QUANTITY SURVEYORS' FUNCTIONS IN A BIM-BASED ENVIRONMENT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM BAUCHI METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined Quantity Surveyors' (QS) functions in a Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based environment in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. A quantitative descriptive survey design was adopted. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 132 registered construction professionals, with 130 valid responses retrieved (98.5% response rate). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 23. Findings revealed that digital valuations (M = 3.7094), change management (M = 3.6749), progress monitoring (M = 3.6453), payments progress (M = 3.5961), and automated quantities (M = 3.5862) ranked highest, indicating high QS function in a BIM-based environment. Conversely, automated take-offs (M = 3.4631), real-time cost feedback (M = 3.1972), and LOD verification (M = 3.1946) recorded moderate ratings. The results suggest a strong alignment between traditional QS competencies and digital evolution, particularly in financial administration functions, while full automation of measurement functions remains constrained by data quality and standardization issues. The study provides empirical evidence that QS professionals in Bauchi Metropolis have successfully adapted their core financial functions to BIM-based environments, signalling a professional readiness that outpaces current industry infrastructure. It highlights the need for unified Level of Development (LOD) frameworks to facilitate reliable automated quantity extraction.