Is Quantity Surveying a Good Career?

Quantity surveyors handle much of the preparation duties on a construction site before the building project starts. Many of their responsibilities include measuring the whole site for production, calculating the budget and managing the construction workers. Additionally, they prepare tenders, design economic plans and develop a way of building that promotes high-quality construction work. Most of the quantity surveying work is done on the site, thus quantity surveyors travel a lot. A career in quantity surveying is an excellent choice for those who are:

Good at mathematics
Gifted in figuring out the best deals
Keen at paying attention to detail
People-lovers

Is Quantity Surveying a good career? Yes, quantity surveying is a good career because it offers the ability to move around sectors, career progression, and excellent compensation. Moreover, quantity surveyors spend much of their time on the field monitoring construction sites or meeting with clients, architects, and engineers. That means they rarely follow a set 9am to 5pm work schedule.

Quantity surveyors are also referred to as construction cost estimators, cost managers or cost consultants. In a nutshell, these professionals manage all costs related to construction and civil engineering projects. They work both in the office and the project sites, and their main aim is to minimize expenses. What’s more, quantity surveyors aspire to minimize costs without compromising on the work quality or failing to comply with the building, health and safety codes. In this article, I aim to answer your questions about this career field including is quantity surveying hard? Is quantity surveying stressful or boring? Is quantity surveying meant for me?

In this article you will find out:

Is quantity surveying for me? A career in quantity surveying is a worthwhile option for anyone with robust numerical and financial management skills, and loves traveling.

Here are the responsibilities of quantity surveying professionals:

Prepare tenders and contract documents such as bills of quantities with the client or architect
Analyze the repair and maintenance costs for the project
Help in establishing a contractor’s or client’s requirements and perform feasibility studies
Offer advice on procurement strategies
Identify, assess and develop responses to project risks
Assign work to builders
Offer advice on contractual claims
Do an analysis of outcomes and give detailed progress reports
Perform a valuation of finished work and manage payments
Gain an understanding of the implications of health and safety laws

After gaining adequate experience and specialist knowledge, quantity surveyors might also:

Offer post-occupancy advice
Provide advice on property taxes
Help clients in identifying an accessing extra and alternative funding sources
Assist clients in initiating building projects
Give advice on the maintenance expenses of specific projects

Working hours for quantity surveyors vary. For instance, in the UK, quantity surveyors who serve as contractors on site may work from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm. Those who work in private practices or in local government departments might need to work from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Here’s what to expect from a career in quantity surveying:

The work is office-based, but also involves frequent site visits
Quantity surveying has for long been a male-dominated field, but the number of women recruits is increasing in both the private and public sectors.
Freelance work is often possible with experience
Traveling within a workday is likely and might involve overnight stays
Opportunities for work overseas are available. That varies according to the employer-type and location of construction site.

What are the necessary qualifications? In order to become a quantity surveyor, one can earn a degree in quantity surveying. But it’s not a must to study that subject in order to join the profession. Anyone with a degree in a different course can pursue a postgraduate conversion course. The first bachelor’s degree can be in any discipline, but those which offer relevant knowledge are:

Building and construction
Economics
Mathematics
Civil or structural engineering
Urban and land studies
Geography

People without a quantity surveying degree might begin in the field as technical surveyors or surveying technicians. However, to secure work as quantity surveyors, they’ll need to finish a degree program. They can join a part-time study program while still working.

Average Quantity Surveying Salary USA and the UK

Any expat looking to move to the USA or UK might want to consider a career in quantity surveying as it pays well.

Is Quantity Surveying Hard?

Like any other job out there, there are certain drawbacks to pursuing a quantity surveying career. The primary challenge in this profession is that it requires regular implementation of mathematical principles.

Depending on the project at hand, one might also have to fit into small spaces or climb high above the ground. That can be an issue for those with phobias.

Since it’s a job that involves working closely with others, quantity surveyors must have effective customer service skills and plenty of patience. For those who are introverted, or prefer to work alone, quantity surveying might not be the best career option.

Is Quantity Surveying Stressful or Boring?

Everybody has their own preferences when looking for a job. Some view paperwork as boring, whereas others might be bored by routine work. Still, others may not tolerate being in an office all day.

Quantity surveying is seldom a boring office profile because of its unique nature. Yes, it does involve paperwork, but at the same time, it also involves other techniques e.g., critical thinking, data analysis, and professional judgment. For instance, to become accustomed to building progress, quantity surveyors have to station themselves at a site or visit it frequently.

Individuals who cannot handle routine work may want to try different projects e.g., residential, hotel, development of public facilities, infrastructure, office etc. to widen their exposure and knowledge. Doing so can also give them an opportunity to work with a variety of professionals in the industry.

Quantity surveyors can also offer help in other tasks such as project planning, setup of project procedures and dispute resolution.

While quantity surveying is not boring, it can be a stressful job. Quantity surveyors at times have to deal with tight deadlines, long working hours, and poor work/family balance.

Is Quantity Surveying for me?

The distinct shortage of professionals in the quantity surveying field makes this an ideal occupation to consider. With the human population increasing, and construction activities expanding, quantity surveying is an excellent career to pursue.

Quantity surveyors do not necessarily have to pursue a quantity surveying degree; they can come from a wide range of academic backgrounds. For instance, an individual can get a bachelor’s degree in business management, building science, manufacturing engineering etc., and qualify for employment in the quantity surveying industry. That affords n individual the flexibility to select and pursue a degree program that suits their interests and academic strengths.

After getting a preferred degree, getting a job is usually not too hard. Employers in the construction industry are always looking to recruit quantity surveyors to provide cost estimates for building malls, homes, schools, office buildings and so on.

Assessing a profession’s average salaries plays an essential role in picking a job that rewards one’s efforts. As seen earlier, quantity surveying pays quite well, therefore choosing this career can be a profitable undertaking.

Unlike some job profiles like accountants, who usually work full-time in an office setting, quantity surveyors spend a portion of their work day at construction sites or supply markets. That is a good chance to develop worthwhile networks that can help to advance their career. With more experience, quantity surveyors can move into private practice and open their own companies. That way, they’ll likely draw in clients more easily with a wide network of professionals in the construction industry.

The primary employers of quantity surveyors include architects, engineering consultancies, housing associations, commercial businesses, mechanical contractors and local government agencies. Quantity surveying professionals can also gain employment from petroleum engineering firms, property developers, and surveying sections of civil engineering contractors. Many times, quantity surveyors also work alongside civil engineers, architects and other surveying professionals.