Who are Quantity Surveyors and What Do They Do?

You may have heard the term ‘quantity surveyor’ being thrown around in the construction industry, but do you know who they are and what they do? In this blog post, we’ll be diving deep into the world of quantity surveyors, exploring their role and the importance they hold in the construction process.

Who are Quantity Surveyors? 

Quantity surveyors, also known as construction cost consultants, are professionals who work in the construction industry. They are responsible for managing construction costs and ensuring that clients get the best value for their money. Quantity surveyors are involved in every stage of the construction process, from the initial planning and design stages to the final stages of construction. 

What Do Quantity Surveyors Do? 

Quantity surveyors are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

Estimating costs – Quantity surveyors will assess the costs involved in the construction process, from labour and materials to overheads and profit margins.
Contract administration – Quantity surveyors will help draft contracts between different parties involved in the construction process, such as the client, contractors, and sub-contractors. They will also manage the legal and financial aspects of the contract.
Project management – Quantity surveyors play a key role in project management, ensuring that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. 
Risk management – Quantity surveyors will identify potential risks associated with the construction project and take steps to mitigate them. This could involve anything from assessing the risk of delays to ensuring that adequate insurance is in place. 

Why are Quantity Surveyors Important? 

Quantity surveyors are crucial to the success of any construction project, as they ensure that costs are carefully monitored, managed, and controlled. This is particularly important in an industry that is notorious for going over budget and missing deadlines. By bringing in a quantity surveyor, clients can have peace of mind knowing that their project will be completed within budget and on time. 

How to Become a Quantity Surveyor 

If you’re interested in becoming a quantity surveyor, you’ll typically need to have a degree in quantity surveying or a related subject, such as construction management or civil engineering. However, it’s also possible to enter the profession as a trainee, working your way up from an assistant level. 

Quantity surveyors play an essential role in the construction industry, helping to manage costs, risks, and the overall success of any project. By ensuring that projects are completed within budget and on time, they provide clients with peace of mind and can help prevent costly and time-consuming delays. If you’re interested in starting a career as a quantity surveyor, the path to qualification can be challenging, but the rewards can be significant.

Contact local quantity surveyors today to learn more.