Challenges of Being a Quantity Surveyor

In a construction project, workers vary from manual laborers, machine operators, engineers and architects. All of them must function in coordination and harmony with each other in order to come out with successful projects and meaningful outcomes. A special position is held by a quantity surveyor, whose job is more intellectual rather than physical.

Quantity surveyor has a vital part to play in a construction project because he/she is in charge of the finances for as early as the design plans until the final touch on the project is made. In addition, he/she makes sure that the project meets all the legal and quality standards and that customer satisfaction is 100% sustained.

What quantity surveyors do

A quantity surveyor has the following specific functions: doing feasibility studies to estimate labor, time and material costs; negotiating and drawing up bids for proposals and contracts; monitoring every stage of the construction to check proper appropriation of funds based on estimate; providing financial reports to clients; advising clients on matters regarding contracts and legal components; assessing financial costs of new environmental guidelines; and preparing in-house estimates, deriving cost, valuating variation order and analyzing financial bids.

To qualify for the position, a person must have a degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture; professional license; and relevant field of specialization in civil engineering, structural engineering, surveying, and construction.

Where they work

Quantity surveyors are generally assigned in housing and industrial sites, roads, rail and waterways, and retail and commercial developments. They usually do their office-related tasks in the main office and they also do on-site visits for physical evaluation of the construction project. Work hours are usually 8 hours during the day; but on special cases, overtime may be conducted during weekends and evenings due to exigency of service.

Why work as quantity surveyor

The job of a quantity surveyor uses both mind and body making it a challenging job. You have to be physically and mentally healthy in order to do the job efficiently. If you are an adventurous person who enjoys variety of location and tasks, you will surely like it. This job is also available internationally so you can experience working with different cultures and peoples. Besides, construction industry is flourishing in many countries so demands for quantity surveyors are also rising. Finally, the compensation for quantity surveyors is attractive and you can have some extra to spend for luxury and leisure.