Building Surveyor
The Work
Building surveyors advise clients on the design and construction of new buildings and the maintenance, repair and renovation of existing ones. Their clients can vary from individual house owners to multinational companies.
The work involves surveying sites, measuring the buildings, checking and examining the condition of all types of residential and commercial property and using this information to draw up plans, reports and budgets.
Building surveyors supervise building projects from start to completion. Their work includes managing contracts, controlling budgets, monitoring the work being carried out and ensuring that the correct materials are being used. They advise clients on government legislation as well as the availability of grants.
They work closely with architects, planners, tenants and other professionals.
Hours and Conditions
Building surveyors normally work office hours, Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend work may be possible. Building surveyors are office-based, although the work involves outdoor site visits in all types of weather. The buildings they inspect may be derelict, damp or dusty.
Building surveyors spend a lot of their time walking around inspecting properties, which may also involve climbing and bending. The work may involve trips away from home; a driving licence is often required.
Skills and Interests
To be a building surveyor you will need:
You will usually need a driving licence for site visits.
Training
Qualification as a building 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.
You may work towards NVQ / SVQ in Property Management at Level 4. Some building surveyors work towards NVQ / SVQ in Building Control at Level 4.
Opportunities
Opportunities exist in local and central government, nationalised industries, private property companies, banks, mortgage and insurance companies and educational establishments. Self-employment is also possible.
Demand for building surveyors is good, although this depends on the economic climate and the state of the property market.
There are opportunities for progression to senior management positions or partnership in private practice. Opportunities may also arise for overseas employment, and freelance and consultancy work.
Further Information
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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
