A quantity surveyor, or QS, is a construction professional responsible for analyzing the financial investment required to complete a project. They start with an estimate of start-up costs, including materials, labor, equipment, and tools, and legal costs, including insurance and permit acquisition.
This often results in the preparation of a feasibility study in which a client or contractor is also informed of any potential monetary risk. In the construction or repair of a public structure or a bridge, for example, costs associated with health and safety would also be included. Once a project begins, the quantity inspector tracks progress and adjusts the estimate to reflect actual expenses.
They are responsible for minimizing costs while still meeting safety and quality standards. For this reason, the QS must know and understand government codes and regulations for both the type of project and its geographic location.
In most cases, the quantity inspector is responsible for hiring and paying the contractors and laborers used on the job. For this reason, the surveyor needs a firm understanding of the skills required by each contractor, as well as a solid estimate of the labor per hour required to complete each task within the allotted time frame. Good people skills and the ability to communicate effectively are essential, as the surveyor will spend his time in part with business professionals and blue-collar workers on the jobsite.
The ability to read, write, and understand financial reports, feasibility studies, and business communications are also essential skills required by the surveyor. To secure this position, a bachelor’s degree in surveying, civil engineering, or a related course of study is generally needed, as the scope of work can range from residential, small to large commercial property development, or industrial construction. Project management, planning and time management skills are also important in this line of work. Surveyors may work directly for a client or construction company, or they may provide their services on a freelance basis. Chartered Quantity Surveyors are professionals who work in groups under the umbrella of a consulting firm. Businesses needing services contract with the company and the company assigns the project in whole or in part to a surveyor under their charge. Independent quantity surveyors take jobs on a job-by-job basis and often compete against others for open positions. While there may be less job security with freelancing, the freelance surveyor can be more selective and flexible in the types of work they take on with as much or as little variety and travel as desired.
Independent surveyors are typically hired by consulting firms that market their ability to provide cost analysis to clients who want to build or develop residential neighborhoods and commercial or industrial parks, as well as independent construction companies and contractors. Large organizations will sometimes hire a surveyor to provide cost analysis when deciding whether and how to expand their operations, as one of the primary functions of the role is to provide solutions that maximize return on investment.
In the United States, the median salary for a surveyor is approximately $46,000 per year, with a minimum of $31,000 and a maximum of $55,000. In the United Kingdom, salaries range from £55,000 to £70,000 per year. It is important to note that the hours worked for this position will vary depending on the scope of the project, but the average is around 40 hours per week. Working conditions will also vary, as surveyors’ time will be spent in an office preparing reports and analysis, traveling to potential development sites, and visiting actual job sites when a project is in progress.
