Why am I writing these? Because not everyone knows what the hell is Quantity Surveying or in Malay, Ukur Bahan.

QSs are refer to those involved in taking-off building & subsequently compiling the data into Bills of Quantity (BQ). Sometimes, we are called as an Estimator or Building Economist or Building Cost consultant. In Malaysia, QS only existed in 60's or 70's.

The roles of QS:

1. To consult clients regarding the cost of the building
2. To advice in any construction project.
3. To approve the interim payment for contractors.
   
4. Dannnn sewaktu dengannyaaaa...

Taking-off, is a method where we calculate the elements of construction work like windows, roofs, doors, work below lowest floor finish and so on. The calculation is based on the drawing by architects and engineers. After taking-off, it is transfer to a BQ, where all the elements are compiled together for cost analysis. From there, we will know the price of the construction.

And as a QS, one must have the SMM2 book (for Malaysia) for guidance. It's like a 'holy book' for QS. And QS in Malaysia has an institution, called The Institution of Surveyors, Malaysia (ISM) and affiliated with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in UK.

Anything more? Go ahead to the ISM or RICS website.

M.Nazmi