Category: Beginner
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Tendering Strategies for Construction Contracts
In the construction industry, tendering strategies are crucial in determining how projects are awarded to contractors. Selecting the most appropriate strategy can directly impact the project’s cost, quality, and timely completion. This article will delve into the different tendering routes available, their alignment with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work, and…
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Understanding Instructions and Compensation Events under NEC Contracts
The NEC (New Engineering Contract) suite of contracts has gained prominence for its collaborative and flexible approach. Among the critical aspects of these contracts are the procedures surrounding Instructions and Compensation Events. Proper management of these elements is vital for the success of a project, ensuring clarity, reducing disputes, and maintaining the contract’s integrity. This…
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The Role of the Service Manager under NEC4 PSC Contracts
In the world of project management and contract administration, the NEC suite of contracts is renowned for its structured and prescriptive nature. The Service Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the processes and provisions laid out in the NEC4 Professional Services Contract (PSC) are followed rigorously. Understanding the responsibilities and powers of the…
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Defects in Construction Contracts: A Guide for Quantity Surveyors
For quantity surveyors (QS), a clear grasp of how defects and Defects Liability Periods (DLPs) affect construction contracts is vital. Defects can significantly impact project budgets, schedules, and reputations. This article delves into these crucial aspects, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate them effectively. Defining Defects and Their Impact A defect, in the context…
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Retention Under the NEC Contract: A Guide for Quantity Surveyors
As a quantity surveyor (QS) in the construction industry, understanding the various contractual nuances is crucial. One such facet is NEC retention, a specific approach employed by the NEC (New Engineering Contract) suite of contracts. This article delves into the intricacies of NEC retention, equipping you with the foundational knowledge necessary to navigate this critical…
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Mastering NEC Contracts: A Guide for Aspiring Quantity Surveyors
NEC Contracts represent a cornerstone in the construction industry, offering a versatile framework for managing diverse project types and sizes. For aspiring quantity surveyors entering the field, a comprehensive grasp of NEC Contracts is pivotal for effectively overseeing the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects. Understanding the Diverse Range of NEC Contracts The NEC…
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Retention Release Under JCT Contracts
In Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) governed construction contracts, retention serves as a security mechanism, allowing the employer to withhold a percentage of the payments due to the contractor until the defects liability period ends. JCT contracts outline specific clauses that dictate the terms of retention and the retention release on completion of the project. Deciphering…
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Key Roles in Construction: Project Managers, Site Managers and Quantity Surveyors
The construction industry is a dynamic and complex field that involves numerous professionals working together to bring projects to fruition. For newcomers to the industry, it can be overwhelming to understand the different roles and responsibilities of various positions. This article aims to demystify three critical roles in the construction industry: Project Managers, Site Managers,…
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SMM7: Unifying Construction Practices in the UK
In the world of construction, having a common language and standardized methods of measurement is essential for accurate cost estimation, effective contract administration, and successful project delivery. The UK construction industry relies heavily on the Standard Method of Measurement, 7th Edition (SMM7) for precisely these reasons. SMM7 is a widely recognized and embraced system that…
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Mastering Interim Valuations: A Step-by-Step Guide for Quantity Surveyors
Interim valuations play a crucial role in the financial management of construction projects. Quantity Surveyors are responsible for preparing accurate interim valuations, which provide a snapshot of the work completed and determine payment applications to contractors. This step-by-step guide aims to help beginner-level Quantity Surveyors master the process of interim valuations, understand their significance, and…
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What is Contract Administration? A Beginner’s Guide
In any business or construction project, contracts play a vital role in establishing agreements and ensuring that all parties involved fulfill their obligations. However, the management and enforcement of these contracts require a specialized process known as contract administration. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the fundamentals of contract administration, its importance, key responsibilities,…
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Cost Reporting 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Quantity Surveyors
Cost reporting is a critical aspect of the Quantity Surveyor’s role in construction projects. Accurate and timely cost reporting ensures financial transparency, enables informed decision-making, and contributes to the overall success of a project. This comprehensive guide provides beginner-level Quantity Surveyors with the fundamental knowledge and practical tips for effective cost reporting. Cost reporting involves…
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The Role of a Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS): A Comprehensive Guide
In the dynamic world of construction, a Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of projects. If you’re new to the industry, understanding the responsibilities and importance of a PQS is essential. This comprehensive guide provides a beginner-level overview of the role of a PQS, exploring their key responsibilities,…
