Quantity surveyors can solve tender problems

1.What is the role of a quantity surveyor?

A quantity surveyor’s work is to estimate the cost of a construction project. We advise on project financials from start to finish to ensure that the project does not stall. Practising quantity surveyors are registered under the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK), which is their professional body.

2.Are quantity surveyors to blame for the collapse of buildings in towns like Nairobi given their key role in estimating costs, which may involve suggesting use of cheaper building materials?

I think it would be unfair to suggest that such problems are the fault of quantity surveyors. Buildings collapse for many reasons, including poor workmanship, structural engineering problems, poor concrete mix and not using correct quantities of materials. These have little to do with a quantity surveyor.

3.I once met an experienced structural engineer who told me he also doubles up as a quantity surveyor  and can effectively estimate costs of construction from his years of experience. Are quantity surveyors expendable in the construction industry?

First and foremost, that structural engineer is a masquerader. Quantity surveyors also learn a bit of civil engineering and mechanical engineering in college but that does not make them civil or mechanical engineers. It does not matter whether you have been in the field for 30 or 40 years or the number of projects you have done, you can never estimate the costs the same way a trained quantity surveyor does.

4.So what do quantity surveyors do different that seasoned contractors cannot?

Quantity surveyors use a scientific approach in cost estimation. There is no bedsitter that would cost the same as the next bedsitter even though they are of similar sizes. Non-quantity surveyors will use vague terms like ‘standard size door’ in making price estimations. There is nothing like a standard door. What material will the door be made of? What handle is being used? Will it be using a door stopper as well? Those are just some of the questions quantity surveyors answer when doing cost estimates. We take down the building’s structural drawing into its minute form and quote the exact costs.

5.What are the implications of not using a quantity surveyor and instead using a seasoned architect to estimate costs?

The implications of not using a quantity surveyor as a developer is that you might actually end up paying more than you should to a contractor who is making abnormal profits as his costs were greatly underestimated. On the other hand, it might be a huge loss to the contractor who might be losing money where building estimates were understated when competing for the tender. Quantity surveyors act in the interests of both the developer and the contractor.

6.What role does the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) play in protecting quantity surveyors from masqueraders?

Unfortunately, the law that established BORAQS, Cap 525 of 1934, does not have teeth to protect quantity surveyors from quacks in the industry. If I report you as a masquerader to the board, they will have no mandate to punish you. This is because Cap 525 is only applicable to members. Besides, BORASK was formed in 1934 when there were about three architects in the country and one quantity surveyor. Currently, we have 1,000 architects and 700 quantity surveyors. Clearly, a lot has changed between then and now. Currently, we are working on a bill that will cater specifically for quantity surveyors (not combined with architects) that will have disciplining quacks as a highlight.

7.A lot of building technologies coming into the country are claiming to reduce building costs by a significant margin. How true is this?

Some actually do reduce construction costs by up to 50 per cent. The main reason they are not being taken up is that they have not be accepted by users. Kenyans still believe in brick and mortar for a house and consider other building materials inferior. Furthermore, these technologies have limitations as they cannot be used for bigger projects - they are limited to smaller units like bedsitters or one bedroom houses.

8.A lot of new infrastructure in Kenya like the Thika superhighway have so far had little effect on the general economy as was initially envisaged. As a stakeholder, what has IQSK done in its infrastructure planning advisory role to the Government?

So far, the use of quantity surveyors in infrastructure projects has been minimal. There is no Government policy requiring quantity surveyors to be involved in infrastructure projects. The Government instead uses engineers - civil and structural engineers - who supervise and certify these projects. Even though the Government is understating our role, engineering firms and contractors appreciate our work and  employ quantity surveyors to help them in quoting tenders. If the Government involved quantity surveyors from the on-set, tendering issues would be reduced.

9.How exactly would quantity surveyors reduce tender related problems?

We would add value in the documentation of infrastructure. We would come up with accurate measurements that would ensure the Government only pays for what the project costs and only attract tenders with informed, documented costs, avoiding scenarios where contractors rip off the Government.

10. Tell us a bit about the Professional Excellence Awards Scheme that IQSK is slated to hold this month.

As we mark 20 years of existence, we want to promote performance by awarding individuals who have stood out and brought honour to the profession. We also want to use the awards as a platform to create awareness about the institute and provide a networking platform for key industry players.

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