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Quantity Surveyor

In a nutshell

Otherwise known as cost consultants or commercial managers, the role of a quantity surveyor is to keep a close eye on the various costs of a project, including materials, time taken and workers' salaries. They make sure that a construction project is as profitable and efficient as possible. They usually work for either the contractor (ie the company doing the building work), or the consultant or private quantity surveyor (ie the firm employed to advise the client).

In depth

 

Their work involves:

  • advising on the potential of a site and working out what a client can afford to build
  • presenting detailed information on the costs of labour, plant and materials
  • organising the giving of work to smaller, more specialised construction companies (known as subcontractors) according to who offers the best deal
  • dealing with legal matters
  • managing costs to ensure that the initial budget isn't exceeded
  • arranging staff payments and, at the end of a job, settling the final accounts
  • acting as financial advisers and monitoring progress for the client

  • advising the client on the cost of maintaining.

The people

Quantity Surveyors are the financial whizz-kids of the construction industry! They are highly numerate and enjoy dealing with enormous amounts of money. They also know a great deal about building legislation, building materials, design and construction. They are highly organised and great negotiators.

Qualifications required

You can become a chartered quantity surveyor or a quantity surveying technician, according to your qualification. To become a technician you will need a relevant HND/C. GCSEs or standard grades in maths, English and physics will be useful. To become a chartered consultant you will need A levels or Highers in subjects such as maths, economics and physics, followed by a degree. The degree should be approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or a similar organisation. Some courses include a year out in industry. You can also do a degree in a relevant subject such as geography or economics followed by a postgraduate conversion course.

Salary

The average salary for a graduate cost consultant is £15,875, rising to £31,750 with six years' experience (source: www.building.co.uk).

Getting professional

You can become a student member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at age 16 and the institution can offer various resources to help you pass your professional exams after your degree. Go to the ICES (Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors) website for more information about becoming a member of that organisation.

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