WHAT IS AN M&E QS?

RICS CPD Event Moscow Construction & Sustainability 27th May 2010

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Presentation by
Joe McCaffrey BSc (surv) MSc MSCS MRICS Course Director
Originally from Ireland

I represent CEM in Russia

New tutor in M&E Quantity Surveying Member of RICS and SCS

Masters in Construction Project Management

10 years M&E QS practice experience Special interest in sustainability, life cycle costing and value engineering

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CEM at a glance
Over 4,000 students Established in 1919 86 different countries Supported distance learning Property and Construction Dedicated research team Global network of students CEM are leading the way in research in the area of Sustainability and the Built Environment
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What is an M&E QS?

So what is an M&E QS? Mechanical and Electrical Quantity Surveyors are involved in the cost management of engineering services They are generally employed with professional practices, construction firms, subcontractors and specialist firms They cost manage the following elements: Mechanical (heating, cooling, water services, chilled systems, ventilation, building management
systems and controls)

Electrical (mains distribution, power, lighting, containment, data, communication, fire and security) Sprinkler (life safety systems) Lifts (transportation systems) Sustainable Technology (solar, geo thermal, wind, chp and water harvesting)

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Why are M&E QSs important?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Warehouse Apartment School Shopping Centre Hotel Development Office Fit Out Hospital Data Centre
+10% M&E Cost -10%

M&E Cost as a Percentage of the Total Construction Cost

Graph shows M&E costs as a percentage of the total construction cost Demonstrating the importance of the M&E QS role in high value projects

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Why are M&E QSs important?

Breakdown of Construction Costs as a % Typical Office Development

Construction Mech & Elec Sustainable

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What are M&E QSs involved in?

Preparation of budget estimates Cost planning and value engineering Preparation of tender and contract documentation Preparation of detailed bills of quantities Specialist procurement advice Interim management Final accounts Dispute and claims advise Specialist services include; life cycle costing for M&E services and procurement advice for sustainable technologies
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Why do we need M&E QSs?

The traditional approach . fails because M&E costs fall through the gap and are not managed properly. This has led to an increasing demand for M&E QSs What is the traditional approach. It is where the QS primarily deals with building structure and finishes and the consultant services engineer deals with the M&E services. The M&E QS will provide cost advice to the client creating single point responsibility and fully accountable to the client. The engineer will do what he does best, designing and the QS will do what he does best, cost manage!!
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What are the trends worldwide?

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What are the trends worldwide?

United Kingdom the growing trend in practice is to have M&E QS in specialist divisions. Eastern Europe traditionally the engineer designs and cost manages the M&E, however clients are becoming more aware of the benefit of M&E QSs Middle East the trend is following the UK model Far East again the trend is following the UK model

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What is an M&E QS?

Some of the challenges M&E poses on construction projects

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Insufficient design
Insufficient design It is difficult to provide cost advice when there is insufficient design information. M&E QS will highlight this to client and make the client aware of the need for better information to reduce risk

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Nature of the M&E installations

M&E services are dependant upon the structure and finishes and therefore led by the building programme. The services designer will follow the architectural design, the M&E cost plan will follow the QS cost plan, and the subcontractor will follow the main contractor progress. As a result the M&E will always be last !! A good M&E QS can ensure the client and contractor are contractually secure in the event of delays. Building Futures

Co-ordination of services
The most problematic issue on site is clashing services. It leads to re-work on site and causes delays due to unforeseen complications. It adds costs and time. So who pays? Having an M&E QS ensures the project is procured correctly taking into consideration risk factors. The risk will be allocated to the party most suitable to deal with it.

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Co-ordination of design
Building services engineers often have to seek specialist advice to complete his designs. These include BMS systems, security, plant and equipment. The tendency for specialist suppliers to over-spec the products, not to fully co-ordinate their design taking due consideration for other services. This can led to a cost risk imposed on the client and reduces the value for money for the client.

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Cost management of services

All too often dispute arise on construction projects due to M&E cost issues and misunderstandings with the design and construction team. If the M&E is properly cost managed by a professional RICS qualified QS then these disputes will either not arise or they will be reduced as the parameters of the project will be clearly set out all but eliminating any ambiguity. The M&E QS is experience in advising on contract procedure and setting out the rights and responsibilities of each party a common problem with services
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The real challenge

The real challenge for the M&E QS is working effectively with the design and construction team to ensure there is mutual understanding of their role

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What is the future for M&E QS?

Sustainable development is the core priority for most clients. In the construction industry a new sector is emerging. The Renewable Energy Sector where clients now need advice on the cost and project management to develop wind, hydro, biomass and solar technology

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Can M&E QSs add real value?

M&E QSs can provide clients with a critical analysis of systems by providing cost/benefit analysis. M&E QSs can deliver advice on feasibility studies, life cycle costing, value management and risk management for such systems.

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