Quantity surveying in Sierra Leone

Turn the design into measured quantities

A bill of quantities describes items of work, their units and their quantities. The descriptions need to reflect the drawings and specification. Excavation, concrete, reinforcement, blockwork, finishes and services cannot be compared on area alone. The measurement needs to distinguish work with different materials, construction requirements and locations within the project.

The reliability of a measured document depends on the design information available. We review the drawing set and identify missing dimensions, unresolved details and specification decisions. An early cost estimate can use stated assumptions, but those assumptions need to remain visible as the design develops. Revised quantities should refer to the drawing issue they were measured from.

Compare prices against a common scope

A shared bill of quantities gives contractors the same work to price. You can review rates and totals alongside exclusions and qualifications. The lowest headline figure may omit a different part of the work. A comparison should identify those differences before a contract is agreed, including allowances for undecided materials or work awaiting design information.

Cost estimating also needs a clear basis. Material specifications, labour, plant, access and the intended sequence affect the price. For a project in Sierra Leone, the source and delivery arrangements for selected products should be checked when the estimate is prepared. A rate from another project needs review against the current scope and conditions.

Keep changes and progress measurable

During construction, measurement supports a record of completed work and agreed changes. A variation should identify the instruction, changed quantities, applicable rates and effect on the programme. Cost records separate the original contract, approved changes and work still awaiting a decision. This gives you a basis for reviewing expenditure against the agreed scope.

Where we undertake the construction, our written contract sets out scope, rates, programme, payment and variations. Materials, labour, plant and changes are logged, with one named site lead responsible for delivery. For a separate quantity surveying appointment, the scope states the documents and cost services required. How we work explains our construction commitments.

Account for the plot and the specification

Freetown sites can present access and level differences that affect measured work. Retaining structures, drainage, external steps and material handling need to be considered where they form part of the design. Wet weather arrangements and protected storage may also affect the construction package. These items should be identified in the scope rather than absorbed into an unexplained building rate. Building construction, and civil and infrastructure, are related services.