Cost manager, cost consultant
Quantity surveyors are responsible for the cost estimating and supervision of significant building projects. They examine the structures to ensure that they adhere to all legal and quality requirements. A project is never completed without the involvement of a quantity surveyor. Customers put their faith in them to guarantee that the finished product is a good deal for the money, regardless of whether they are working on residential, commercial, or industrial projects.
How to Get Into the Field of Quantity Surveying
To become a quantity surveyor, one may choose from a few different career paths. Either by attending a university and taking classes or by serving an apprenticeship, you may get the necessary credentials. If you already have experience that is relevant to the position, you may be able to apply directly to a company or get training on the job. You need to investigate the possibilities in order to choose which of them is the best fit for you.
University and graduate student training program
You have the option of obtaining a bachelor's degree in quantity surveying or in another field that is relevant, such as:
Construction
Engineering of buildings and structures
Civil engineering
Maths
Geography
Economics
Urban or land studies.
You could be eligible to enroll in a postgraduate conversion program if you already possess a first degree in a different field. It is recommended that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building both provide their seals of approval to this (CIOB).
Through participation in a graduate trainee program offered by a construction or surveying firm, you could be able to earn a postgraduate qualification in surveying. The University College of Estate Management provides postgraduate students with the opportunity to study through distant learning.
You'll need:
2 - 3 A levels or equivalent (undergraduate course)
A first degree in any field of study (postgraduate course).
Apprenticeship
It is possible to break into the construction sector by beginning an apprenticeship with a building company. Apprenticeships are available to anybody over the age of 16 who meets the requirements. You will be considered a full-time employee of the firm you apprentice for, and you will be required to put in a minimum of thirty hours of labor each week. Your time will be divided between getting experience on the job and attending school or working with a training provider.
You'll need:
five General Certificates of Secondary Education (or equivalent) with grades ranging from 9 to 4, covering English and mathematics (advanced apprenticeship)
4 - 5 GCSEs (or similar) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels (or equivalent) (degree apprenticeship).
Work
It is possible to become a quantity surveyor via part-time education if you already possess significant expertise in a field that is closely connected to the profession, such as accounting.
Practice in the workplace
To be successful in finding a job in the construction sector, you need to have previous work experience. You may be able to acquire this knowledge via education, or by working weekends and holidays for a firm or a family who is employed in the field of quantity surveying. On a resume, previous job experience is always going to be something that prospective employers find very appealing.
Skills
The following are some additional abilities that may be useful to anybody interested in pursuing a career as a quantity surveyor:
Competence in the mathematical arts
Excellent attention to detail
Competence in analytical thinking
Acquiring knowledge in the fields of engineering science and technology
A familiarity with building and construction techniques
Capacity to act on one's own initiative.
What exactly does it entail to be a quantity surveyor?
As a quantity surveyor, one of your primary responsibilities will be to assist in the estimation of prices, quantities, and project schedules, as well as to provide customers with this information. You will be liasing with a number of different teams and assisting to keep a project on schedule.
The following responsibilities are included in a quantity surveyor's job description:
Communication with customers in order to determine their requirements
calculating anticipated quantities, expenses, and completion times for the material and labor components of the project
Documentation for the bids and contracts being prepared
The process of identifying and evaluating potential business hazards
The practice of delegating tasks to subcontractors.
Putting a value on finished work, controlling finances, and keeping an eye on payments
Making certain that projects adhere to all applicable laws and quality requirements
ensuring that customers receive a good return on the money they spend
Providing guidance on the operational expenses associated with certain buildings
Providing consistent information on the budget
Observing health and safety laws in addition to construction codes
Spending time in the place of business of a customer, at an office, or on a building site.
If you were to work as a quantity surveyor, how much money could you make?
The amount of money you may anticipate making as a quantity surveyor is contingent on how much experience you have.
Earnings for quantity surveyors who have just completed their training might range anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000.
Earnings for trained quantity surveyors with expertise might range anywhere from £35,000 to £45,000 annually.
Quantity surveyors who are senior or chartered can make anywhere from 45,000 to 65,000 pounds per year*.
Location, employer, and whether or not you put in overtime all play a role in determining your hours and salary. Salaries and professional prospects can rise with chartered status.