QUANTITY SURVEYING ETHICS

Quantity surveying ethics- A case of Chartered Surveyors

Quantity surveying ethics- A case of Chartered Surveyors

Introduction

In the scenario under consideration, the quantity surveyor is working for Chartered Surveyors. The quantity surveyor has been appointed by the client following the recommendation of the firm of Architects Set Square LLP. Events unfold that place the quantity surveyor is in an ethical dilemma. This discussion will elaborate on the intricacies of this dilemma in order to highlight the role and relevance of the quantity surveyor in this ethical dilemma. By doing so, the discussion will attempt to advise the quantity surveyor on the relative merits of the approaches that are open to him in this scenario. The contractor has indicated that he is willing to massage his figures to manipulate the additional cost within the additional costs caused by a change to the fire regulations. This creates a complication for the quantity surveyor.

Discussion & Analyses

The consideration of this scenario makes it imperative to highlight that a quantity surveyor manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Furthermore, surveyors seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance the value for money, while still achieving the required standards and quality. Many of these are specified by statutory building regulations, which the surveyor needs to understand and adhere to (Bowen, Pearl & Akintoye, 2007). A quantity surveyor may work for either the client or the contractor, working in an office or on-site. They are involved in a project from the start, preparing estimates and costs of the work. When the project is in progress, quantity surveyors The title of the job may also be referred to as a construction cost consultant or commercial manager.

In addition, a Quantity Surveyor can identify and collate the costs involved in order to develop an overall budget for any project. They can then undertake cost planning, which aims to, help all members of the design team arrive at practical solutions and stay within the project budget (Moodley, Smith & Preece, 2008). It is the final detailed estimate prepared by the Quantity Surveyors, in consultation with a project architect, which forms a basis on which subsequent tenders can be evaluated. Schedules of quantities translate the drawing, plans and specifications produced by the design team to enable each contractor to calculate tender prices fairly, on exactly the same basis as the competitors (Parson, 2005). Once tenders have been accepted, the Quantity Surveyor can provide cash flow data to enable a client to programme his resources adequately to meet contract commitments (Shipworth, 2007). In other words, the Quantity Surveyor decides how much of a job should be paid for at any one time. With interest rates, the way they are, no one wants to hand over money before it is due.

Not withstanding the systematic Position, surveyors may have self- perceptions about their role within their employment and in the context of generally acceptable behavioural and ethical standards (Shuster, ...