Cost estimating practice incorporating Building Information Modelling (BIM): Malaysian Quantity Surveyors perspectives

Cost estimating is a key task within Quantity Surveyors’ (QS) offices. Provision of an accurate estimate is vital to ensure that the objectives of the client are met by staying within the client’s budget. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an evolving technology that has gained attention in the construction industries all over the world. Benefits from the use of BIM include cost and time savings if the processes used by the procurement team are adapted to maximise the benefits of BIM. BIM can be used by QSs to automate aspects of quantity take-off and the preparation of estimates, decreasing turnaround time and assist in controlling errors and inaccuracies. The Malaysian government has decided to require the use of BIM for its projects beginning from 2016. However, slow uptake is reported in the use of BIM both within companies and to support collaboration within the Malaysian industry. It has been recommended that QSs to start evaluating the impact of BIM on their practices. This paper reviews the perspectives of QSs in Malaysia towards the use of BIM to achieve more dependable results in their cost estimating practice. The objectives of this paper include identifying strategies in improving practice and potential adoption drivers that lead QSs to BIM usage in their construction projects. From the expert interviews, it was found out that, despite still using traditional methods and not practising BIM, the interviewees still acquire limited knowledge related to BIM. There are some drivers that potentially motivate them to employ BIM in their practices. These include client demands, innovation in traditional methods, speed in estimating costs, reduced time and costs, improvement in practices and self-awareness, efficiency in projects, and competition from other companies. The findings of this paper identify the potential drivers in encouraging Malaysian Quantity Surveyors to exploit BIM in their construction projects.

Criticial determinants of construction tendering costs: Quantity surveyors' standpoint

Identification of cost-determinant variables and evaluation of their degree of influence play an essential role in building reliable cost models and enhance the competitive edge of quantity surveyors as well as contracting organisations. Sixty-seven variables affecting pre-tender construction cost estimates are identified through literature and interviews. These factors are grouped into six categories and a comparison analysis of their impact is conducted. Priority ranking of cost-influencing factors is carried out using a questionnaire survey commissioned amongst quantity surveyors based in the UK. Findings of this survey indicate that there is a strong agreement between quantity surveyors in ranking cost-influencing factors of construction projects. Comparisons between the outcomes of this research and other related studies are presented.

Fit to be seen: stencils for architects, engineers and surveyors

A survey of stencils as used by architects, engineers and surveyors in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Surveyors' division of Kittery farm between Nicholas Shapleigh and John Shapleigh, Jan. 12, 1739/40, with paper wrapper from 1798

Paper wrapper reads: "Nicholas Shapleigh & John Shapleigh / Division of farm at Kittery / Recorded January 31st, 1798 / 17 cents duty." The legal document establishing the division of the land is signed by each of the three surveyors: Nicholas Morrell(?), William Fry, and Daniel Emery.

2222 review questions for surveyors.

First ed. published under title: 1313 review questions for surveyors; 2d ed.: 1575 review questions for surveyors; 3d ed.: 2020 review questions for surveyors.

Practical building construction; a handbook for students preparing for the examinations of the Science and Art Department, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Surveyors' Institution, etc. Designed also as a book of reference for persons engaged in building,

Mode of access: Internet.

The elements of astronomy for surveyors,

Mode of access: Internet.

Inventory of health care facility surveyors : United States - 1976 /

"Contract no. HSA 240-76-0007."

Traverse tables; computed to 4 places decimals for every ́of angle up to 100 distance. For the use of surveyors and engineers.

Mode of access: Internet.

Road making and maintenance : a practical treatise for engineers, surveyors, and others. With an historical sketch of ancient and modern practice /

Mode of access: Internet.

The office and authority of a justice of peace : collected out of all the books, whether of common or statute-law, hitherto written on that subject : Shewing also the duty of constables, commissioners of sewers, coroners, overseers of the poor, surveyors of the highways, church-wardens, and other parish-officers : digested under alphabetical titles : To which are added precedents of indictments and warrants, never before printed : Very useful for justices of the peace, coroners, sheriffs, clerks of the assises, and of the peace, and of all others concern'd in such matters.

Mode of access: Internet.

Building cases, being a digest of reported decisions affecting architects, surveyors, builders, and building-owners,

Mode of access: Internet.

Handbook for surveyors 1986-1990 : a project of the state & national Audubon chapters and birding organizations of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Conservation.

Cover title.

Proceedings of the Association of Provincial Land Surveyors of Ontario.

Mode of access: Internet.