A building standards surveyor makes sure that construction work meets with planning and building regulations regarding foundations, safety, fire control, public health, accessibility and energy conservation. Projects range from small housing extensions to large building developments.
They are also known as building control surveyors.
The Work
You could be:
dealing with applications for improvement grants
examining building plans and approving or rejecting them, sometimes applying conditions
discussing plans with lawyers, architects, builders, site engineers
suggesting ways to improve the cost-effectiveness of a project
regularly inspecting ongoing building work to see that they conform to regulations and suggesting necessary changes or halting work
issuing completion certificates when work has been carried out satisfactorily
serving court orders to halt work or to enforce demolition of an unsafe building
surveying buildings that have been damaged by fire, flood or weather, and if necessary, approving demolition
preparing reports for court and giving evidence.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
The starting salary for a graduate building control surveyor is around £21,000 a year rising to £27,000 a year with some experience. After several years' experience you can earn between £30,000 and £40,000. Senior building control officers can earn up to £60,000 a year.
Conditions
You would split your time between visiting sites and working in an office.
Working hours are normally Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, but you may be on a 24-hour call out rota for when the emergency services need a building inspected.
You have to climb scaffolding to look at roofs. You will need a good head for heights.
You wear protective gear: hard hat, safety boots and overalls.
A degree accredited by RICS followed by a period of supervised practical training (Assessment of Professional Competence).
Entry to a degree (SCQF Levels 9-10) programme usually requires 4 Highers. English and Maths are usually required at least at National 5. You could enter year 2 or 3 with a relevant HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8).
If your degree is not RICS-accredited you can still qualify for membership (subject to conditions) by undergoing a review and assessment.
You can enter a job with some subjects at National 5 and Highers. You would do 4 years of supervised structured on the job training towards the AssocRICS qualification, as an associate member of RICS.
A driving licence is useful and sometimes necessary.
The majority of building control surveyors work with local authorities, but some work for private companies.
Once you have some experience you may be able to move on to managerial level posts, for example senior, district or principal building control officer.
You might set up in private practice.
More Information
For more information please see organisation below:
2022
