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Some information on the role and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor

The construction sector had a rough patch for the past few years but now things are changing and the construction industry is more strong, reliable and versatile than ever before. There are many jobs available in the construction sector since new projects are being developed and introduced on a regular basis.

Furthermore, the diversification and versatility of the construction industry provide more job roles and opportunities than any other sector. Such a job is that of a quantity surveyor. Quantity surveyors are primarily responsible for the budgeting and costing of any building project. This includes the costing of the entire project from the initial phase to the completion of the whole project.

The jobs related to surveying for construction have a different and variant function but most of the times they are focused on providing the clients more value for their money; while at the same time, complying with and adhering to the strict rules and regulations prevalent in the construction industry. The responsibilities of the quantity surveyor extend beyond the regular office work and it is a demanding job, as there are plenty of site visits, meetings with different professionals and clients, along with coordination with the project manager.

The quantity surveyor is a good and important role and requires more attention and thinking capabilities to complete the project successfully, as compared to other jobs in the construction sector. This article provides some information on the job responsibilities and role of a quantity surveyor.

Read the complete article to learn more about the job function and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor in the construction sector!

Educational requirements

A quantity surveyor must hold an appropriate qualification, either a relevant university degree or a professional accreditation from the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors. Relevant university courses include those in surveying, construction and civil and structural engineering. The RICS website hosts a list of university courses which applicants can choose from to begin their path towards a career in quantity surveying. Each undergraduate course takes from three to four years of full time study to complete.

Graduates of degrees outside the RICS’ approved list have the option of taking a postgraduate conversion course to transfer their existing qualifications into the construction industry. Postgraduate conversion courses normally take a year of full time study to complete.

Skills required

Becoming a surveyor is about more than having the relevant academic experience. Employers will expect applicants to be excellent communicators and possess impressive numeracy skills to handle the financial and mathematical demands of the role. Given the demands of the construction world and its frequent challenges, you should demonstrate innovative approaches to problem solving and an ability to negotiate across the various levels of any construction environment.

Obviously, a passion for the construction trade and knowledge of the wider industry are qualities which should make employers take notice – prospective quantity surveyors can keep themselves appraised of industry developments through various trade publications.

The complete article can be accessed here:

http://www.careersinconstruction.com/article/the-role-of-a-quantity-surveyor/