Before approaching the Architect to construct your dream home, there are several steps that are important . - First you should consult your savings. If you are building from your savings, determine how much you are willing to spend and leave resources for contingencies. - If you must borrow, get prequalified from your financial institutions. - Consult with your Quantity Surveyor. The would consider your budget, along with other pertinent factors to determine the amount of square footage you would be able to achieve for your home construction.

Contractors are paid according to the time stipulated in the contract whether monthly or weekly. The Quantity Surveyor will value the work carried out according to the timelines outlined in the contract for the project and submit a recommendation for payment. The Quantity Surveyor will also stay with the project right to the preparation and settlement of the final accounts, when all necessary adjustments are dealt with.

The client should employ an independent Quantity Surveyor for their construction project. The Quantity Surveyor would provide the client with estimates for the elements of works required, advise the client on legal and contractual matters related to the construction project, value completed works and advise clients of when payments are due to the contractor. The Quantity Surveyor would also act as a Contract Administrator in certain circumstances and assist with negotiations and dispute resolution.

Some of the most commonly used procurement routes are: - Traditional/Design Bid Build - Design and Build - Management Contracting - Construction Management - Public Private Partnership (PPP)/Private Finance Initiative (PFI) The procurement route chosen by a client for a project should hinge closely on factors related to flexibility, certainty, complexity, quality, risk, price competition, responsibility and time.