A quantity surveyor is a construction professional who uses a variety of professional skills acquired through training and practice to control the costs of a construction project. Quantity surveyors are most commonly found in the United Kingdom, where they are known as Chartered Quantity Surveyors if they are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, but they can also be found in Canada and other parts of the world. Construction projects began employing professionals to estimate, control, and handle costs in the 19th century, and this profession arose from that.
Quantity surveyors can be involved in a project from the moment the idea for it is conceived to the final walkthrough after it is completed. They participate in the cost estimation process, determining how much a project should cost based on their knowledge of the industry and similar projects. A quantity surveyor may work for the project’s owner, demonstrating typical costs, or for a contractor, assisting in the preparation of a bid for tender. Because he or she is familiar with industry standards, the quantity surveyor assists in keeping costs reasonable and fair.
Once a project is underway, a quantity surveyor keeps track of costs, keeps the project on track, and assists with financial management. Quantity surveyors can work for both contractors and owners, providing services aimed at reducing costs while maintaining a high level of quality. They’re also concerned about the enforcement of standards, which can range from the basic building code to specific recommendations from professional organizations that may go beyond the code.
After a project is completed, quantity surveyors can help with issues like repairs and renovations. A quantity surveyor’s extensive knowledge of a project during the construction phase can be helpful when estimating repairs and other issues, and quantity surveyors may also be consulted on topics such as property tax, insurance, and other costs that may be associated with a construction project. Quantity surveyors do not all provide consulting services on issues such as property taxes.
People who are good with numbers, patient, and capable of processing a large amount of data may find this type of work appealing. Quantity surveyors can be trained in a variety of ways, including formal education and practical experience as contractors and estimators. People who want to advance in this field should join a professional organization, as membership comes with a number of benefits, including access to private job listings, continuing education opportunities, and standards enforcement.