VITAL SKILLS OF A CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATOR / QUANTITY SURVEYOR:
During my 40 + YEAR QUANTITY SURVEYING, ESTIMATING / PROJECT MANAGEMENT career I HAVE WORKED WITH MANY EXCEPTIONAL, TALENTED & SKILLED CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATORS / Q. S'S IN NORTH AMERICA, THE UK / EUROPE & AROUND THE WORLD.
Listed below are my 15 "key skills" that I believe are essential for Construction Cost Estimators / Q S's need to succeed & grow in the Construction Industry. Keep in mind that an accurate & well documented cost estimates can be the key to a successful project.
1. A fundamental understanding of Construction Cost Estimating / Project Control routines & ability to prepare Order of Magnitude, Early Front End Conceptual Estimates, AFE - Funding / Semi-detailed & Lump Sum / Hard Money / Tender submissions, these Estimate types many times fit into the AACEI Class 5 thru 1 estimate classification, c/w a basic understanding of V.E., risks / QRA, cost saving ideas & contingency values.
2. The skill to comprehend the "Projects Big Picture", such as Scope of Work & the skill to understand the actions required to complete various Tender Packages / RFQ bid tasks together to comprehend the SOW, technical documents, detailed drawings & specifications.
3. An appreciation of various construction execution approaches & construction contracts, such as Direct Hire, D & B contracts, Construction Management & Sub-Contractor(s) approach, Schedule of Rates, GMP -Target costs with shared savings, Reimbursable contracts, Union, Open Shop labor / Merit Shop labor & fast track construction methods & basic understanding of construction contract(s) T & C's (payment terms, bonds & insurance & warranty issues).
4. An understanding / knowledge of the steps involved with the A/E – EPC construction process.
5. On site field experience & issues related to labor productivity is a vital trait of a successful Estimator / QS.
6. Knowledge & familiarity with industry Construction Estimating cost data / software resources, & basic understanding of BIM & AI.
7. Record keeping & maintaining a personal benchmarks library. Ability to provide supporting benchmark / checklist data, sketches, MOM, email that will act as an audit trail of each estimated & utilized values, assumptions, s/c & suppliers quotes / that the estimate was based on (list of drawings, revisions etc.).
8. Time management skills / strong ability to stay focused, prepared to work long hours when necessary to meet various deadlines, bid date / tender submissions.
9. Good basic / math & take-off measurement skills are a necessary requirement.
10. Effective work practices, personal conversation skills & the ability to work as part of a team or individually.
11. Good analytical skills related to reviewing / conditioning sub-contractor(s) & suppliers bids & selecting the appropriate value in the final estimate / tender submission.
12. Perseverance / multi-tasker able to work on multiple estimates in obtaining quotes from s/c, vendors related to different capital projects c/w a dogged attitude to get the job done & to keep looking for cost saving ideas.
13. Good Negotiation Skills with Owners, Senior Management, co-workers, s/c & suppliers.
14. Ability to work from Home Office, or at a construction site or from home & knowledge of how to utilize different internet / IT systems & to get up to speed in different locations.
15. Good presentation, report writing skills in providing estimate reviews / status report updates to Clients & Sr Management on risks, challenges & profit opportunities / repeat business associated with each cost estimate.
Anyone considering becoming a Construction Cost Estimator / Quantity Surveyor should endeavor to learn the basic skills outlined above. Of course, these skills can be developed over time.
Always be aware that historically 63% of Capital Construction Projects experience cost overruns & schedule delays & many times the Construction Cost Estimator(s) / QS's are the scapegoats. The vast majority of successful capital construction capital projects "kick off" with a well-defined & accurate cost estimate that captures the full intent of the RFQ / Scope of Work, unfortunately poor scope definition, poor management leadership, weak construction execution, communication problems, limited / or no cost control & other issues that result in these overrun situations.
John McConville CCP – Owner - Compass International
USA Telephone +1 (609) 577 4505
www.compassinternational.net
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John McConville
Operations Director
Compass International
Newtown
mcconvil@rcn.com------------------------------