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Quantity Surveying Vs Cost Engineering
Quantity Surveying Vs Cost Engineering
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Author: Brian Melick, PQS Project Principle Phone: (519) 336-4672 Fax: (519) 336-4774 Email: brianmelick@cms-inc.ca www.cms-inc.ca
Primary Skills
Each of these professions carries a wide variety of skills and skill levels. There are however, specific primary areas which each of these professions tends to participate in. Listed below are the various primary skills each uses within there scope of a project.
Quantity Surveyor Cost Estimating Feasibility Studies Advise on Construction cost planning Preparing Tender documents Develop / Manage Cost Control Systems
Cost Engineer Cost Estimating Cost Analysis Cost & Schedule Control Constructability Planning
Fields of Specialization
Each of these professions tends to have individuals or groups that specialize in a particular area of interest. The following are the areas of specialization most common.
Quantity Surveying Preparing Cost Estimates Project Monitoring Services Mediation & Arbitration Life Cycle Costing
Cost Engineering Cost Estimating & Control Profitability Analysis Planning & Scheduling Mediation & Arbitration Life Cycle Costing
Quantity Surveying Preliminary Estimating Controlling cost through the Design stage Analyze cost effectiveness Cost checks at various stages of the project
Cost Engineering Estimating Project Planning & Scheduling Project Control Project Closeout
Types of Projects
Each of these professions deals with similar projects and deal with different projects as can be seen below. These are the types of projects dealt with most commonly.
Conclusion
A PQS provides a comprehensive knowledge of construction and construction methods with the ability to provide cost and financial advice at any stage of the project. A PQS rarely focuses on schedule or controls with regard to the project. Therefore, with a profession covering such a wide field of expertise, PQS members tend to specialize in a specific area. Cost Engineers are proactive in providing scope and change management; therefore allowing the owner the ability to unbiasedly monitor / manage their project. Cost Engineers incorporate all aspects of cost and schedule control whenever required by the client in order to keep the project objectively assessed while controlling costs and schedule.