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Demystifying the Role of Main Contractors: A Comprehensive Guide for Quantity Surveyors
In the construction industry, main contractors play a crucial role in project delivery. As a quantity surveyor, understanding the responsibilities and functions of main contractors is essential for effective collaboration and successful project outcomes. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the role of main contractors, providing beginner-level insights into their key responsibilities, collaboration strategies, and…
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The Role of Quantity Surveyors in Traditional Procurement for Effective Project Delivery
In the realm of construction, traditional procurement is a widely used method for project delivery. Quantity surveyors play a vital role in ensuring the success of projects using this approach. Their expertise in cost management, procurement, and contract administration is instrumental in achieving efficient project delivery. This article aims to provide a beginner-level understanding of…
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Value Engineering in Quantity Surveying: A Beginner’s Guide
Value engineering is a critical process in the field of quantity surveying, enabling professionals to maximize project value while minimizing costs. Whether you are a newcomer to the field or seeking to expand your knowledge, this beginner’s guide will provide you with a solid foundation in value engineering. In this article, we will explore the…
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Main Contractor or Subcontractor: Understanding the Key Differences
In the realm of construction projects, you may often come across the terms “main contractor” or “subcontractor.” While they both play vital roles in the successful completion of a project, understanding the differences between the two is crucial. In this article, we will explore the disparities between main contractors and subcontractors, shedding light on their…
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Understanding the Importance of Interim Valuations in Construction Projects
In the dynamic world of construction projects, effective financial management is crucial for ensuring timely progress and successful outcomes. Interim valuations play a significant role in this regard, providing a mechanism to assess the work completed at specific stages and determine the corresponding payments. This article aims to demystify the importance of interim valuations in…
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Exploring Different Types of Contract Documents in Construction
In the realm of construction contracts, a crucial aspect of ensuring a successful project lies in the effective use of contract documents. These documents serve as the foundation for establishing clear agreements, defining roles and responsibilities, and mitigating potential disputes. This article will explore the different types of contract documents in construction projects in the…
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Preliminaries in Construction Contracts: A Beginner’s Guide
Preliminaries are an integral part of construction contracts, playing a vital role in project planning and management. This beginner’s guide aims to explain the concept of preliminaries in construction contracts, their importance, and what they typically include. Whether you’re a client, contractor, or beginner in the construction industry in the UK, understanding preliminaries is essential…
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Procurement Routes: A Beginner’s Guide
In quantity surveying, selecting the right procurement route is crucial for successful project delivery. This beginner’s guide aims to introduce the various procurement routes available, their characteristics, and their alignment with the New Rules of Measurement (NRM). We will explore three common procurement routes—traditional, design and build, and management contracting—to help beginners understand their differences,…
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Procurement and Tendering in Quantity Surveying: A Beginner’s Guide
In the realm of quantity surveying, understanding the distinction between procurement and tendering is essential for successful project delivery. This beginner’s guide aims to clarify the difference between these two processes, their significance, and how they align with the New Rules of Measurement (NRM). We will explore procurement and tendering, providing examples from the UK…
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Cash Flow Forecasts in Quantity Surveying: A Beginner’s Guide
In the field of quantity surveying, cash flow forecasts play a vital role in managing the financial aspects of construction projects. This comprehensive beginner’s guide aims to shed light on the concept of cash flow forecasting, its importance, and how it aligns with the New Rules of Measurement (NRM). We will explore the key elements…
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Elemental Cost Plans in Quantity Surveying: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Learn about elemental cost plans in quantity surveying, including their importance, key elements, and compliance with the New Rules of Measurement. Gain insights into the UK market practices. In the world of quantity surveying, an elemental cost plan is a crucial tool for estimating and managing construction project costs. This comprehensive guide is designed to…
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New Rules of Measurement: A Beginner’s Guide to Enhanced Construction Measurement
In the ever-changing world of construction, measurement practices play a crucial role in accurately assessing and quantifying projects. The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) have emerged as a framework to guide professionals in this field. While not entirely revolutionary, the NRM builds upon the foundations set by the Standard Method of Measurement 7 (SMM7) to…
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Technology Tools and Solutions for Tracking and Managing Variations in Construction Projects: An Overview for Quantity Surveyors
Managing variations in construction projects is crucial for quantity surveyors to ensure project success. With the advancements in technology, new tools and solutions have emerged to streamline the process of tracking and managing variations. In this article, we will provide an overview of these technology tools, specifically targeting beginner-level readers in the UK market. By…