Quantity Surveyor
The Work
Quantity surveyors are concerned with the costs of a building project both before and during construction. They study plans drawn up by an architect or engineer and calculate the types and quantities of materials and the costs of time and labour which are needed for a project. These are itemised into a 'bill of quantities' which building contractors use as a basis for estimating costs.
Organising tenders from contractors and advising clients on legal and contractual matters are important aspects of the job. They check the progress of work once the building work has started, ensure that costs are kept to the agreed amounts, and that work is on schedule and to the standard required.
There is extensive use of computers for calculations, record keeping, preparing work schedules and report writing. Feasibility studies may be used to see if construction can be carried out within the available budget.
Hours and Conditions
Quantity surveyors work office hours, although they may sometimes be required to work evenings and weekends.
The work is office-based with some travel to visit sites which may be dirty or dusty. A driving licence is useful and may be necessary in some areas.
Skills and Interests
To be a quantity surveyor you should:
Training
Qualification as a quantity surveyor can be achieved through the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) Faculty for Architecture and Surveying or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
CIOB candidates need to hold an accredited honours degree. After obtaining the degree, graduates have to obtain two years' relevant experience. Those with a higher national certificate or diploma may join as associate members and upgrade to corporate membership through further study.
RICS offers several ways to qualify. All involve studying for a qualification accredited by RICS, followed by completion of their Assessment of Professional Competence. Routes to qualification are through an accredited degree or postgraduate qualification, or by obtaining the College of Estate Management's Diploma in Surveying.
Opportunities
Demand for quantity surveyors is good, although this depends very much on the economic climate and the state of the commercial, housing and industrial property market.
Opportunities for employment exist within local authority or government departments, private practice, building contractors, property companies or commercial organisations both in the UK and abroad.
There may also be openings for freelance, consultancy work and self-employment. Career progression can lead to senior management positions in the various organisations.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
With experience, an income in the region of £35,000+ a year is common.
Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.
Watch the CIC Building Visions video interview with Quantity Surveyor Ruth Smart >
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Tel: 0870 333 1600
www.rics.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Building
Tel: 01344 630700
www.ciob.org.uk
College of Estate Management
Tel: 0118 986 1101
www.cem.ac.uk
