Large-scale building projects rely on residential quantity surveyors to assess and manage their costs. They check to see whether constructions adhere to all applicable laws and quality requirements. Throughout a project, quantity surveyors are engaged, and their customers depend on them to make sure the final product is worth their money.
What do quantity surveyors do?
Here are the roles of a quantity surveyor.
- Managing a building project’s expenses. A building project may be finished on time and budget with their support.
- Providing clients with advice about the potential of a site and figuring out what they can afford to build.
- Providing frequent updates on the cost of certain job items to facilitate payment for work that has already been completed.
- Managing a project's split into constituent work items, and then allocating these work packages to smaller, more specialised construction businesses and determining what provides the best value in the process.
- Dealing with legal and contractual issues.
- Keeping a tight rein on spending to avoid going over budget.
- Assisting with payroll and final accounting after a project.
How to be a quantity surveyor
To become a quantity surveyor, there are several paths to take. A degree from a university or an apprenticeship may provide you with the credentials you need. Employers may prefer to hire people with relevant experience rather than those with no experience at all.
Here is how to become a quantity surveyor.
1.
Obtain a bachelor's degree
A bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, commercial management, or a related construction field that has been accredited by the institution or college that teaches these subjects is crucial. There are postgraduate conversion courses available for those with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated area.
2.
Practice apprenticeship
Apprenticeships with construction companies are an excellent method to get started in the field. Anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. A minimum of 30 hours a week is required of you as an apprentice and your employer ultimately employs you. As a student, your time will be divided between the classroom and the workplace.
3.
Work
Part-time education to become a quantity surveyor may be possible if you have suitable expertise in a related field, such as accounting.
4.
Work experience
To get a job in the construction sector, you’ll need previous work experience. This may be learned in the classroom or shadowing a quantity surveyor in the family or with a firm throughout a few weekends and vacations. Having work experience on your resume is usually a plus when applying for jobs.
5.
Skills
Mathematics, attention to detail, architecture and construction expertise, and analytical thinking are valuable assets for anybody aspiring to be a quantity surveyor.
Qualities of a good quantity surveyor
A competent quantity surveyor should have excellent mathematical skills to manage a project’s total budget. They should provide a wealth of information on building codes, building materials, and architectural design. Also, they should have good organization and negotiating skills.
Want to know what quantity surveyors do?
A residential quantity surveyor plays essential roles, such as managing construction projects, advising clients, handling contractual issues, and assisting with payroll after the project. If you require more insights on the role of a quantity surveyor, contact us on 1300 313 524.