Perspectives on cost management roles of Quantity Surveyors in Mechanical and Electrical services projects.
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Mechanical and Electrical Services (M&}:j is a complex system of buildings and their values
constitute a significant component of construction costs. The procurement is commonly
based on Iump sum and performance specification and there is lack of reliable cost
information regarding elements of M&E services to guide project participants at the
inception of building projects leading to inaccurate budget estimate, disputes, time and cost
overruns. This study examined the cost management roles and functions performed by
Quantity Surveyors (QS) on M&E services projects. The study was carried out using data
from questionnaire survey to QS and services engineers in the North-Central geopolitical
zone of Nigeria. Data analysis was carried out using t-test of the means to check the
significance of the responses to the issues raised in the questionnaire. The results showed that
the pre-contract cost management roles performed by QS is limited to the use of single
purpose approximate estimating method, statistical method and historical cost information to
advice clients' on M&E services project at this stage. At post-contract stage, QS prepare
interim valuation, assessment of variations, claims and final account preparation. Quantity
Surveyors missed the gap to effectively manage the cost of M&E services project, instead,
single price approximate estimating methods based on historical cost information and
statistical approach to establish indicative cost of M&E. services project. Making it difficult
for QS to offer reliable cost advice for comparative design solutions of alternative M&E
components and installation. With the increase in the value and complexity of Mechanical &
Electrical Services projects, industry clients should engage quantity surveyors to perform the
full spectrum of their cost management functions on element of M&E services project.
Quantity surveyors should also collaborate effectively with services engineers from the
inception of M&E services project to enable them gain full understanding of the technology of
M&E services components.
Description
Keywords
Cost management, Mechanical and Electrical Services, Pre-contract, Post contract, quantity surveyors
Citation
4. Amuda-Yusuf G., Adebiyi R. T., & Olowa T. O. O. (2016) Perspectives on cost management roles of Quantity Surveyors in Mechanical and Electrical services projects. Centre for Human Settlements and Urban Development Journal. Federal University of Technology, Minna. 6 (1) 39-50