Quantity Surveyor

What is a quantity surveyor?

A quantity surveyor is someone who is responsible for managing costs related to construction projects. They ensure that projects stay within budget and provide accurate estimates for materials and labor.

What does a quantity surveyor do?

Usually, a quantity surveyor does the following:

• Estimates costs for construction projects
• Prepares tender documents and contracts
• Evaluates and manages the financial aspects of construction projects
• Monitors project costs and manages any changes or variations
• Collaborates with clients, contractors, and other professionals involved in the project

What does the day-to-day life of a quantity surveyor look like?

A quantity surveyor typically works between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. However, there may be times when working hours extend due to project deadlines or meetings. A typical day for a quantity surveyor may involve:

• Reviewing project plans and conducting site visits to assess costs
• Analyzing and evaluating construction drawings and specifications
• Preparing cost estimates and budgets
• Negotiating and liaising with contractors, suppliers, and clients
• Keeping track of project expenses and maintaining financial records

Where does a quantity surveyor work?

Quantity surveyors can work in various settings:

• Consultancy firms: Quantity surveyors may work for specialized firms that provide cost management and consulting services to clients.
• Construction companies: Many construction companies employ quantity surveyors to manage costs within their projects.
• Local government: Quantity surveyors can work for local government bodies, such as city councils or housing associations, to manage costs and budgets for construction projects.

What tools/software/hardware does a quantity surveyor use?

A quantity surveyor uses a variety of tools, including:

• Estimating software: Quantity surveyors use specialized software to assist in cost estimation and budgeting, such as CostX and Bluebeam.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) software: BIM software, like Autodesk Revit or Navisworks, helps quantity surveyors visualize construction projects and extract relevant cost data.
• Spreadsheet software: Quantity surveyors often use spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel, to organize cost data, perform calculations, and create financial reports.

What do I need to become a quantity surveyor?

There are a number of ways you can become a quantity surveyor, including:

• Bachelor's degree: Many quantity surveyors have a degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field.
• Apprenticeship: Some individuals choose to start as apprentices, working under experienced quantity surveyors while completing vocational qualifications.
• Professional accreditation: Joining a professional body, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), can enhance your career prospects and provide access to networking opportunities.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to quantity surveyors, including:

• Senior Quantity Surveyor: With experience, quantity surveyors can progress to senior roles, where they take on more complex projects and may have supervisory responsibilities.
• Project Manager: Quantity surveyors can transition into project management roles, overseeing the entire construction process and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Construction Cost Consultant: Some quantity surveyors choose to work as independent consultants, offering their expertise on construction costs to clients.
• Commercial Director: With substantial experience and a deep understanding of cost management, quantity surveyors can move into executive roles and contribute to strategic decision-making within an organization.

What jobs are similar to a quantity surveyor?

• Cost Estimator: Working in a variety of industries, cost estimators analyze project requirements and provide accurate cost estimates.
• Construction Manager: This role involves overseeing all aspects of construction projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating resources.
• Facilities Manager: Facilities managers are responsible for the maintenance and management of buildings and facilities, including budgeting and cost control.