1. What is QS?

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a professional in the construction industry responsible for

managing the costs and budgets of a construction project. Their main responsibilities include:

1. Cost Estimation: Preparing cost estimates for projects, determining how much materials
and labor will be needed, and setting budgets.
2. Tendering and Procurement: Managing the tendering process, which involves selecting
contractors and suppliers for a project, as well as negotiating prices.
3. Cost Control: Ensuring that a project stays within budget by tracking spending and
preventing cost overruns.
4. Contract Administration: Managing contracts between the client and contractors,
ensuring that all terms and conditions are met.
5. Value Engineering: Suggesting ways to reduce costs without compromising the quality
or safety of a project.
6. Risk Management: Identifying and managing potential risks that could impact a
project’s cost or timeline.
7. Measurement and Valuation: Measuring the work completed and valuing it for
payment purposes.
8. Final Account Preparation: Ensuring that the final account for the project is settled,
which includes calculating final costs and handling any disputes.

2. What is construction work flow?

Construction workflow means the step-by-step process of completing a construction project,

from the beginning (planning) to the end (finishing the building).

Simple Construction Workflow Steps:

1. Planning and Design

o Decide what to build, create drawings, and get approvals.
2. Estimating and Budgeting
o Calculate how much the project will cost.
3. Procurement
o Buy materials and hire contractors or workers.
4. Site Preparation
o Clear the land and make it ready for construction.
5. Construction Work
o Start building step by step (foundation, structure, walls, roof, etc.).
6. Monitoring and Quality Control
o Check that the work is done correctly and safely.
7. Finishing Work
o Complete final touches like painting, flooring, and fixtures.
8. Inspection and Handover
o Final checks, approval by authorities, and hand over the building to the client.
 3. How to Prepare BOQ?

Preparing a BOQ (Bill of Quantities) means listing all the work, materials, and their quantities
needed for a construction project, along with estimated costs. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

🔧 Steps to Prepare a BOQ:

1. Study Drawings and Specifications

o Carefully review architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and
Plumbing) drawings.
2. Break Down the Work
o Divide the project into parts like excavation, concrete work, brickwork, plaster,
painting, etc.
3. Take Off Quantities
o Measure the quantity of each item from drawings (e.g., cubic meters of concrete,
square meters of plaster).
4. Describe Each Item Clearly
o Write the description of each work item (e.g., "Cement concrete 1:2:4 in
foundation").
5. Calculate Quantities
o Use formulas to calculate volume, area, or length as needed.
6. Assign Units
o Use standard units like m², m³, kg, meter, number (No.), etc.
7. Rate Analysis (Optional)
o If required, calculate the rate (cost per unit) of each item.
8. Prepare Final BOQ Format
o Make a table with columns like:

Item No Description Unit Quantity Rate Per Unit Amount

4. What is RFI?

RFI stands for Request for Information.

👉 Simple Definition:

An RFI is a formal question that one person or company (like a contractor) sends to another (like
the engineer or architect) when something in the drawings, specifications, or contract is not clear.

� In Construction, RFI is used when:

 There is confusion about the drawings.

  The site condition is different from what was planned.
 Materials or dimensions are unclear.
 There is a conflict between documents.

📝 Example:

A contractor finds that the foundation depth in the drawing is not matching the section view.
They send an RFI to the consultant to ask:

“Please confirm the correct foundation depth for grid A-B.”

💡 Purpose:

 To avoid mistakes.
 To keep records of clarifications.
 To make sure work is done correctly.

5. What is finish Schedule?

A Finish Schedule is a document or table used in construction to show what materials, colors,
and finishes (like paint, tiles, flooring) will be used in each room or area of a building.

� Simple Explanation:

It tells what the final surface of walls, floors, ceilings, doors, etc., should look like in each
room.

📋 Finish Schedule Includes:

Wall Ceiling
Room Name Floor Finish Door Type Remarks
Finish Finish

Gypsum Light Grey

Living Room Ceramic Tile Paint Wooden
Board Paint
🔍 Why It’s Important:

 Helps contractors know which materials to use where.

 Avoids confusion and mistakes.
 Ensures the design looks the way the architect planned.

6. What is Quantity Takeoff?

Quantity Takeoff (QTO) is the process of measuring and listing all the materials and work
needed for a construction project.

� Simple Definition:

Quantity Takeoff means calculating the quantities of items like concrete, bricks, steel, tiles,
etc., from the drawings and plans.

📝 Example:

From the structural drawing, you find a concrete slab size:

Length = 5m, Width = 4m, Thickness = 0.15m

Then the volume of concrete = 5 × 4 × 0.15 = 3 cubic meters

This value is added to your quantity takeoff list.

📋 What QTO Includes:

 Item Name (e.g., Brickwork)

 Unit (e.g., m³, m², No.)
 Quantity
 Location (optional)
 Remarks (optional)
🔧 Tools Used:

 Manual (scale, calculator)

 Excel
 Software (like Bluebeam, PlanSwift, AutoCAD, or Revit)

💡 Why It's Important:

 Helps in cost estimation

 Used to prepare BOQ
 Reduces waste and saves money

7. What is RA Bill Preparation?

 RA Bill stands for Running Account Bill — it is a type of payment bill used in
construction projects.

