Quantity Surveyor

What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

A Quantity Surveyor is a professional who specializes in managing the costs and financial aspects of construction projects. Quantity surveyors play a vital role in the construction industry by ensuring that projects are completed within budget, while also providing value for money and meeting quality standards.

The primary responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor include:

1. Cost Estimation: Estimating the costs of materials, labor, and equipment required for construction projects based on project specifications, drawings, and other relevant information. Quantity surveyors use cost estimation techniques, historical data, and market analysis to prepare accurate and realistic cost estimates at different stages of the project lifecycle.
2. Budget Management: Developing and managing project budgets, cash flows, and financial forecasts to ensure that expenditures are controlled and aligned with project objectives. Quantity surveyors monitor project costs, track variations, and identify cost-saving opportunities to optimize project financial performance and mitigate financial risks.
3. Tendering and Procurement: Managing the tendering and procurement process for construction contracts, subcontractors, and suppliers. Quantity surveyors prepare tender documents, solicit bids from contractors, evaluate proposals, and negotiate contracts to secure competitive prices and favorable terms for project delivery.
4. Cost Control: Monitoring project costs, analyzing cost variances, and implementing cost control measures to prevent budget overruns and financial losses. Quantity surveyors identify cost trends, assess project risks, and develop strategies to minimize cost impacts and maximize cost-efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
5. Valuation and Payment: Assessing work progress, quantifying completed work, and valuing construction work for interim payments, progress claims, and final accounts. Quantity surveyors review contractor invoices, verify quantities, and certify payments in accordance with contractual agreements and industry standards.

Overall, a Quantity Surveyor plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial success and sustainability of construction projects by managing costs, controlling expenditures, and maximizing value for clients and stakeholders.

How to become a Quantity Surveyor

Becoming a Quantity Surveyor involves acquiring a combination of education, experience, and professional certification. Here’s a simplified guide on how to pursue a career as a quantity surveyor:

1. Education: Obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field from an accredited program. Coursework typically covers construction economics, cost planning, contract management, and quantity surveying principles.
2. Professional Certification: Obtain professional certification or chartered status from a recognized institution or professional body, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Certification demonstrates your competency and commitment to professional standards in quantity surveying practice.
3. Work Experience: Gain practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions at quantity surveying firms, construction companies, or consultancy practices. Work experience provides opportunities to apply academic knowledge, develop technical skills, and progress towards professional certification.
4. Technical Skills: Develop proficiency in quantity surveying software, construction estimating tools, and financial modeling techniques used in quantity surveying practice. Familiarize yourself with industry standards, measurement methods, and cost management principles relevant to construction projects.
5. Communication Skills: Enhance your communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with clients, contractors, and project teams. Quantity surveyors must convey complex technical information, negotiate contracts, and resolve disputes professionally and diplomatically.

By following these steps and gaining the necessary education, experience, and professional certification, you can pursue a rewarding career as a Quantity Surveyor and contribute to the financial success and sustainability of construction projects.

Quantity Surveyor salary

The salary of a Quantity Surveyor can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, employer, and specialization. On average, quantity surveyors earn competitive salaries commensurate with their skills, expertise, and level of responsibility within the profession.

In the United States, the median annual salary for a Quantity Surveyor is approximately $70,000. However, salaries can range from $50,000 to over $90,000 or more, depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, project complexity, and employer type.

Where does a Quantity Surveyor work?

A Quantity Surveyor can work in various settings within the construction industry, including:

1. Consulting Firms: Many quantity surveyors work for quantity surveying firms, cost consultancy firms, or construction management companies specializing in cost management services. They provide cost planning, estimating, and contract administration services to clients, contractors, and project teams.
2. Construction Companies: Quantity surveyors may work for construction companies, general contractors, or subcontractors involved in building, infrastructure, or civil engineering projects. They manage project budgets, procurements, and contracts to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
3. Public Sector: Quantity surveyors may work for government agencies, local authorities, or public works departments responsible for infrastructure planning, development, and maintenance. They provide cost estimation, value engineering, and contract management services for public infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and utilities.
4. Real Estate Development: Quantity surveyors may work for real estate developers, property developers, or investment firms involved in real estate development projects. They assess project feasibility, conduct financial analysis, and manage construction costs to support real estate investment decisions and maximize project returns.
5. Engineering Firms: Quantity surveyors may work for engineering consulting firms or multidisciplinary engineering companies offering quantity surveying services as part of their project delivery capabilities. They collaborate with engineers, architects, and designers to integrate cost considerations into the design and construction process.
6. Facilities Management: Quantity surveyors may work for facilities management companies or property management firms responsible for maintaining and operating built assets. They assess lifecycle costs, develop maintenance budgets, and optimize facility management strategies to enhance asset value and performance over time.