Quantity Surveyors are concerned with calculating the costs of a building project before and during construction and calculating the final costs for the project. They work for clients or building contractors on a wide range of jobs, including:
•
new build developments
•
refurbishment schemes
•
building renovation
•
building conservation
•
civil engineering and infrastructure projects
Quantity Surveyors study plans drawn up by an architect or engineer and calculate the types and quantities of materials required, and the cost of time and labour. Their remit can also include advising the client on which materials or features may be more cost effective in the longer term. The results are itemised into a ‘bill of quantities’ which building contractors use as a basis for estimating costs.
Dealing with tenders from contractors and advising clients on legal and contractual matters are important aspects of the job. Quantity Surveyors also monitor the progress of a job once building work has started to ensure that costs are within agreed limits, that construction phases are on schedule and completed to the standard required.
There is extensive use of computer software for calculations, record keeping, preparing work schedules and report writing. They also carry out feasibility studies to see if construction can be done within the available budget. Depending on the size of the job, Quantity Surveyors can deal with budgets, which run into millions of pounds, so it is essential that they are financially astute.
Do you want to be a Quantity Surveyor?
To be a Quantity Surveyor you must possess the following skills & Interests:
•
budget management skills
•
good IT skills and an aptitude for maths
•
a methodical approach to work
•
be well organised
•
excellent communication and negotiating skills
•
be able to work as part of a team
At Jackson Rowe the minimum qualification requirements for a Trainee Quantity Surveyor is four GCSEs (A-C)/AS grades (1-3) plus one A level/two Highers. To become a qualified Quantity Surveyor you will need a foundation Degree, accredited a levels (A-E) BTEC, HNC/HND, foundation Degree, accredited degree or post graduate qualification Degree or postgraduate qualification. Successful application Jackson Rowe will provide sponsorship degree course on a day release basis. Jackson Rowe is a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Approved Structured Training Provider. On commencement of employment with Jackson Rowe a Structured Training Programme is put in place and this enables you to experience a range of disciplines to supplement & enhance your studies.
