Quantity Surveyor
Job Description:Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs.
Job Category:What you will do:
You could work in the public sector for a local authority, housing association or government department.
You could also work in the private sector for a building contractor, property company, civil engineering or architecture firm.
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- finding out a client’s needs and assessing if their plans are feasible
- working out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
- negotiating contracts and work schedules
- advising on legal matters, including risks and disputes
- monitoring sub-contractors and stages of construction
- writing regular reports on costs and preparing accounts for payment
- keeping up to date with construction methods and materials
- following health and safety and building regulations
Skills:
You’ll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- analytical thinking skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- persistence and determination
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition/drive)
- organisational skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Quantity Surveyor, you should focus on subjects that develop strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills. While there are no specific subject requirements for this career, it’s beneficial to choose subjects that lay a solid foundation for further education and your future role. Here are some subjects that can be advantageous:
- Mathematics (Higher Level): Quantity Surveyors frequently work with complex calculations and measurements, so strong math skills are essential.
- Physics: Physics can help you understand structural principles and mechanics, which can be relevant to construction and quantity surveying.
- Design and Technology: This subject can introduce you to concepts of construction, engineering, and architectural design.
- Business Studies: Knowledge of business and economics can be valuable, especially in project management and contract negotiation.
- Geography: This subject can provide an understanding of environmental factors and geographic information that can be relevant to construction projects.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Familiarity with computer software, especially spreadsheet and database programs, is important for managing and analyzing construction data.
- English: Good communication skills are essential in this field, as Quantity Surveyors need to write reports, communicate with clients, and negotiate contracts.
- Economics: Studying economics at a higher level can provide insights into economic aspects of construction projects.
Post School
You’ll need a degree or professional qualification – in the UK this will need to be accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This can be a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course from any degree. Useful subjects are:
- construction
- structural or civil engineering
- mathematics
- geography
- economics
- land studies
You could also start work as a junior or trainee quantity surveyor, a surveying technician or surveying assistant, then study to become a quantity surveyor.
You could also get into this job with an apprenticeship.
In the UK, you’ll need to be a member of RICS (MRICS) to become a fully qualified chartered surveyor. For this you’ll need to complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm. You may work evenings or weekends. Hours may be longer if you work on-site as a contractor.
You’ll spend time in an office and visiting building sites.
You’ll usually need a full driving licence.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a senior quantity surveyor or move into senior project management, supply chain management, consultancy work or self-employment.
You could specialise in areas like planning, risk assessment or contract disputes.
Another option is to move into lecturing at a university or college.