A quantity surveyor estimates the costs of a building or engineering project from its beginning to completion. Contractors base their tenders on this. Once the project is under way, the quantity surveyor continually monitors its progress and actual costs.

The Work

You could be:

• discussing with the architect or civil engineer and client whether it is likely that the project can be completed within the available budget
• carrying out feasibility studies to determine quantities of materials required, timescales and labour
• checking the completed plans to make sure they comply with construction laws and health and safety regulations
• listing estimated costs of material, labour and equipment needed for the project, from initial site preparation right through to future maintenance
• going through tenders received from contractors and advising on which to accept
• drawing up the contract; preparing work schedules; arranging the stages for payment and the final payment
• during construction, visiting sites regularly to check work is being completed to the agreed schedule
• checking invoices from contractors and suppliers, and that they are providing the agreed product or service
• acting as overall project manager during construction.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

You would usually start as an assistant quantity surveyor earning between £20,000 and £25,000 a year, depending on experience. A chartered quantity surveyor with relevant experience could earn between £30,000 and £40,000 a year. Higher earners can earn up to £55,000 year or more.

Conditions

• Your time would be split between working in an office and on site.
• You might have to travel within the UK and possibly overseas, to visit sites.
• You have to wear a hard hat and other safety gear, while on site.
• You would sometimes be outdoors in all weathers and might have to climb ladders or scaffolding.
• Working hours would normally be regular, but you may have to work some evenings and weekends to meet a deadline.

Getting In

You gain chartered or associate status by following one of the routes approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

• Studying a degree in quantity surveying, or a related subject such as civil engineering, construction or economics, accredited by RICS, followed by a period of supervised practical training (Assessment of Professional Competence).
• If your degree is not RICS-accredited you can do an accredited postgraduate qualification.
• You could enter a job with some subjects at National 5 and Highers and train towards the AssocRICS qualification (associate member of RICS) for 4 years.
• Alternatively, if you have an HNC or HND you could get enter at technician level and work towards RICS associate membership with two years of supervised training.
• Entry requirements for an HND are 2 Highers, and for a degree, 4 Highers. English and Maths are preferred.

In addition to the above:

• you usually need a driving licence
• you must be generally fit and agile as you have to climb ladders and scaffolding and crawl underground
• staff on construction sites must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent, to prove their competence to do the job. You will need to pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.

Many quantity surveyors work in private practices, large construction or engineering companies, and in the public sector - for local authorities or agencies such as the Ministry of Defence. There are also jobs in housing associations, health trusts and in the oil industry. Some jobs are largely office based; in others more time is spent on site.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland

  Scotland

2020

3560

1.7 %

RISE

2025

3620

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• excellent communication and negotiation skills
• good maths and IT skills
• a good knowledge of construction methods and building regulations
• good attention to detail
• a practical and methodical approach
• the ability to work within budgets
• excellent organisational skills
• good problem solving skills.

You need to be able to:

• understand technical plans
• make decisions
• write clear and concise reports and explain complex information
• work as part of a team with other professionals and staff on construction sites.

Training

• Once you have completed an accredited degree you would find employment as a trainee surveyor.
• To qualify as a chartered surveyor you would complete your Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) which is 24 months of structured training, consisting of on the job learning and assessment. This leads to RICS membership and the status of chartered surveyor.
• Chartered Surveyors have to complete 20 hours continued professional development (CPD) every year.

Getting On

• With experience you can move into a senior post.
• You might become a project manager.
• You could perhaps become a self-employed consultant.
• Gaining membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) may improve your prospects.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.