Who Is A Quantity Surveyor And What Do They Do? – Quantity investigators (cost consultants/cost estimators) work for clients or contractors and may be in the office or on-site. They provide an accurate estimate of the cost of large infrastructure and construction projects based on initial requirements and project specifications.
Having a surveyor on the team from start to finish ensures that the cost of the project is accurately determined and remains financially viable at every stage of the construction project. Surveyors take a balanced and realistic approach to finance each project to ensure that costs are not exceeded or budget limits are not kept too tight. Both extremes have the potential to have disastrous consequences.
Have you been asking yourself who is a quantity surveyor and what do they do? This article will answer your question.
Who Is A Quantity Surveyor And What Do They Do?
A surveyor is a cost engineer or project management manager for a construction company. Your primary task is to estimate construction costs and ensure the project stays within budget. As a surveyor, your functions include preparing this budget based on the dimensions and materials required in the construction plan, negotiating the contract that best suits your budget, advising on the acquisition of materials, and preparing documents such as the Bill of Lading (BOQ, purchase documents, and orders of magnitude. Other aspects of his work include insurance valuation, project management, and dispute resolution. You will predominantly work in the office, but field visits are an important part of your career.
The work of a surveyor is just as important as the work of architects and contractors involved in construction projects. Architects design and contractors build, while surveyors are cost managers and quality control officers. The Surveyor advises the client on how to assemble the building and the necessary parts. Most importantly, the surveyor is responsible for calculating the cost of these components and the total cost of the entire project. Some other duties of a quantity surveyor include:
1. Development of expense tracking documents
The elaboration of financial documents, budgets, and contracts is the shared responsibility of the Surveyor. They can track purchases with receipts or log recent orders to account for all materials used.
2. Resolution of conflicts related to company finances
These professionals carefully analyze the company’s finances to look for errors that could lead to financial losses. They allow customers to get affordable deals that save them money.
3. Give an estimate of the cost of materials
A surveyor takes into account the type and amount of materials needed for a construction project, as well as other relevant costs, to give the client a cost estimate.
4. Analyze construction plans
They often review plans to discuss various aspects of the construction, such as cost, schedule, and materials needed. They must also make sure that the structure complies with building regulations, such as health and safety.
5. Negotiate contracts to stay within budget
By creating a budget for each project, quantity surveyors often draft and negotiate contracts between their clients and construction companies. They estimate the costs of materials, time, and labor and adjust them to the available budget.
6. Project management
Surveyors also manage projects to ensure that set budgets are maintained. They interact with customers and contractors to learn about their needs. They can advise clients by helping them choose the most cost-effective materials for a project.
7. Travel to work
Surveyors often go to job sites to make sure work is done on time and raw materials are available. They must also evaluate the work done and control payments.
8. Review current budgets
They often review the company’s current budget to determine if the changes could improve the company’s financial position. If necessary and effective, they can reduce or increase the financing of a part of the company.
9. Identification of business risks
Surveyors are responsible for weighing market costs and labor fluctuations to identify business risks on projects. Good analytical skills can help them find innovative solutions to problems.
What Are The Skills Needed By Quantity Surveyors?
- Budgeting skills.
- Good computer skills.
- Good head for numbers.
- Excellent organization and time management skills.
- Negotiation skills
- Leadership ability.
- Teamwork
- Ability to think analytically.
- Commercial awareness.
- Problem-solving skills
How To Become A Quantity Surveyor
1. Educate yourself
To become a quantity surveyor, you need a degree in construction management or a related field. For example, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) has a 4-year bachelor’s degree in construction project management that permits you to become a quantity surveyor after graduation. If you’re not sure which program to enroll in, the Canadian Institute of Materials Researchers (CIQS) has a list of accredited programs for you to study. An alternative option is to attend an accredited continuing education program. If you choose to do so, you must submit your transcript to CIQS.
2. To gain experience
Relevant work experience is required to become a licensed surveyor. Some training programs offer internships throughout your career. CIQS requires prospective members to keep a journal of their progress and experience.
3. Solve practice problems
The next step is to complete an Application Challenge, which is a role-specific project. It also includes an overview of the CIQS Code and the CIQS Code of Ethics. To qualify for this stage, candidates must first complete the previous two stages.
4. Pass the interview
After completing your placement competition, you can apply to CIQS for an interview. They will give you the scheduled date, time, and location of the interview. Reserve up to an hour for your job interview.
Conclusion
Surveyors are an essential part of construction projects. They manage project costs and budgets from start to finish. They are professionals who can do the job well. After all this, we believe this article answers your question about who is a quantity surveyor and what they do.
Frequently Asked question(s)
What is the main role of a quantity surveyor?
Known in the industry as a Construction Cost Consultant or Commercial Manager, their role is to keep a close eye on project finances and contractual relationships. They make sure that the financial position of construction projects is accurately reported and controlled effectively.
Where can a quantity surveyor work?
– quantity surveying consultancies.
– construction companies, contractors and consultancies.
architects.
– project management consultancies.
– civil engineering contractors and consultancies.
– property firms.
– house builders and housing associations.
– local authorities.
What are the tasks being done by a quantity surveyor?
– Liaising with clients to identify their needs.
– Estimating quantities, costs and time scales for material and labour.
– Preparing tender and contract documents.
– Identifying and weighing up commercial risks.
– Assigning work to subcontractors.
Does quantity surveying involve drawing?
Before a construction project starts, a quantity surveyor will study drawings and specifications about a new building normally provided by architects or engineers. Increasingly, this involves Building Information Modelling (BIM).
What are the two types of quantity surveyor?
Quantity surveyors can be categorised into two definite categories, the first one being a client appointed quantity surveyor and the other being a quantity surveyor employed by a construction company.
Reference(s)
- sureworks.com – WHAT IS QUANTITY SURVEYING?
- ziprecruiter.com – What Is a Quantity Surveyor and How to Become One
- indeed.com – What Is a Quantity Surveyor? A Complete Guide
- successatschool.org – How To Become A Quantity Surveyor