Eldeco Group Quantity Surveyor Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

What the job involves

As a Quantity Surveyor in real estate and infrastructure, you estimate costs, prepare bills of quantities, track project expenses, certify contractor payments, and manage variations to keep projects within budget. You work closely with project managers, contractors, and consultants, often based at site or head office, ensuring financial control from tender to handover. In a growing company like Eldeco Group, you may handle multiple residential or commercial projects, requiring strong coordination and attention to detail.

Role and Technical Knowledge

1. 1

   What is the difference between a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and a Bill of Materials (BoM)?

   A strong answer explains that BoQ lists items with quantities and rates for tendering, while BoM lists materials needed for construction without rates. Mention that BoQ is contractually binding for payment.

2. 2

   How do you perform rate analysis for a concrete item?

   Cover material costs (cement, sand, aggregate, water), labour, plant and machinery, overheads, and profit. Mention using standard coefficients from CPWD or DSR and adjusting for local market rates.

3. 3

   Explain the difference between nominal mix and design mix concrete in terms of costing.

   Nominal mix uses fixed proportions (e.g., M20 1:1.5:3) and is simpler to estimate, while design mix is based on trial tests and can be more economical for large volumes. A strong answer notes that design mix requires lab testing and may reduce cement content.

4. 4

   What are the key components of an interim payment certificate?

   Include measured quantities, rates as per contract, deductions for retention, mobilisation advance recovery, taxes, and previous payments. Mention that it must be verified against site measurements and approved by the engineer.

Practical Scenarios

1. 5

   You notice that the contractor has claimed for 100 cubic meters of excavation, but site measurements show only 80 cubic meters. How do you handle this?

   A strong answer says you would re-verify measurements with the site engineer, check for any unrecorded work, and discuss with the contractor. If the claim is inflated, you would certify only the actual quantity and document the discrepancy.

2. 6

   A variation order is raised for additional brickwork. How do you assess its cost impact?

   You would measure the additional quantity, apply the contract rate if available, or perform a new rate analysis if not. Then check if it affects other items like plaster or painting, and prepare a variation statement for approval.

3. 7

   During monsoon, labour productivity drops, and the contractor asks for extra time and cost. How do you evaluate this claim?

   Check the contract for force majeure or weather-related clauses, review historical rainfall data, and assess if the delay was foreseeable. A strong answer suggests granting time extension if justified, but cost compensation only if contract allows.

4. 8

   You are asked to prepare a cost estimate for a new residential tower. What steps would you take?

   Start with quantity takeoff from architectural and structural drawings, apply appropriate rates from DSR or market, add contingency, and include overheads and profit. Mention using Excel or estimation software and cross-checking with similar past projects.

Behavioural and Situational

1. 9

   Tell me about a time you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline.

   Use a specific example from college projects or internships. Highlight how you prioritised tasks, communicated with team members, and delivered on time. Keep it concise and focus on your actions.

2. 10

   How would you handle a disagreement with a contractor over measurement of work?

   Show that you would remain calm, refer to contract drawings and specifications, and re-measure jointly. If unresolved, escalate to your senior with proper documentation. Emphasise fairness and transparency.

3. 11

   Describe a situation where you had to learn a new software or tool quickly.

   Pick an example like learning AutoCAD or MS Project. Explain how you used online tutorials, practiced, and applied it to a task. Mention the outcome and how it improved your efficiency.

4. 12

   Why do you want to work as a Quantity Surveyor in real estate and infrastructure?

   Connect your interest in construction and numbers, and mention the scope to learn end-to-end project costing. Show awareness of the sector's growth and challenges, and express willingness to work at site.

HR and Company Fit

1. 13

   Are you comfortable working at a construction site, sometimes in remote locations?

   Answer honestly but positively. If you are flexible, say so and give an example of adapting to a new environment. If not, mention your preference for office-based roles but show willingness to visit sites when needed.

2. 14

   What do you know about our company and this role?

   Research the company's projects, values, and recent news. For Eldeco Group, you could mention its presence in real estate and infrastructure. Then relate the role to your skills and career goals.

3. 15

   Where do you see yourself in five years?

   Show ambition to grow into a senior quantity surveyor or cost manager role. Mention gaining expertise in contracts, claims, and project management. Avoid saying you want to leave the company or switch fields.

4. 16

   What are your salary expectations?

   For a fresher, say you are open to the company's standard pay for the role and focus on learning opportunities. If pressed, give a range based on market research for entry-level quantity surveyors in India.