� Simple Definition:

 RA Bill Preparation means making a bill to get payment for the work completed so
far in a project. It is used for progress payments during ongoing construction.

� Example:

 Let’s say a contractor has completed 30% of brickwork. They prepare an RA Bill for that
30% and submit it to the client to get paid for the work done till that point.

📋 RA Bill Includes:

Item Description Unit Qty Done Rate Amount

1 Brickwork m³ 20 500 10,000

2 Plastering m² 50 150 7,500

Total 17,500
  Then deductions like:
 Previous payments
 Advance recovery
 Retention money
 Are subtracted to find the net payment.

📌 Purpose:

 Allows contractors to receive payments in stages.

 Keeps track of how much work is completed and how much is paid.

8. What is COP in QS (Certificate of Payment)?

In Quantity Surveying, a Certificate of Payment (COP) is a document prepared by the QS or

engineer to confirm how much payment the contractor should receive for the work completed so
far.

� Simple Purpose:

To certify and approve the contractor’s RA Bill so that the client can release the payment.

� Steps to Prepare COP in QS:

1. Check the RA Bill submitted by the contractor.

2. Verify Work Done on-site (measurements, completed quantities).
3. Calculate Payable Amount based on BOQ and agreed rates.
4. Deduct:
o Advance payments (if any)
o Retention money
o Previous payments
5. Prepare the COP Document with:
o Project name
o Bill number/date
o Contractor name
o Work summary
o Amount certified
o Deductions
o Net payable amount
o Signatures (QS, Engineer, Consultant)
📋 Sample Format:

Description Amount (PKR)

Total work done 500,000

Less advance 50,000

Less retention (5%) 25,000

Previous payment 200,000

Net Payable 225,000

9. What is variation and change order?

In construction and Quantity Surveying, Variation and Change Order are terms used to
describe changes in the scope of work during a project. They are related but have some
differences:

1. Variation

A Variation refers to any change or adjustment in the original scope of work, contract, or
plans, which can affect the cost or timeframe of the project. Variations might be due to
unforeseen site conditions, changes in design, or requests from the client.

Examples of Variations:

 Adding extra rooms to a building.

 Changing the type of material to be used (e.g., switching from wood to steel).
 Adjusting dimensions of a wall due to new requirements.
 Unexpected issues found during construction (e.g., soil conditions needing more
excavation).

Key Points about Variations:

 It usually requires the approval of the client or contractor before proceeding.

 Variations affect the contract sum (price) and may extend the project timeline.
 Measurement and pricing of variations should be clearly agreed upon by both parties.
2. Change Order

A Change Order is a formal document issued to approve and implement a variation. It is a

written order used to describe the change in scope, the reason for the change, and the impact on
cost and time.

Change Order Includes:

 A description of the work to be added or removed.

 Reason for the change (e.g., client request, site conditions, etc.).
 The impact on the project cost and timeline.
 Agreement and signature from both the contractor and client.

Example of a Change Order:

 A client requests additional electrical wiring to be installed, which was not part of the
original plan. A change order would be issued to approve the cost and timeline extension
for this additional work.

Difference between Variation and Change Order:

Variation Change Order

A change in the scope of work. A formal document approving a variation.

It can occur without formal documentation

Requires written approval to be executed.
initially.

A change order is issued to implement a

A variation often leads to a change order.
variation.

Why These Matter:

 They help ensure that unexpected changes are documented, approved, and handled
properly, so both the contractor and client are on the same page about project
adjustments.
 They prevent disputes over extra costs or delays due to changes.
 [Link] is Tender and Contract?

🔨 What is a Tender?

A Tender is the process of inviting contractors to offer a price (bid) to carry out construction
work.

✅ Purpose:

 To get the best price, quality, and timeframe for the project.
 The client sends documents to contractors and asks them to submit bids.

📄 Tender Documents Include:

1. Invitation to Tender – Letter or notice to invite contractors.

2. Instructions to Tenderers – Rules and how to submit the bid.
3. Form of Tender – Official offer form with signature and price.
4. Bill of Quantities (BOQ) – Detailed list of work and quantities.
5. Drawings and Specifications – Technical plans and design.
6. Conditions of Contract – Legal rules and responsibilities.
7. Preliminary/General Conditions – Site rules, safety, timeline, etc.
8. Schedules – Time schedule, manpower plan, etc.

📝 What is a Contract?

A Contract is a legal agreement between the client and the selected contractor after the tender
is accepted.

✅ Purpose:

 To define the rights, duties, and responsibilities of both parties.

 To ensure the contractor completes the work on time, within cost, and as per quality
standards.
📄 Contract Documents Include:

1. Agreement – The signed legal contract.

2. Conditions of Contract – General and special terms.
3. Bill of Quantities (BOQ) – Same as in tender, used for payment.
4. Specifications – Details of materials and workmanship.
5. Drawings – Final construction drawings.
6. Letter of Acceptance – Client's official acceptance of the tender.
7. Addenda and Clarifications – Any changes or updates before signing.
8. Performance Bond / Insurance – Guarantees for proper work.