. The values provided are used to determine the total project cost, selling price, profit margin and project viability. Using the project plans, detailed description, and specifications, the quantity inspector identifies the material to be purchased, the price, and the quantity.
One of the main responsibilities of the quantity inspector is to review contracts and ensure that all contracted services are provided. Contract types range from qualifying deals to supplies. A deep understanding of the construction industry is critical to assessing the level of compliance with contracts, troubleshooting issues and achieving satisfactory resolutions. For example, if there is a contract with a plumbing service company on a new housing development, the surveyor can inspect the work and ensure that the contracted equipment has been used.
Property surveys are an aspect of value management, which is an important aspect of many quantity inspector jobs. The scope of this work ranges from identifying hidden defects in the survey to managing the survey process as part of a real estate transaction. Additional work in this area can also be used to challenge real estate contracts or related legislation.
Lifecycle costing is an important part of any proposed construction project. This is especially true when submitting proposals to governments or property management companies. The total cost of ownership must incorporate all project-related costs. These costs range from standard maintenance to personnel costs incurred due to the structural design.
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