Page 45 - BASIC GUIDELINE FOR QS

Professional Practice: Guideline for Quantity Surveyor Chapter 2

A) Appraisal / Inception

In this stage the design team usually defines the objectives, constraints and
criteria for development from client’s brief. The people directly involved are all
client interest and architect usually in briefing (set up client organization for

briefing).
The inception phase is of significance primarily for new development

efforts, in which there are significant business and requirements risks which must
be addressed before the project can proceed.
A feasibility study will be done at this stage to make sure the project will bring

profit and run smoothly. In essence, a feasibility study at the inception of a
project helps clients to decide on a ‘go / no-go’ decision.

A thorough and comprehensive feasibility study involves:
 Market research
 Data collection

 Preliminary Site Investigation
 Checking with authority requirements

 SWOT study (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats)
 Infrastructures, traffic, transportation, (C&S, M&E)

 Budget, Return on Investment (ROI), Cash Flow
 Schedule (Time-scale planning, project duration)

B) Design Brief
During this stage, architect starts by gaining an understanding of the Client’s

objectives to allow the Client to define more precisely what is needed and how it
can be achieved. In this way, the architect and QS can influence the decision on
type of facility required, its use, user needs, architectural concepts, and

construction time scale and cost criteria.
At this stage, architect and QS need to assist the Client in establishing a

comprehensive project brief, which highlight the parameters of cost, time, quality,
facility function and specifies the contractual aspects. Therefore, the client must
commit adequate time and resources to its preparation.
The brief should be subject only to minimal changes once the detailed design

commences. At this stage also, the identification of procurement method,

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