QSB 3214 Building Economics 

 

This module provides an overview of the Quantity Surveyor’s role during the pre-tender stage of a development. The practical situations of the various methods of controlling the cost of buildings at the design stage and the relationship between building morphology, design variables and life cycle costing of a building are provided in this module. In addition, we are also given the opportunity to learn and apply information technology in the cost planning.

 

For our mid-test, we are tested on introduction to building economics, concept on cost control and cost modelling. The test consists of two questions; one question on concept of control and the other question on introduction and cost modelling. I am not really able to attempt all of the questions precisely as I have wasted time on answering those questions that I found it is difficult. Thus, I should proceed to the questions that I have confidence to answer first so that I will not lose the marks on it.

 

Other than that, our group assignment required us to prepare a preliminary cost plan, a cover letter for client’s approval, tender tabulation summary, tender rates and tender report. Through this assignment, we are able to produce an estimate at pre-tender stage which is cost plan based on historical data more practically and more understand in doing a tender report. Besides that, we also need to prepare a letter of acceptance based on our own recommendation for our individual assignment.

 

Throughput this module, I am able to Identify the role and responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors in the overall development process and to match the relationship between cost and design to a value outcome. In addition, I have learned various methods of pre-tender estimating and the importance of cost studies to enhance the role of Quantity Surveyor in the development process. This is a hard module for me, so I have to do a lot practice especially the calculation part.