With the knowledge and experience gained over 27 years in this industry, it only made sense to start a company, J. Engelbrecht Consulting, that offers construction estimating, quantity surveying and quantum analysis to the highest standards. I also act as an Expert Witness in construction related disputes.We also assist Liquidators, Business Rescue Practitioners & Insurance providers to determine if building projects can viably be completed in terms of the contractual obligations of specific projects.My vision is to build a company that is driven by and encapsulates its tag-line “We Build Trust”, in all business dealings. J. Engelbrecht Consulting strives to build long-term relationships with their clients, partnering in their success in a relationship built on mutual respect and trust.

The company specialized in all types of construction from new buildings & renovation contracts. They built Schools, Luxury apartment blocks, Waste transfer stations and many others.The contracts ranged in value from R 15m to R 314m. They included JBCC, GCC, FIDIC & NEC agreements.When I started at the company I was the only Quantity Surveyor. I implemented CCS on the next project that we started.As the company expanded I was involved in interviewing and appointing of Quantity Surveyors. My role then changed to Head of the Quantity Surveying department.Our estimator resigned in 2008. I then took over the role as Estimator amongst my other duties. I did all the tenders up to 2012 which ranged in value from a couple of thousand rand to R 449m.With the company growing there was a need for a Commercial Manager which I stepped into. I implemented commercial systems which included procurement procedures, subcontract management, cost control & cost reporting.I was instrumental in implementing and integrating all systems with Buildsmart (Cost Management System). I wrote all the special conditions for subcontract agreements on the different forms of contract as mentioned earlier. I consulted with legal counsel when needed on contractual and other matters. Liaised with insurers on more complex claims.The other tasks are related to the day to day running of the company.

The company specialised in all forms of building construction work.The contracts I was involved in were apartment blocks, offices, a bank & warehouse. They ranged in value from R 4m to R 40m. They were all JBCC agreements.As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, I would value engineer and set the budget. Then negotiate with and appoint subcontractors. Pay these subcontractors. The measuring for and submission of monthly valuations, cost reporting, risk management & cost control. I would prepare, review and negotiate variations. Negotiate final accounts on completion. Mentor Junior Quantity Surveyors.

The company specialized in alterations & additions to existing buildings.As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, I would estimate on and submit tenders. Then when successful value engineer and set the budget. The negotiation with material suppliers & subcontractors. The appointment and payment of these subcontractors. The measuring for and submission of monthly valuations, cost reporting, risk management & cost control. Mentor Junior Quantity Surveyors.

The company specialized in alterations & additions to existing buildings.My duties as the Estimator was to tender on all of the contracts. Then when successful as the Senior Quantity Surveyor I would value engineer and set the budget. Then negotiate with material suppliers & subcontractors. The appointment and payment of these subcontractors. The measuring for and submission of monthly valuations, risk management & cost control.

The MD of Shield Homes (PE) approached me and asked if I was willing to relocate as he was opening another branch in Durban.With it being a start-up, my duties as the Buyer & Quantity Surveyor were the same as at Shield Homes (PE) and more. This included sourcing of land for potential developments, feasibility studies and liaising with financial institutions on various finance models.Then the construction management of the developments when it was a go. Then there were also the other tasks related to a start-up which entailed all areas of the day to day management of the business.

The company’s main field of expertise was property development in the housing market and the construction of the houses.My typical day as the Buyer & Junior Quantity Surveyor was measuring quantities off plan, procurement of the material and scheduling of material deliveries with suppliers & site management.Then there was the negotiation with material suppliers & subcontractors. The appointment and payment of these subcontractors. The costing of variations and preparation of monthly cost reports.