Almost all Construction projects end up with claims.This is why claim management is important for the health of any construction project.While there are legal aspects of managing and handling claims, it is also important to note that your cost estimation should be accurate.Anyway all claims don’t need quantity takeoff from drawings.For example,if it is an Extension of Time of EOT claim, then the main focus is for the contractor’s program. Not the cost estimate.
However, most other claims such as variation claims and prolongation claims include estimations which require accurate quantities.Some of the claims need quantitytakeoff using the contract drawings.Therefore a quantity surveyor has a major role to play during the claim management process.
Why Quantity Takeoff is important
In case if you wonder why quantity takeoff is important, the reasons are obvious. Simply, you are handling cost overruns of the project. Therefore it is important to find the reasons for such cost overrun. It is part of project cost management. With accurate quantity takeoff you have a better idea on which quantities are affected with the claimable issue.
When you have accurate quantities for any of the task then it is easy to prepare the estimate for the claim. You only need to find the relevant rates using current market prices or using the contract document as stated in the contract.
Therefore accurate quantity takeoff plays a major role in construction claims such as variation claims.
How to get accurate quantity takeoff for construction claims
As we discussed before it is important to have accurate quantities when you prepare your construction claims. A quantity surveyor is capable of taking off quantities using the drawings or even by measuring the actual site work. Nowadays there are quantity takeoff software too which are helpful for preparing your estimations. Be it manual quantity takeoff or using software, it is important a professional and well experienced quantity surveyor to handle your project. Hiring quantity surveyors for your staff is the best way to get their services if you handle large scale construction projects. However if you own a construction company that doesn’t need a full time quantity surveyor, you can always choose to outsource. You can easily get the service of a freelance quantity surveyor as and when required and save money compared to a fulltime quantity surveyor. Always be sure to hire a well experienced professional quantity surveyor as they can do the takeoff accurately without your involvement.
