Nick Garvey MCIOB – Chartered Construction Manager

The construction industry has evolved into a complex ecosystem requiring advanced tools, interdisciplinary collaboration, and specialised expertise. Effective cost management is critical, and while quantity surveyors (QS) have traditionally led this effort, the rise of project controls departments has sparked debate: Which is better suited for modern construction cost management – or are both essential?

The Rise of Project Controls Departments

Project controls departments bring a systems-based approach to project performance, focusing on high-level metrics to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Their strengths include:
Planning and Scheduling: Developing detailed timelines.
Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating delays and cost overruns.
Performance Monitoring: Using advanced analytics for real-time progress tracking.

Project controls excel in macro-level financial management, leveraging tools like earned value management (EVM) for accurate forecasting and proactive decision-making.

Quantity Surveyors: The Micro-Level Experts

QSs remain indispensable for their detailed focus on cost estimation, procurement, and contract management. Their expertise includes:
Bill of Quantities (BoQ): Creating detailed cost breakdowns.
Change Control: Assessing financial impacts of design changes.
Contractual Expertise: Ensuring financial and legal compliance.

QSs are critical during procurement and tendering, ensuring competitive bids aligned with project goals.

Why Project Controls May Have the Edge

1. Integrated Perspective: They unify cost, time, and risk management, aligning financial decisions with overall project objectives.
2. Advanced Technology: Tools like EVM provide real-time insights for proactive cost management.
3. Strategic Focus: They align financial management with broader project goals, complementing the QS’s detail-oriented approach.

The Case for Collaboration

Rather than choosing between the two, integrating both roles offers a comprehensive approach:
Data Exchange: QSs provide detailed cost data for project controls’ forecasting.
Risk Management: QSs’ contractual expertise complements project controls’ risk mitigation.
Lifecycle Coverage: QSs manage costs from pre-construction to completion, while project controls focus on real-time execution.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Future

The construction industry thrives when traditional expertise meets modern innovation. Quantity surveyors bring depth and detail, while project controls provide strategic oversight. Together, they ensure cost efficiency, schedule adherence, and project success.

For optimal cost management, embrace both roles. Whether for complex or smaller projects, leveraging their combined strengths is key to achieving balance and success.