BIM & The Role of Quantity Surveyors: Possible Changes, Threats, Opportunities and Challenges
Introduction Quantity Surveying is usually a client-led profession where the overall role of the Quantity Surveyor is to respond to the needs and requirements of the client. The line of the QS skills development is, therefore, largely relied on the ever-changing needs and requirements of…
What the NCA ‘X’ Sign Means
Who is NCA? The NCA (National Construction Authority) is a Kenyan government entity which was established by the National Construction Authority Act No. 41 of 2011 (Chapter 449a, Laws of Kenya). This authority has the responsibility of overseeing the Kenyan construction industry and coordinating its…
Landscaping and Gardening: What Practice Merits the “Green” Label?
Landscaping and gardening are areas of concern in the modern-day practices of architecture and urbanism. Past discussions by construction industry stakeholders have voiced the concern and need to build sustainable and resilient buildings, cities and urban centres. Basically, the issue of sustainability in the built…
What is a Unit Rate in Construction Estimating?
A unit rate can be described as the monetary value allocated to a unit of measurement for a given item in a bill of quantities, according to the Royal Institute of Surveyors (RICS). This can be the cost per square meter of floor area, cost…
What is a Bill of Quantities and its Use in Construction?
A Bill of Quantities, as defined by the Business Dictionary, is an itemized list of materials, parts and labour with their costs, required to undertake construction work. It can also be defined as a document compiled for construction projects in which all elements of material,…
Why is Concrete Reinforced?
If you take a look around you, you will realise that most structures (buildings, bridges, retaining walls, etc.) around you are made from concrete. It is true that concrete is one of the world’s most common building materials as the editors of Britannica Encyclopaedia put…
