Quantity Surveying & Cost Management
GSS has a team of experienced, knowledgeable and qualified Quantity Surveyors, who are able to provide Cost Consultancy and Cost Management services on a wide range of (both public and private) projects, across a range of sectors, including commercial, industrial, residential, education, health, leisure and heritage.The key services we provide include:
- Preparation of initial elemental estimates based on preliminary design
- Preparation of detailed estimates and cost planning advice
- Preparation of cash flows
- Procurement advice
- Participation and leadership in the value management process
- Comparative cost studies and advice on cost effective design solutions
- Advice on materials selection and general buildability advice
- Advice on selection of tenderers
- Attendance at design meetings and construction control meetings
- Value management
- Value engineering
- Bills of quantities
- Schedules of work
- Tender analysis
- Post-contract services
- Interim valuations
- Contractual disputes
- Cost management
- Final accounts
Project Management
Construction and development projects involve the co-ordinated actions of many different professionals and specialists in order to achieve defined objectives. The task of Project Management is to bring these professionals and specialists into the project team at the right time to enable them to make their contribution as early and as efficiently as possible.Our experienced Project Managers have the leadership and co-ordination skills and the expertise to ensure successful project delivery. We employ a range of Project Management tools and processes during delivery, both pre and post-construction, including:
- Project Execution Plans
- Feasibility Studies
- Programme Management
- Procurement Advice
- Tendering Advice
- Funding Advice
- Value Management
- Value Engineering
- Risk Management
- Change Management
- Contract Administration
- Total Project Management
Employer’s Agent
GSS are able to offer Employer’s Agent services through our knowledgeable and experienced team. The role of Employer’s Agent can be assessed on a commission-by commission basis, once we have an understanding of the client’s objectives, but we are able to provide the full range of pre and post-contract services on a wide range of projects and for a diverse range of sectors. The services we offer include:
- Acting as Client’s Representative throughout the project
- Establishing the building brief, preparing Employer’s Requirements and obtaining tenders
- Evaluating and reporting on tenders received
- Preparing contract documentation
- Providing cost advice and budgetary control from initial feasibility tocompletion
- Construction contract administration
- Chairing project and site meetings
- Issuing post-contract changes
- Issuing practical completion certificates
- Resolving post-completion matters
- Defects inspections
- Prepare, review and maintain risk registers, in conjunction with the client
Contract Administration
Contract Administrators are responsible for administering the terms of the building contract between the parties. Our team of experienced Contract Administrators work on a variety of projects across all sectors, providing our clients with the reassurance they need to ensure they and their appointed contractor fulfil their obligations under the terms of the contract. The key duties include:
- Preparing contract documents for execution
- Administrating change control procedures
- Seeking instructions from the client in relation to the contract
- Issuing instructions such as contract variations
- Chairing and co-ordination of construction progress meetings
- Co-ordinating information
- Providing regular reports on the progress of works
- Agreeing defects reporting procedures
- Issuing Interim Payment Certificates
- Issuing certificates of Practical Completion
- Considering claims for extensions of time
- Collating and issuing the Schedules of Defects
- Issuing the End of Defects Certificate
- Issuing the Final Certificate
Project Monitoring
GSS provides monitoring services on development projects for banks and other funding institutions. Our team has a detailed understanding of cost, procurement, design and construction. At GSS, we provide advice on the construction aspects of a project in order to assess the risks that might impact on funders’ loans. When a development has commenced, we provide careful monitoring and make regular site visits in order to understand any key issues as they arise. We advise when costs can be drawn down against the loan facility, and on the adequacy of the remaining undrawn loan to cover the forecast “cost to complete”. In summary, we are looking to ensure that the development is proceeding diligently and in accordance with the contract, so that the investment value of the completed development is not compromised in any way.
The services we offer include:
- Pre-commencement report, including auditing project costs and the adequacy of the project documentation
- Monitoring of authority approvals
- Progress payment assessments and recommendations
- Cost to complete assessments
- Monitoring project status and potential risk issues
- Resolving post-completion matters
- Defects inspections
- Prepare, review and maintain risk registers, in conjunction with the client
Insurance Reinstatement Valuations
Insurance reinstatement valuations will be required by many clients at one point or another. A reinstatement valuation is a calculation of the cost of rebuilding a property following total or partial destruction. An accurate assessment will eliminate the risks associated with being under insured and will avoid payment of excessive premiums for over insurance. Production of non-domestic reinstatement valuations would be carried out in accordance with the current Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors guidance notes and valuation standards.
Production of domestic reinstatement valuations would be carried out in accordance with guidelines approved by the Association of British Insurers. Our experience of preparing building reinstatement valuations covers all forms of construction, including individual residential dwellings, educational establishments, residential developments, and leisure, community and religious establishments, comprising both traditional and historical/conservation construction techniques.