Quantity surveyors deal with managing the costs and contractual side of building and civil engineering projects.
They are usually involved right from the beginning of a project, when they prepare estimates and cost plans that list the labour and materials needed as well as the estimated costs. Contractors use these to prepare their tenders. Once the project is under way, the quantity surveyor continually monitors the actual costs being incurred, drawing attention to any variations from the estimate.
Quantity surveyors may work from 8.00am or 8.30am to 5.30pm or 6.00pm. Occasional weekend work may be required. They are generally office-based, although this may be on a construction site. Most quantity surveyors are likely to make some site visits, which means wearing safety equipment such as hard hats and boots.
Salaries may range from around €24,000 to €100,000 a year.
A quantity surveyor should:
- be good at maths
- be able to communicate clearly, both in speech and writing
- be logical, with a methodical approach
- have strong negotiating skills
- be interested in business, finance and construction.
Many work in private practices, there are also lots of opportunities with construction and civil engineering contractors, consultancies, the property divisions of large organisations, local government and other public sector bodies, and housing associations.
The main route into quantity surveying is by taking a degree or postgraduate course – normally in quantity surveying or a closely related subject – accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).
The course is over four years with a work placement module in the third year of the course.
Quantity surveyors may become project managers or move into specialist areas such as legal services, risk management or facilities management. Self-employment and freelance work are quite common, and there are good opportunities to work abroad.
What is the work like?
Quantity surveyors deal with the financial and contract management aspects of building and civil engineering projects. Their role involves managing the costs and contractual aspects of a project, either:
- for the contractor (the construction company that is doing the work)
- for the client (the organisation that has commissioned the work).
They may sometimes be known as commercial managers, cost consultants or cost engineers depending upon who they work for and the country they operate in.
Quantity surveyors are usually involved right from the beginning of a project, when they prepare estimates and cost plans, and sometimes bills of quantities that list the work needed for carrying out the project as well as the estimated costs. Contractors sometimes use these documents to prepare their tenders, or they may employ a quantity surveyor to undertake more detailed work. Once the project is under way, the quantity surveyor continually monitors the actual costs being incurred on a project against the revenue they are obtaining, drawing attention to any variations from the contract.
Their main tasks include:
- carrying out detailed option appraisals with the architect and the client
- agreeing the project budget with the architects, design engineers and the client
- calculating the estimated costs of the project
- analysing alternative design solutions using value engineering techniques
- preparing bills of quantities, for specific amounts and types of work
- preparing and issuing documents to contractors for pricing
- advising on which tender to accept
- preparing the contract, work schedules and payment arrangements
- visiting sites regularly to check the work done against the agreed schedule
- checking invoices from the contractors and suppliers, and overseeing payment
- managing any variations from the agreed design and specification
- preparing and agreeing final accounts for the main contract and all sub-contracts
- managing the contract aspects from inception to completion.
The work of quantity surveyors is central to the profitability of construction projects. Through negotiation and constant monitoring, effective quantity surveyors can save large amounts of money for their clients or employers.
Quantity surveyors deal with a wide variety of people, including clients, architects, design engineers, construction managers, engineers, planners, estimators, lawyers and buyers.
Hours and environment
Quantity surveyors based at construction sites may work from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Others, working in offices, may work from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Occasional weekend work may be required. Part-time work is possible, although not very common.
Quantity surveyors are generally office-based, although their offices may be on construction sites if employed by a contractor. Most quantity surveyors are likely to make some site visits, which means wearing safety equipment such as hard hats and boots.
Travel and occasional overnight stays away from home may be required depending on the project and the employer.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- The starting salary for a graduate recruit may be up to €25,000.
- Mid-range salaries may be from €35,000 to €50,000 a year.
- The top salary for a partner or director may be up to €100,000.
On top of their salary, a quantity surveyor may receive an annual bonus, a company car, a pension scheme and private health insurance.
Skills and personal qualities
Ideally a quantity surveyor should:
- be good at maths
- be able to communicate clearly, both in speech and writing
- be logical
- have a methodical approach
- have strong negotiating skills
- know a lot about construction technology and cost planning
- understand business, managerial and legal matters
- have a working knowledge of ICT
- be commercially aware
- work well in a team.
Interests
It is important to be interested in:
- business and finance
- construction.
Getting in
Although many work in private practices, there are also lots of opportunities with construction and civil engineering contractors, consultancies, the property divisions of large organisations, local government and other public sector bodies, and housing associations.
Jobs are available throughout the Ireland as well as overseas. The demand for quantity surveyors is strong, and there has been a shortage of people with the right skills.
Further Information:
Society of Chartered Surveyors
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors