What does a quantity surveyor do in South Africa?
A quantity surveyor manages construction cost and commercial information across a project. Typical work includes estimating and cost planning, measurement, Bills of Quantities, tender and procurement support, valuations, variations, cost reporting and final accounts. The exact scope depends on the appointment and project stage.
Before construction
Feasibility estimating, cost planning, design cost control, procurement advice, measurement and tender documentation help the client understand and control the commercial consequences of design decisions before site work begins.
Tender and appointment
A QS can prepare or review BOQs and tender documents, compare submissions, identify qualifications and outliers, support clarifications and help establish the commercial baseline that moves into the contract.
During construction
The role can include progress valuations, variation assessment, cost reporting, forecast-to-complete analysis and management of the commercial record as scope changes.
Close-out
Final-account work brings agreed changes, measured work, contractual adjustments and other commercial records together into a controlled close-out position.
CivilQuant provides this guide as general information. The applicable professional, contractual, accounting or valuation requirements depend on the specific engagement.