Construction projects are extremely complex, involving a vast number of different people and/or firms with different expertise. This blog takes a brief look at some of the key professions involved on a project and what their general day to day tasks entail in order to ensure a project runs smoothly.
Estimator
Responsible for estimating the costs, materials, and labour required to complete a project. Generally, the estimator will engage with the following:
· Liaising with third-party companies and the supply-chain in order to gain accurate knowledgeof the costs different tasks will require.
· Produce a complete or partially complete BoQ, depending on the contract type.
· Drawing up bids
· Engage in the tendering process
The estimator will commonly work extremely closely with the architect to ensure they are costing up what the client wants, envisions and to their budget.
Architect
The architect is the person who is tasked with turning a client’s needs and wants into reality. They must communicate with the rest of the site team to make sure that the client’s vision is implemented properly. They regularly undertake tasks such as:
· Developing plans and drawings that meet the client’s desires
· Overseeing construction and key decisions
· Consider environmental, economic, and legal needs
· Under-take and oversee planning applications
Architects are extremely conscious to make a building aesthetically pleasing and impressive and this is often their number one goal. Engineers on the other hand are more concerned withthe structure and design being functional and safe.
Engineer
Engineers come in many forms with different expertise however generally, the engineer’s main duties include:
· Developing and designing the structure according to the architect’s plans
· Preparing detailed drawings including specifications
· Develop engineering calculations, diagrams, and technical reports
· And as mentioned the most important task of engineers is ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the building or structure
The engineer will work closely with the architect and project manager throughout the project and to assess key milestones.
Project Manager
The project manager very often needs to understand a number of areas and disciplines as they must oversee a project from start to finish. They are responsible for and involved in:
· Planning & scheduling
· Crisis Management
· Budgeting
· Communication with all other teams and departments as well as with the client
· Ensuring the project finishes on time and to the client’s needs and wants
A major part of the project managers roles and responsibilities is to manage and control the workforce, leading us nicely onto the construction workers!
Construction Workers
We would be nowhere without the construction workers and tradesman of all types; they are the driving force behind every project. Construction workers and tradesman will undertake a huge array of tasks and do the physical demolition and building, often specialising in one particular area. Construction workers include, but are not limited to:
· Bricklayers
· Carpenters
· Electricians
· Plumbers
· Scaffolders
· Painters and decorators
· Heavy machinery operators
Quantity Surveyor
Lastly, we have the Quantity Surveyor. This is the person or firm who manage the costs once construction starts. Although, during pre-construction, it is not out of the ordinary for Quantity Surveyors to work alongside an estimator or carry out the estimation of a project themselves. Meaning they are involved in pre-construction, construction, and post construction. Activities and tasks, they deal with include:
· Tender analysis and clarification
· Measurements
· BoQ preparation and subcontract preparation
· Minimising costs where possible and producing efficiencies
· Budgeting
· Contractual negotiations
· Variation management and cost calculations
· Application for payment preparation / analysis and payment certification
· Earned Value Management
· Financial Statements
· Final Accounts
This list is not exhaustive, but to learn more of what a quantity surveyor does, please watch our “7 reasons why you should hire a quantity surveyor” video here – https://youtu.be/IUuRwIL3y38 or alternatively refer to the corresponding blog on this website.
