Introduction
Whenever I tell someone that I’m a quantity surveyor, the reaction is usually the same. Either they look confused, or they say something like, “So you just measure things?”
While measurement is part of the job, it’s only a small piece of a much bigger picture.
A quantity surveyor is involved in a construction project from the very first cost idea right through to the final payment. We manage costs, control risks, protect the client’s interests, and help projects stay financially healthy. Let me walk you through what that actually looks like in real life—from the moment a project exists only on paper to the day the final account is settled.
Before Construction Begins: Cost Planning and Feasibility
My work often starts long before any construction activity begins. When a client comes with an idea, whether it’s a residential building in Karachi, a commercial plaza in Lahore, or an industrial project in Faisalabad, the first question is always the same
“How much will this cost?”
At this stage, I prepare a preliminary cost estimate or feasibility study. I review architectural drawings, study site conditions, and analyze current market rates for materials and labor. In Pakistan, this step is especially important because construction prices are not stable. Cement, steel, and imported materials can change prices within weeks, sometimes even days.
I once worked on a housing project in Islamabad where the client’s expectations were much higher than their budget. Through careful cost planning, we identified areas where savings were possible without compromising quality. We replaced imported finishes with high-quality local alternatives, optimized the structural design, and adjusted certain architectural elements to reduce material wastage. That early intervention saved the client a significant amount of money before construction even began.
This is where a quantity surveyor adds value right from the start.
Preparing the Bill of Quantities (BOQ)
Once the client decides to proceed, I prepare one of the most critical documents in construction: the Bill of Quantities, commonly known as the BOQ.
The BOQ is essentially a detailed breakdown of everything that will be built. Every item concrete, brickwork, plaster, tiles, electrical wiring, plumbing, finishes is measured from drawings and listed with clear descriptions and units.
I calculate:
- Cubic feets of concrete
- Square feets of flooring and finishes
- Running feets of pipes and conduits
- Numbers of fixtures and fittings
Nothing is assumed. Everything is measured.
In Pakistan, Bills of Quantities are generally prepared in line with PEC guidelines; however, there is no single universal measurement document issued by PEC that is strictly followed across all projects. As a result, many practitioners rely on internationally recognized measurement standards. These commonly include the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) published in the United Kingdom, CSI MasterFormat from the United States, and international frameworks such as the New Rules of Measurement (NRM) issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Using these standardized systems ensures that all contractors price the same scope of work, allowing tender comparisons to remain fair, transparent, and technically consistent.
Preparing a BOQ for even a medium-sized project can take several weeks. I carefully measure architectural, structural, MEP, and HVAC drawings using tools like CostX and advanced Excel templates. A single missed item can later turn into a costly dispute, so accuracy at this stage is critical.
The Tender Stage – Where Market Reality Starts
Tendering is where theory meets reality. This is the stage where contractors price the project, and my role becomes both technical and strategic.
Common Tendering Methods in Pakistan
In Pakistan, we generally use three tendering approaches:
Open Tendering
Mostly used for government and public sector projects. The tender is advertised publicly, and any eligible contractor can submit a bid.
Selective Tendering
Very common in private projects. The client shortlists a few experienced contractors, usually based on past performance and financial strength. In selective tenders clients select 5–7 reliable contractors who have proven experience in similar projects.
Negotiated Tendering
Used when a client prefers a specific contractor, often due to specialized expertise or an ongoing relationship. Even in this case, I ensure that the rates are realistic and fair.
Tender Documents and Evaluation
I prepare a complete tender package that includes:
- BOQ
- Drawings
- Technical specifications
- Contract conditions
- Tender instructions
Depending on the project, we may use Pakistan Standard Bidding Documents, FIDIC contracts, or customized private agreements.
Once bids are received, the real work begins. I don’t just look for the lowest price. I analyze each bid carefully, checking:
- Arithmetic errors
- Unrealistically low or high rates
- Front-loaded pricing
- Missing or misunderstood scope items
I also review contractor qualifications, past projects, financial capacity, and available resources. After a detailed evaluation, I recommend the most suitable contractor with clear technical and commercial reasoning.
During Construction – Cost Control and Payments
After the contract is awarded and construction starts, my role shifts to cost control and financial management.
Interim Payments
Each month, I visit the site and measure the work completed. I assess how much concrete has been poured, how much masonry is done, and what percentage of finishes are complete. Based on these measurements, I prepare interim payment certificates.
These valuations include:
- Certified work done
- Retention deductions
- Advance recovery
- Adjustments for defective work
Timely certification is crucial. In Pakistan, contractors often operate with tight cash flow, and delayed payments can slow down.
Variations and Change Management
No project is built exactly as planned. Design changes, material upgrades, and unforeseen site conditions are part of construction.
Whenever a change occurs, I measure the additional or omitted work, assess its cost, and issue a variation order. I maintain a detailed record of all variations to ensure transparency and budget control.
Contractors may attempt to inflate variation costs, especially once construction is underway. My market knowledge and experience allow me to negotiate fair rates that protect the client without unfairly penalizing the contractor.
Claims and Dispute Control
Claims are one of the most challenging parts of the job. Contractors may submit claims for delays, additional costs, or disruptions.
I review each claim carefully, checking:
- Contract provisions
- Supporting documents
- Site records and correspondence
Strong documentation is essential. In Pakistan, where record-keeping is sometimes weak, I make it a priority to maintain detailed site diaries and records. This helps resolve claims objectively and avoids unnecessary disputes.
Final Account – Closing the Project Financially
As construction nears completion, I begin preparing the final account, which is the complete financial settlement of the project.
Final Measurements
I re-measure the entire project in detail, often with the contractor present. This helps identify any discrepancies, over-certifications, or missing items.
Final Account Settlement
The final account includes:
- Original contract sum
- Approved variations
- Adjustments and corrections
- Retention release
- Settled claims
- Penalties or bonuses (if applicable)
Negotiations are almost always required. These discussions demand patience, fairness, and professionalism. Good relationships built throughout the project make final settlements much smoother.
Once everything is agreed, I issue the final payment certificate, and the project is financially closed.
Why Quantity Surveyors Matter
Looking back at the projects I’ve worked on small residential developments and large commercial buildings, I realize that a quantity surveyor’s impact goes far beyond numbers.
We help clients get value for money.
We help contractors maintain healthy cash flow.
We reduce disputes through clarity and documentation.
We bring professionalism and financial discipline to construction.
Pakistan’s construction industry is growing and evolving, and quantity surveyors play a key role in raising standards and protecting investments.
Final Thoughts
So, what does a quantity surveyor actually do?
We estimate, measure, negotiate, manage contracts, control costs, and settle accounts. From the first cost idea to the final payment, we ensure projects stay financially on track and fair to all parties involved.
It’s a demanding profession that requires technical skill, market awareness, integrity, and strong judgment. And despite the occasional blank stares, it’s a role I’m proud to perform.
Because at the end of the day, I’m the person who helps turn drawings into buildings on budget, with clarity, and with confidence.
