Evaluation of involvement of quantity surveyors in cost control of mechanical and electrical services on construction projects

Abstract

Building services is a complex element of buildings and their value constitutes a significant component of construction cost. One of the most important components of building services is Mechanical and electrical. Unfortunately, the procurement and other cost control activities are based on a lump sum and provisional sums because the use of detail bills by Quantity surveyors is not common. The result is increase in time and cost overruns, lack of reliable budget estimate, and disputes on construction projects. This study examined the roles played by QS in cost control of M&E services, the extent of Quantity surveyors knowledge in cost control of M&E services, the factors hindering them from carrying out their roles as well as the strategies that can be done to enhance their level of involvement. Data collection was done through sending Questionnaires to Quantity surveyors, which included both, and close-ended Questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to carry out data analysis. The results showed that the roles significantly played by Quantity surveyors are: Qs give procurement advice on elements of M&E, Qs are well involved in value engineering for M&E, Risk management for M&E services work is carried out by the QS, Whole life costing for M&E works is carried out by a Qs. The study also revealed that the extent of Quantity surveyor’s knowledge in cost control of M&E services was not significant. Better still, the Quantity surveyors are hindered by Quantity surveyors are not always sufficiently knowledgeable in the technology of M&E service installations; Some service engineers are hostile to quantity surveyors being involved in cost management of M&E; and M&E service engineers deliberately hide information on details of M&E services. The research also reveals that the involvement of QS can be enhanced by: Qs be trained and retained in M&E works, Improvement of educational and training knowledge coverage, Clients engage complete design team, Professional bodies prohibit use of PC and provisional sums, organizing external seminars and courses in collaboration with ISU and SRB, QS reject incomplete drawings.