Quantity surveying best practices

EVERY CONSTRUCTION project is laden with varying risks, and the consulting quantity surveyor (QS) is well equipped to assist the client and project team in identifying and mitigating these risks. A very small investment in the services of a consulting QS will often result in the avoidance of costly risks.

HOW THEN DO YOU SELECT YOUR QS?

Jamaican Institute of Quantity Surveyors (JIQS), then called the Jamaican Society of Quantity Surveyors, was founded in 1959. It has grown from a handful of local-based practising QS to over 60 registered members, including fellows. The JIQS seeks to maintain the highest standard of technical competence and professionalism among its members. As such, members are required to adhere to strict codes of conduct.

To ensure the highest of standards and best practices when selecting your QS, here are a few things to be mindful of: 1. The QS must be able to demonstrate current registration with a professional body that is recognised in Jamaica. This may be the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the JIQS. Members of the JIQS must possess a membership seal. The membership seal contains the JIQS logo, the member’s name and membership number.

2. Documents produced by QSs are held to an established standard. Bills of Quantities (BQs) are produced using a standard method of measurement, be it the Jamaican Standard Method of Measurement three (JSMM3), the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM), or the RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM). Actual presentations and formats may vary; however, the basic rules applies to all.

3. A good QS will discharge his/her duties with due diligence and often offers a consultation meeting to advise on the feasibility of the required scope of your project for your budget.

4. Similarly, the QS usually require a site visit before producing a BQ, processing claims, or preparing practical completion certificates and final certificates.