What does a Quantity Surveyor job look like?
A Quantity Surveyor manages all of the costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from initial calculations to the final figures. They can be employed by a range of companies including private practice quantity surveyors (PQS), construction consultancies, commercial businesses, public sector organisations and building and civil engineering contractors.
A Quantity Surveyor will aim to minimise the cost of a project and enhance value for money, while still achieving the required standards and quality, including ensuring statutory building regulations are met. When considering the skills required, Quantity Surveyors must have strong negotiation, numeracy and financial management skills, a creative approach to problem solving and a practical and logical mind.
Quantity Surveyor Responsibilities:
- Prepare tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities with the architect and/or the client
- Undertake cost analysis for repair and maintenance project work
- Assist in establishing a client’s requirements and undertake feasibility studies
- Perform risk, value management and cost control
- Advise on a procurement strategy
- Identify, analyse and develop responses to commercial risks
- Prepare and analyse costings for tenders
- Allocate work to subcontractors
- Provide advice on contractual claims
- Write detailed progress reports
- Value completed work and arrange payments
What qualifications do Quantity Surveyor jobs require?
Many Quantity Surveyors take a degree in quantity surveying that is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and a post graduate conversion course can be completed by individuals who have a degree in a different subject. Those without a degree can start in the industry as a Surveying Technician and climb the ladder through internal training and qualifications, but to work as a Quantity Surveyor immediately, you would need to complete a degree.
Professional Development
To become a fully qualified chartered surveyor is to obtain RICS membership. This is achieved by successfully completing the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), a minimum of 2 years structured training, but Quantity Surveyors with a number of years practical experience (degree dependent) are also eligible to become Chartered.
Quantity Surveyors can also become a member of Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) although this tends to be by those working for contractors. Consultancies and PQS firms will usually look for Surveyors who are MRICS.
Demand in the UK for Quantity Surveyors is extremely high with a number of opportunities available. We have recently assisted from Graduate to Associate Director level and work with a broad range of clients.
If you are looking to start your quantity surveying career, or looking to progress your career with a new company, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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