- Interpret plans and estimate costs and quantities of materials needed
- Consult with architects, engineers and other technical workers to make sure that design specifications are met; provide advice and assistance to builders and owners before finalization of building plans, to avoid potential problems
- Study building contract documents and negotiate with contractors, authorities, and local government
- Prepare a 'Bill of Quantities', which lists the individual components required to construct the project
- Suggest supplies of material and equipment
- Control preparation of cost estimates and the documentation for contract bids
- Calculate costs and estimate completion times to prepare tenders
- Control payment to contractors by valuation of completed works
- Make sure that building regulations, standards and by-laws are enforced in building operations
- Assess building plans submitted for approval to make sure they conform to building regulations and codes of practice
- Carry out pre-purchase inspections of all types of materials
- Supervise construction sites and direct site managers and subcontractors to make sure standards of building performance, quality, cost schedules and safety are maintained
- Provide skilled assistance to builders and construction managers by interpreting and carrying out directions for planning and organizing building projects
- Interpret building plans, regulations and codes of practice to direct progress of the work, making sure that specifications and regulations are followed and proper methods and materials are used
- Keep records and write reports on building progress and instances where regulations have been breached and plans have been altered
- Check on changes of design to assess the effects on cost
- Prepare monthly cash-flow forecasts for clients and tax depreciation schedules