Quantity Surveyor
Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs.
Day-to-day Tasks
- understand what the client wants: figure out if their plans are possible
- calculate amounts and costs: work out how much stuff is needed and how long it will take for bids
- talk about contracts and schedules: agree on the terms and when the work will happen
- give advice on laws and problems: help with legal stuff and any issues that come up
- watch over other workers and construction steps: make sure everything is going as planned
- tell about costs and prepare bills: report on how much things cost and get ready to be paid
- keep learning about construction: stay updated on new ways of building and materials
- follow safety and building rules: make sure everything is done safely and follow the rules
Skills and knowledge
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- persistence and determination
- knowledge of building and construction
- the ability to use your initiative
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Industry Qualifications
You could do a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Useful degree subjects include construction, structural or civil engineering, maths, geography, economics, land studies.