Presage Projects

13/03/2026

Material Reconciliation - Construction Aggregates

In short, it's crucial to measure the internal dimensions of dump or tipper truck beds after offloading and to also check if the bed is full and level.

A 10m³ bed may not necessarily carry 10m³ of soil aggregate, as it's usually less.

Take care as a quantity surveyor or estimator during procurement. 📏

15/11/2025

THE BILLS OF QUANTITIES VERSUS A BUILDERS' QUOTATION

Here's one analysis to consider whenever we compare information from a Quantity Surveyor to that from a Builder

We recently submitted a Bill of Quantities for a Client in the diaspora, and then he also got an alternative quote from a builder so that he could compare and contrast the budget for the purpose of employing him

From the QS supply and fix budget of US$67K for a 118m² floor space, including external walls, the builder submitted his own supply and fix budget of just US$12,4K

When such incidents occur, it appears as if quantity surveys make projects look so expensive
So after a careful analysis, we picked a number of discrepancies, and the builder left out several items from his submission
● his budget excluded building service costs, such as plumbing and electrical fittings
● establishment costs of the site were not considered, such as mobilisation of materials - temporary connections (water and electricity/generator) - site security and storage cabins and a separate sleeping cabin for the working men
● as well as finishes like painting and tilling
● the ceiling and the gutters were excluded
● installation of all door frames the door panels and all the windows was not included (or at least considered)
● and he did not consider plant hire charges, which actually expedite the duration of the works as opposed to longer labour hours that only increase labour charges unnecessarily
● the septic tank & soakaway were also excluded, yet they are part of the design

Moreover, tradesmen are not necessarily expected to provide reliable budgets inasmuch as they sometimes do, but a qualified and even better experienced quantity surveyor is there to bridge the gap between prospective clients with their projects

This is why it is so important to utilise a Bill of Quantities for comparing tender prices from different builders or contractors
It creates a uniform competing platform for all the interested stakeholders

An Architect, Engineer (where applicable) and a Quantity Surveyor are professionals who have to be consulted in order for a complete return on any construction investment

Shortcuts can be painfully costly, because the conclusion of the 2 options, the builder quoted more on labour charges and far less than required on materials to be procured

⚠️ It turned out that the BoQ was way cheaper and a better negotiating procurement route to use

Apples 🍎 cannot be compared to oranges 🍊

Find a Quantity Surveyor for your Design 📐📏🧮📝
He will help you navigate on how best to establish a solid budget before you build by employing trained personnel guided by the National Employment Council for Construction

25/05/2025

Did you know;

Africa Day is celebrated on May 25th every year in Zimbabwe, commemorating the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU) in 2002. This significant day promotes unity, freedom, and development among African countries.

Key Facts About Africa Day in Zimbabwe
- Date: Africa Day falls on May 25th, and in 2025, it will be observed on Sunday, May 25, with an additional public holiday on Monday, May the 26th.
- History: The OAU was formed to promote solidarity among African states, support independence movements, and improve living standards for African people.
- Celebrations: Expect cultural performances, educational events, political speeches, and community gatherings showcasing African cuisine, fashion, and art.
- Significance: Africa Day symbolises African unity, acknowledges the continents' struggle against colonialism and apartheid, and serves as a platform to reflect on challenges and achievements.

This Years' Theme and Observance
The theme for Africa Day 2025 is "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations."

Happy Africa Day!

Presage Projects | Creating Your Projects' Chronology 🏗️

21/05/2025

Better roads for Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Image courtesy of Discover Zimbabwe
Road construction facilitated by the Ministry of Transport

17/05/2025

Quantity Surveying plays a crucial role in real estate development, particularly in construction projects. Here's an overview:

Key Responsibilities
1. Cost estimation and budgeting
2. Quantity takeoff (measuring and calculating materials)
3. Cost management and control
4. Tendering and procurement
5. Contract administration
6. Valuation and measurement

Benefits
1. Accurate cost forecasting
2. Efficient resource allocation
3. Reduced project risks
4. Improved project timelines
5. Enhanced collaboration among stakeholders

Quantity Surveyor's Role
1. Collaborates with architects, engineers, and contractors
2. Provides cost advice and guidance
3. Manages project costs and budgets
4. Ensures compliance with regulations and standards

CCS Candy has also been a very useful tool over the years, it has made our work a lot easier too in delivering projects 🚧

Get in touch with us

+263 771 927 337 🥏📱

✉️ [email protected]
🌐

Project Management and Construction

11/05/2025

Not engaging a quantity surveyor can lead to:

1. Cost Overruns: Inaccurate cost estimation and poor cost management.
2. Delays: Inefficient project planning and scheduling.
3. Disputes: Unclear contractual terms and valuation issues.
4. Financial Losses: Poor budgeting and uncontrolled expenses.
5. Project Abandonment: Unmanageable costs or disputes.
6. Reputation Damage: Poor project outcomes affecting credibility.

Quantity surveyors help mitigate these risks, ensuring projects stay on budget and timeline.

11/05/2025

Attention Construction Clients
"Are you looking to optimize your construction projects' budget and timeline? Our quantity surveying services can help!"

Key Benefits
1. Accurate Cost Estimation: Expertly measure and estimate construction costs from drawings.
2. Cost Management: Control project expenses and minimize risks.
3. Value Engineering: Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
4. Dispute Resolution: Expert analysis and advice for claims and disputes.

Why Choose Us?
1. Experienced Professionals: Seasoned quantity surveyors with industry expertise.
2. Proven Track Record: Successful projects with satisfied clients.
3. Tailored Solutions: Customised services to meet your projects' unique needs.

📞 📧
"Let's discuss how our quantity surveying services can benefit your next project. Contact us today!"

+263 77 192 7337
[email protected]

03/05/2025

The importance of Valuations of Works in Construction: Ensuring Return on Investment

Lately, I have noticed how several Project Investors have suffered losses in their construction endeavours by trusting the wrong people which usually results in the theft of funds and abuse of trust that's only realised when it's already too late.

There's a solution to this!

A Valuation of works is crucial in construction projects to ensure return on investment (ROI). Here's how:

Accurate Cost Tracking
1. _Monitoring expenses_: Regular valuations track actual costs, enabling prompt identification of deviations from budgeted amounts.
2. _Cost control_: Accurate valuations help manage costs, preventing cost overruns and ensuring projects stay within budget.

Informed Decision-Making
1. _Data-driven insights_: Valuations provide valuable data for informed decision-making, enabling adjustments to project scope, timeline, or budget.
2. _Risk management_: Regular valuations help identify potential risks, allowing for proactive mitigation strategies.

Enhanced Transparency and Accountability
1. _Clear financial reporting_: Valuations provide transparent financial reporting, ensuring stakeholders understand project costs and progress.
2. _Accountability_: Accurate valuations promote accountability among project stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, and clients.

Improved Cash Flow Management
1. _Payment scheduling_: Valuations inform payment schedules, ensuring timely payments to contractors and subcontractors.
2. _Cash flow forecasting_: Accurate valuations enable better cash flow forecasting, helping clients manage their financial resources effectively.

By ensuring accurate cost tracking, informed decision-making, transparency, and effective cash flow management, valuations of works play a vital role in ensuring return on investment in construction projects.

https://www.presageprojects.co.zw

https://wa.me/message/KMKXE7ZHMFWIO1

+263 77 192 7337

18/10/2023

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01/01/2023

Here we go