Building Economics

Building Econimics is a subject to teach the students know what is the role of Quantity Surveyor during the pre-tender stage of development. Students also can learn and understand various cost-controlling methods available at the design stage. Moreover, the relationship between building morphology, design variables and life cycle costing of the building will also be introduced to the students. Students will also be given chance to learn and apply the information technology for cost planning.

 

Module Teaching Objectives

First objective of this module is to develop awareness of the nature, content and significance of cost control, cost planning and understand the role of project teams toward fulfilling client's need. The second objective is to develop awareness of the design variables in obtaining an economical design and to appreciate the role of Quantity Surveyor in pre- and post-contract stage.

Learning Outcomes

Upon complete this module, students are 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. Students also able to explain various methods of pre-tender estimating. Other than that, students can outline the importance of cost studies to enhance the role of Quantity Surveyor in the development process. Moreover, students also can produce an estimate at pre-tender stage, cost plan based on historical data and S-curve for financial planning to a proposed project.

Topics covered

• Introduction to Building Econimics
• The concept of Cost Control
• Cost Modelling
• Building Morphology and Design Economics
• Cost Analysis, Indices and Data
• Detailed Cost Planing
• Cost Control   
• Investment and Development Appraisals
• Whole Life Costing
• Resource Management and Planning

 

Assignement

In this assignment, students are required imagine themselves as a working Quantity Surveyor in a consultant firm and have been preparing a preliminary cost plan "Cadangan Projek Pembangunan 210 units Pangsapuri atas Lot 234, Mukim Batu, Kuala Lumpur".

However, during the recent Client Consultant Meeting, several issues have been highlighted as follow in order to meet the marketing department requirement and the latest design requirement by the Architect. As the Quantity Surveyor, the students need to update and revise the prepared preliminary cost plan according to the requirements by the Client and Consultants in the meeting.



Students also required to prepare an individual report to suggest how to upgrade the sanitary wares in the masterbathroom while the cost allocated remain the same and what type of procurement method is most suitable for this project.