Everything You Should Know About Quantity Surveyors
What is a quantity surveyor?
A quantity surveyor (QS) is a construction industry professional with expert knowledge on construction costs and contracts. Their role is to keep a close eye on the project’s finances and contractual relationships.
They make sure that the financial position of construction projects is accurately reported and controlled effectively. They also help to ensure that the construction project is completed within its budget.
Quantity surveyors are hired by contractors to help with the valuation of construction work for the contractor, help with bidding and project budgeting, and the submission of bills to the client.
What are their duties?
Some of the duties of a quantity surveyor are:
- Firstly, cost estimate, cost planning, and cost management.
- Prepare tender documents, contracts, budgets, bills of quantities and other documentation.
- Predicting potential risks in the project and taking precautions.
- Select and/or source construction materials.
- Take note of changes made and adjusting the budget accordingly.
- Contract management and contractual advice.
- Finally, claims and dispute management
Is quantity surveying a good career?
Yes, it is a good career because it offers the ability for career progression and great compensation. If you don’t like the set 9 – 5 jobs then this role might be perfect for you. Quantity surveyors spend much of their time on the field watching over the construction, or, meeting with clients and architects.
It is also a great career choice if you favour numerical and financial management skills. As well as, the ability to work on a team, the ability to negotiate, communication skills and excellent relationship-building skills.
Qualifications –
However, a university degree does not allow one to register as a quantity surveyor. Although, anyone looking to qualify as a quantity surveyor or a charted quantity surveyor must have the appropriate qualifications and work experience.
The RICS requires an RICS approved degree, several years of practical experience, and passing the assessment of professional competence to qualify as a charted quantity surveyor.
In addition, people without a quantity surveying degree might begin in the field as technical surveyors or surveying technicians.
The average quantity surveyor salary –
Quantity surveyors in the UK take home an average of around £33,265. The price of the salaries varies on how long you have been in the business and your experience, for example:
- Less than a year – £23,305
- 1- 4 years – £29,638
- 10 – 19 years – £42,531
- 20 or more years – £45,794
