Our Services
Traditional Quantity Surveying services involve the provision of mainly cost-oriented services, and can be broadly divided into two sections: Pre-Contract and Post-Contract Services.
Pre-Contract Services (i.e. before the contract for construction takes effect) include, among other things:
- Preliminary Estimates based on sketched designs or performance specifications. Such a service relies heavily on historical data and the professional’s knowledge of typical costs for buildings of the type under consideration.
- Detailed Budget Estimates are derived from more detailed drawings, often involving floor plans, elevations and basic specifications. The decision to proceed into the construction phase is often made at this point.
- Bills of Quantities; following the production of detailed drawings from the Architect and/or Engineer, the surveyor is then able to measure and describe in great detail all the components of the project. These are then compiled in a prescribed manner for the contractors to price.
- Other services offered in the Pre-Contract phase include advising clients on contractual and procurement methods and drawing up contractual documents.
Post-Contract Services (i.e. after the contract has been signed) entail, inter alia:
- Cost control and financial reporting during construction
- Advising clients on amounts due for interim payments
- Assessing the cost effect of changes made during the construction phase of the project
- Settlement of final accounts
It can be quite time-consuming, and sometimes daunting, for a Client to have to deal simultaneously with all the consultants on a project, especially larger ones. There can be up to five or six different specialisms involved, and interfacing with all of these and at the same time having to execute their normal work-related duties can prove to be very difficult for a Client. A Project Manager provides the client with a single-point interface between them and the rest of the project team, removing the multiple layers that would otherwise exist for the client.
The training of a Quantity Surveyor in contract administration and legal matters places him in the ideal position to act in this role. The Project Manager’s role can commence at the very start of the project, involving the selection of consultants and preparation of feasibility studies, and continues right through with the coordination of all consultants’ activities, working to keep the project on schedule (in design and during construction), chairing all meetings and advising on procurement options.
Mortgage & Insurance Valuations
Before a financial institution provides a mortgage for the purchase or construction of a residence or plot of land, they require the client to get an independent valuation done on the property. For construction, the institution will also ask for interim assessments of the value of work before funds can be drawn down. These services are carried out by a Quantity Surveyor, and our services geared towards the domestic residential market fall into four broad categories:
1. Mortgage Valuations
A detailed estimate of likely construction cost is provided, based on the specifications chosen by the client. Calculations are based on current market rates & practices, and the final document outlines the materials, finishes & construction methods to be used. In addition to stating the cost of building the house, our report also estimates the property's market value upon completion.
Mortgage valuations typically take between 8 – 10 working days to complete.
2. Interim Valuations
At intervals dictated by the client or bank, we provide an assessment of the value of work completed up to the time of inspection. The report also gives an estimate of the property's present market value, allowing the bank to make a disbursement of funds to facilitate continued construction.
Interim valuations typically take between 3 – 4 working days to complete.
3. Property Valuations
We offer appraisals of current market values (for real estate purposes), and also on the replacement costs of properties (for insurance purposes). Accompanying the valuation is a detailed commentary on the physical state of the property, the location and any factors that may positively or adversely affect its overall value.
Property valuations typically take between 8 – 10 working days to complete.
4. Land Valuations
An assessment of the likely market value of the undeveloped land is provided. Accompanying the valuation is a description of the locality and any factors that may positively or adversely affect its overall value.
Land valuations typically take between 4 – 5 working days to complete.
Site Inspections
This is a new, value-added niche service JCi provides to domestic Clients who are building their own home, and is distinct from the four financially-based valuation services. Clients, typically new to the construction industry, often enter into building contracts and attempt to manage the unique and sometimes complex construction process by themselves, with little or no independent advice.
This service would provide them with a source of basic advice on quality, contractual and cost issues for the duration of the project, and offer the Client a degree of comfort when interfacing with the contractor. Clients who utilize this facility would benefit from a 25% reduction in interim valuation fees.
CATO Software
Click here for detailed information on CATO Software Solutions for Quantity Surveyors