What Does A Quantity Surveyor Do?

Whether you’re embarking on your own DIY construction project or are a construction professional who works for a large-scale organisation, both roles will require a lot of preparation and ongoing support.   

There is always a lot to consider during any kind of construction process, and it’s important to have the support of the right professionals. 

Quantity surveyors often play a key role in both domestic and commercial projects, and while you may have heard the term you may be unsure exactly what a quantity surveyor actually does. 

To help you understand their role and decide whether a quantity surveyor is right for your next project, we’ll explain what a quantity surveyor does and how they can help you.

Read on to find out more.

What Does A Quantity Surveyor Do?

A quantity surveyor is a construction industry professional who is responsible for managing the finance and costs of a project from beginning to end. Also sometimes known as a construction cost consultant or a commercial manager, their main role is to stay on top of the project finances and manage contractual relationships.

They will regularly make sure that the financial aspect of the project is being accurately recorded, reported and properly controlled so everything is kept in check.   

As well as this, quantity surveyors need to be experts in building costs as well as the various legislation relating to projects so that they always meet the relevant legal requirements. They are involved from the very start of the project, and may be needed to conduct a preliminary analysis of costs before any work is done. And, once the work does get underway, expenses will be constantly monitored, cost-saving measures will be advised and frequent reports will be created that offer insight into the progress being made. 

Overall, a quantity surveyor plays a comprehensive role in a construction project including:

• Advising on the feasibility of a project based on the site
• Working out what the client can afford by analysing their finances
• Providing detailed information on the cost of certain work on a regular basis
• Organising the project by dividing it into certain areas
• Arranging ‘packages’ which can be awarded to construction companies or specialist contractors when necessary  
• Dealing with contracts and all legal matters
• Managing a project’s costs to ensure budgets are not exceeded 
• Arranging payments for staff and settling final accounts at the end of a job
• Working as a financial advisor for clients 
• Constantly monitoring the progress of a project and providing feedback to clients
• Providing advice on claims and disputes that may crop up

Usually, a quantity surveyor will work in either the interests of a contractor or a private client. When working for a contractor, they will always be performing their role in the interests of a construction firm and they’ll usually be a regular presence on-site and will also deal with subcontractors and specialist workers who are brought on board. 

Secondly, a private quantity surveyor will work on behalf of the client rather than the firm doing the work. This means there will be an even greater focus on budget, and the surveyor will need to collaborate closely with architects, engineers and others to prepare tender documents. Site visits may be less frequent but valuations and reports will still be regularly provided.   

What Makes A Good Quantity Surveyor?

To become a good quantity surveyor, you will need a combination of technical expertise, analytical skills and essential personable abilities.

This includes:

• Technical skills: A variety of leading technical skills are needed including measurement and estimation, cost planning and management skills, construction technology knowledge, the ability to administer contracts and the procurement of industry knowledge and software.
• Analytical and problem solving skills:  A good quantity surveyor will also possess a number of important analytical and problem-solving skills that they will need to use on a day-to-day basis. This will include having excellent attention to detail, great numerical skills, critical thinking and risk management. 
• Communication and personal skills: It is also necessary for a quality surveyor to have excellent communication and personal skills. Chiefly, they will need to be strong negotiators, able to collaborate in a team, can understand and manage relationships with clients and contractors and provide reports that are clear, concise and properly communicate findings and recommendations.   

How To Become A Quantity Surveyor? 

If you’re considering a career as a quantity surveyor, there are several routes you can take. While it is not necessary to take a university degree, at the very least you’ll likely need:

• Five GCSEs (Level 9-4 which is the new A*-C grades) or an equivalent. This must include maths and it is advantageous if you’ve also taken related subjects such as design technology, science, geography or law.

The University Path

Many universities provide courses that can then lead to a quantity surveyor career including:

• Construction
• Structural engineering 
• Maths
• Civil engineering 
• Geography 
• Economics
• Urban or land studies 

Following the completion of your degree, there are also a whole host of postgraduate courses available that you can take. If you opt for one of these courses, ensure they are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). 

The Apprenticeship Path 

Many construction firms in the UK offer apprenticeships where students will be taught the skills of the trade. This is also a good way to get into the quantity surveyor industry. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 and allow people to be fully employed by the business while also learning. Usually, time will be split between on-the-job work and college training.  

A surveying technician apprenticeship is probably the best bet for those looking for a career as a quantity surveyor. 

The Work Route 

If you are in full-time employment and have not got a university degree or apprenticeship, it doesn’t mean a career as a quantity surveyor is out of the question. In fact, if you have relevant experience, if you’ve worked in accountancy, for instance, you may be able to study part-time to become a professional surveyor.

No matter which route you take, work experience is invaluable in the construction industry so fill your free time with this wherever possible.

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