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Fundamentals of Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimation
Xcel Learning

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Summary

Price
£22 inc VAT
Study method
Online, On Demand 
Duration
2.4 hours · Self-paced
Qualification
No formal qualification
Certificates
  • Reed Courses Certificate of Completion - Free
Additional info
  • Tutor is available to students
11 students purchased this course

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Overview

Quantity surveying is a vital professional discipline within the construction industry that focuses on managing project costs, budgets, and financial control from start to finish. Quantity surveying professionals, known as quantity surveyors (QS), play a critical role in ensuring construction projects remain financially viable, cost-efficient, and delivered within budget.

A quantity surveyor is responsible for cost planning, budgeting, and financial management throughout the project lifecycle. Core duties in quantity surveying include estimating the costs of materials, labour, plant, and equipment, preparing accurate bills of quantities, managing procurement processes, valuing work completed, and monitoring expenditure to prevent cost overruns. Through effective quantity surveying practices, projects achieve better financial transparency and stronger cost control.

Cost estimation is a fundamental component of quantity surveying and forms the foundation of successful project planning. It involves forecasting construction costs from project inception through completion using historical data, current market rates, and risk analysis. Accurate cost estimation within quantity surveying supports budgeting, tendering, contract management, and long-term financial planning.

Together, quantity surveying and cost estimation are essential to modern construction project management. By applying professional quantity surveying services, construction projects benefit from improved financial governance, reduced risk, controlled spending, and increased project success, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.

Certificates

Curriculum

13
sections
19
lectures
2h 24m
total

Course media

Description

In this captivating course, you'll explore the following enlightening chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimation

  • Overview of the construction industry
  • Role and importance of quantity surveyors
  • Cost estimation in construction projects

Chapter 2: Construction Materials and Methods

  • Types of construction materials
  • Construction techniques and methods
  • Understanding construction drawings and specifications

Chapter 3: Measurement and Quantity Takeoff

  • Principles of measurement
  • Measuring and quantifying construction materials
  • Use of measurement tools and software

Chapter 4: Preliminary Cost Estimation

  • Cost breakdown structures
  • Estimating costs at the concept and feasibility stages
  • Factors affecting cost estimation

Chapter 5: Elemental Cost Estimation

  • Work breakdown structure (WBS)
  • Estimating costs by construction elements
  • Cost databases and price indices

Chapter 6: Rate Analysis and Pricing

  • Unit rates and rate analysis
  • Pricing of construction items
  • Labour, material, and equipment costs

Chapter 7: Cost Estimation Software

  • Introduction to cost estimation software tools
  • Practical exercises using software
  • Advantages and limitations of software

Chapter 8: Tendering and Procurement

  • Preparing and issuing tenders
  • Tender evaluation and contractor selection
  • The role of the quantity surveyor in procurement

Chapter 9: Cost Control and Budgeting

  • Monitoring and controlling project costs
  • Variance analysis and reporting
  • Budget development and management

Chapter 10: Valuation and Final Accounts

  • Interim payment valuation
  • Final account preparation
  • Handling claims and variations

Chapter 11: Legal and Contractual Aspects

  • Construction contracts and forms
  • Contractual disputes and resolutions
  • Contract administration

Chapter 12: Professional Ethics and Standards

  • Code of ethics for quantity surveyors
  • Professional standards and responsibilities
  • Case studies and ethical dilemmas

These course chapters will provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of quantity surveying and cost estimation in the construction industry. Students who complete such a program will be well-prepared for a career in this field.

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Who is this course for?

The course "Fundamentals of Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimation" is designed for aspiring construction professionals, including students, recent graduates, and individuals seeking a career in the construction industry. It provides essential knowledge and skills in quantity surveying and cost estimation, making it an ideal choice for those looking to excel in project management, budgeting, and cost control within the construction sector.

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Legal information

This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.

FAQs

Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.

A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.
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Similar subjects: Quantity surveying, Surveying
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