What is quantity surveying?

Quantity surveying, also known as quantity estimation, quantity takeoff, volume calculation, or material estimation, is a crucial part of project management. In this article, we clarify these terms and explain why an accurate list of quantities is essential to a bid estimate.

It often begins when a contractor is asked to prepare a quote for a construction project. This might involve one or several buildings to be constructed. The first step is to develop a bid estimate, which will serve as a basis for pricing the quote. Typically, it is a quantity surveyor or an estimating engineer who is responsible for the bid estimate.

Bill of quantities – An Important Part of the Bid Estimate

Quantity surveying involves determining and calculating the quantities of various materials included in a construction project. When you perform quantity surveying, you precisely calculate the needed material. This could be concrete,bricks, tiles, wood, gypsum, insulation, etc. Once you are done, you compile all the information into a list known as a quantity takeoff.

Quantity Takeoff

Before you can create quantity takeoffs, you need to gather the quantities. This is done through a process called quantity takeoff. You base this on documents, drawings, and descriptions from the request for quotation. To know how much material will be required, you must measure all the surfaces involved in the construction project.

You measure and determine values such as:

Area: The size of the surfaces to be covered with material, such as floor areas, wall surfaces, or ceiling areas.

Volume: Sometimes, you need to calculate the volume of material used, such as concrete, to pour a foundation or a wall.

Length: Calculating the total length of something on the drawing can determine how many units of material are needed to cover a specific distance or area. This could include items like wooden planks, pipes, cables, or wires.

Dimensions: Consider the dimensions of the materials to be used, such as the length, width, and height of facade panels.

Once you have determined the quantities, a quantity calculation describes what the quantities should be called and linked to (materials, building parts, type of work, resources, price per unit, etc.). You now have a completed quantity takeoffs and can proceed with precise pricing and finalizing the bid estimate.

Why is it important to calculate accurately?

An accurate bill of quantities forms the foundation of the entire bid estimate. If you undercalculate the material, the contractor will incur costs. If you overcalculate the material, the bid will be too expensive. The bid estimate is an approximation of the project's cost.

An Efficient Web-Based Quantity Calculation Program

In Geometra, you use simple tools to work with quantity takeoff and quantity surveying. You can mark up areas directly on drawings.

In Geometra, “rows” convert the measurements you have obtained into detailed quantity items. You can perform advanced calculations and compilations quickly and efficiently. Then, sort the quantities into folders, and voila! You have a completed bill of quantities.

You can use all files with known measurements, such as drawings, photos, maps, or aerial and drone images. Geometra supports most file formats: PDF, TIFF, JPG, PNG,Word, PPT, and Excel.

Want to know how to get started?

You can try Geometra for free for 30 days. Of course, you will have full access to our support and webinars via Microsoft Teams. Click here to start your trial period>

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