Frequently Asked Questions

Ant Consult provides consulting services to farmers and agricultural corporates, as well as specialist sub-consulting services to established engineering firms.

Water and agricultural systems are often complex and costly. Working together with you, our experience, technical knowledge and different perspective helps you to simplify and optimise your operation, resulting in an operation that you will be proud to have as a legacy.

We charge in one of three ways:

• For well-defined projects with few unknowns: we charge a fixed-price fee based on project complexity and time required to complete the scope of work. Examples of fixed-price projects include pipelines, pump stations, small irrigation systems and floodline determination.
• For projects that are open-ended or not-well defined: we charge based on a time-and-cost framework. Our hourly rates are derived with reference to Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) norms. Open ended projects include large scale feasibility studies and flood protection works or any project where it is not clear what the end result will look like.
• We consider charging on a retainer/subscription basis: if ongoing services are required, whereby a client pays a monthly set fee for (up to) a certain amount of non-transferable time per month. This enables predictability and ease of cash flow management for all parties involved.

For all of the above pricing methods, the primary cost drivers include the number of design variables to consider and the level of reporting and drawing output required. As each project is unique, we only propose a pricing framework and provide a quote once we fully understand your vision for the project. In general, the gross value of engineering services in an infrastructure project falls within the range of 5-15% of the total project cost. This seems like a lot, however, studies (source 1 and source 2) show that effective engineering can make a difference of as much as 50% to the project lifecycle cost. Yes, to some people, we are expensive. However, given the extra margin that we provide through effective planning and design, can you afford to not use us?

We believe that having a consistent feedback system where relevant parties are kept in the loop and given space for comments is important for ensuring realistic expectations and ensuring the client's vision is met. Weekly updates will be provided by email or scheduled meetings. For larger projects we utilise a purpose-built web portal for overall project scheduling, document exchange and program updates. This is to provide you with an overview of where we are in the project, as well as keeping you informed of what inputs you as the client need to supply.

The typical project starts with a client contacting us in relation to a service.

• We meet, preferably face to face, to fully understand your expectations and project requirements.
• We then provide a proposal detailing our understanding of the project and pricing framework and price proposal.
• On acceptance of the quote, we have a kickoff meeting with all parties involved and set the work in motion.
• We provide progress updates on a weekly basis.
• On completion, we present our findings/design and provide a report and drawings as required.
• If the project proceeds to construction, we manage the tender process, providing detailed tender documentation, tender drawings, specification and bills of quantities for circulation to contractors.
• We assist in adjudicating responsive tenders, resulting in a contractor recommendation.
• Supervise construction, providing quality control and management services.
• Close out the contract by providing completion certificates and record drawings.

Ant Consult provides a complete service, from planning and feasibility through to construction management and closeout.

We can generally get moving within one to two weeks, workload dependent.