How do I become a Quantity Surveyor?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to become a Quantity Surveyor may vary depending on your qualifications and experience.
However, there are two main points that may help you on your journey to becoming a Quantity Surveyor:
Quantity Surveying Qualifications & Experience
In this article,we describe the key responsibilities, list steps to become a quantity surveyor and give more details about the surveyor salary and work conditions.
QS Responsibilities
You can have a wide range of exact jobs if you work as a Professional quantity surveyor (PQS) or as a contractor in the consulting industry. As a PQS you are responsible for providing advice to the client at the start of the design, establishing budgets for the job and then making them available to the contracting company for tenders.
Often, a contractor QS work on site and work with the PQS. Some companies provide one-stop shopping from initial conception through to the complete construction projects. However, in your role as a QS you will generally have a wide range of resposibilities from intial stages of the project, through the build and into completion then handover of the project.
What does a quantity surveyor do?
Quantity surveyors perform many roles in construction work. Surveyors can estimate costs by assessing different types of materials and quantities and share the cost estimates with customers. It may also be influenced by resource availability, project timing and the requirements from customers.
Quantity surveyors typically use construction drawings and specifications to estimate the quantity required of each component. Because the drawings provide an extensive overview of each stage the surveyor will have to work out how it should be performed.
What does the path to becoming a QS look like?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the path to becoming a QS can vary depending on your education and experience.
However, in general, you will need to have a degree in quantity surveying or a related field, and you will also need to have some practical experience working in construction or surveying.
You would follow the path below:
- Trainee quantity surveyor
- Graduate quantity surveyor
- Assistant QS
- Quantity Surveyor or Project QS
- Senior QS
- Chartered quantity surveyor – If you want to follow this route.
Becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor is completely dependent on the choices you make in your career path, the same as if you decide to go down the route of working in a private practice, for a main contractor or subcontractor and choose between working on civil engineering projects, construction projects or specialist areas of expertise
What is a quantity surveyor?
A QS is someone who estimates and manages construction budgets. It helps ensure that project budgets are kept within their established limits. While surveyors do most of their work on computers, they may visit work sites to monitor project progress, communicate with project managers or keep project progress on schedule.
Because quantity surveyers have to work on complicated job estimates it is important to have wide range of skills and construction knowledge.
Quantity Surveying Qualifications
In order to work as QS, you will usually have a degree in Quantity Surveying from RICS. If you have an undergraduate degree in another discipline, you may choose an RICS-accredited postgraduate conversion course.
If you have a relevant degree topic: Post Graduate studies require an average one year of full time or part time training. Some employers can accept a graduating student if they do not have an RICS-approved degree and support them through an academic postgraduate course.
Salary
Salaries vary according to your qualifications, skills and experience, your place of employment and the type of company you work for. Qualifications & relevant experience and knowledge increases employment as well.
Generally for residential housing, a bonus is granted for achievement of target goals, increased wages are often achieved by increasing qualifications and taking additional responsibilities. Among the benefits are car benefits, pensions and life insurance. We won’t make any claims on the amount of pay as they depend on a large number of factors..
Degrees
The most widely employed route for the quantity surveyor is completing undergraduate programs primarily on Quantity Surveying. Often it’s easier to study the latter. Besides quantity surveying the curriculum also includes construction management, engineering, construction technology and law.
In addition to the study, some courses offer year long internships to provide essential work experience with your studies. The study of quantity survey and commercial management is not essential.
Work experience
Work experience will help you find your next job. Employers seek to know how you are committed to your profession, or how well you know your skills. It is also an important test of your future career choices.
There are a couple ways to gain work experience as a QS. You can look for internships or volunteer opportunities with construction firms or other organizations that manage construction projects. You can also look for entry-level positions with construction firms or project management companies.
Much of the work experience you’ll need will come from on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced professionals. Shadowing experienced quantity surveyors can also give you valuable insights into this profession.
Numerous firms are providing structured placements lasting from several days to an entire summer. Visit the companies website to find the details or apply speculatively.
What are the required qualifications?
To obtain a quantity surveying degree from Royal Institute of Chartered surveyors (RICS), however this may not always happen. A degree is generally required for studies at university and can be equivalent.
An aspiring QS should find below-mentioned A levels subjects helpful preparation – it is not comprehensive. A QS will learn all these subjects throughout their work life.
Hours of work
Working hours are generally between 37 and 50 hours per week, although sometimes weekend hours are needed. If you worked at a consultancy or in governmental departments, your normal job would normally take place within the same office hours.
It’s definitely true that the work schedule for contractors can be longer and more varied. For example, you may sometimes have to work extra hours to meet a deadline, or you may be asked to take on additional work at short notice.
However, one of the advantages of working for a contractor is that you have more control over your own working hours. So if you need some time off to take care of personal business or if you want to take a holiday during peak season, you can usually do so without much difficulty. And since the contract work market is always changing, there are often plenty of opportunities.
Career path and progression
We’ve shown the path of progression earlier on, but we’ll touch on the potential and how to best progress.
Most QSs start their careers as assistants or junior surveyors. With experience, they can move up to become lead surveyors or project managers. There are also opportunities for QSs to become commercial managers. To stay competitive, it’s important for QSs to keep up with new technology and construction methods.
If you have the necessary experience you could be a senior quantity surveyor or move into a senior project management, supply chain management, or consulting role. You could specialize in issues such as planning, risk evaluation, or contract disputes. Another option is to teach at universities.
Skills you will need
Quantity surveys have become a highly skilled occupation and the number and type of skills are vast.
Some skills you will need to be an excellent QS include: strong analytical and problem-solving skills, experience with construction methods and materials, experience with construction drawings, attention to detail, good number skills.
Being able to work independently as well as in a team environment is also important. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – you will need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and other professionals.
One other key element is strong organisational skills – you will need to be able to keep track of many different projects simultaneously and stay on top of deadlines.
Some helpful questions answered for you
How can I become a quantity surveyor without a degree?
If you don’t have any degrees, there are a few different ways to start your quantity surveying journey.
One option is, you can apply for an RICS certified QS trainee program. During this course you will work as a trainee QS as part time student, gaining practical and theoretical information.
Is it hard to be a quantity surveyor?
Becoming a QS requires hard work, but it’s definitely worth it. It involves constant problem solving.
Is a degree in quantity surveying worth it?
Quantity surveys can easily prove to be a very rewarding profession and a degree helps to show your professional competence.
Quantity surveys make a lot of money, offer a variety of career advancement possibilities and can switch from one industry into another. Quantity surveyors are always very popular, and many graduates find work after finishing their education.
Are quantity surveyors in demand UK?
Most reviews and reports on the demand show they are very much in demand. The potential demand for infrastructure and housing construction is primarily determined by downstream developments, interest and government expenditures.
If you wanted to read more on a Quick Guide to Construction Contracts, then please read this article.
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