Quantity Surveyor

The majority of construction and engineering projects are massive in scope which require significant sums of funds. Naturally, a customer or contractor would like the best quality at the lowest cost and for this they employ people known as quantity surveyors. Quantity surveyors are, in essence the financial manager of an engineering project of a significant size. He is responsible for maximizing the value of the project to the client by achieving the most advantageous balance between price and high quality. They may also be referred to as commercial managers or construction/engineering cost consultants.

A quantity surveyor is involved in an undertaking from the beginning, working with clients and contractors throughout the contract process, and also engaging in a preliminary cost analysis. Once this is completed and work commences, he/she maintains a close eye on the project and is always looking for ways to increase the value of the investment by preparing regular reports on profitability and staying informed of changes in contract's status. Any changes or possible changes are evaluated and reported to the client, then implemented as needed. In a lot of cases the quantity surveyors assist in the purchase of materials and collaborate directly with (and occasionally employ) the subcontractors needed. They can also offer guidance and support for various tasks after the conclusion of the project, if any further modifications are required.

The job as a quantity surveyor usually requires a degree from a college with a focus on finance or engineering. While candidates are encouraged to seek accreditation from an official source but those who do not have an experience in surveying techniques aren't ineligible for the position long as they possess the required education and experience.

As a Quantity Surveyor with 3-6 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities are:

• Prepare cost estimates for construction projects, analyze project requirements, and create accurate material and labor cost budgets.
• Conduct regular site visits to review progress, identify potential issues, and ensure compliance with project specifications and budget constraints.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, and contractors to negotiate and settle final accounts, resolve contractual disputes, and ensure timely completion of projects.
• Utilize advanced software and tools to prepare detailed financial reports, including cost analysis, cost forecasting, and cost variations throughout the project lifecycle.

For a Quantity Surveyor job role, the following qualifications are required:

• In-depth understanding of construction and engineering principles to accurately estimate project costs and quantities of materials.
• Proficiency in using quantity surveying software and tools to perform cost analysis, prepare budgets, and generate reports.
• Strong knowledge of industry regulations and standards to ensure compliance during project planning, execution, and completion.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to liaise with clients, suppliers, and contractors, resolving pricing discrepancies and managing contracts effectively.

The role of a Quantity Surveyor is crucial in managing costs and ensuring cost-effective construction projects. For professionals in the United States with 3-6 years of experience in this field, here are following alternative roles to consider:

• Construction Estimator: Responsible for analyzing project specifications, assessing costs, and preparing accurate estimates for construction projects.
• Project Coordinator: Involves coordinating various project activities, managing timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Cost Engineer: Focuses on cost control, monitoring project expenses, analyzing cost data, and implementing strategies to optimize project profitability.
• Contract Administrator: Responsible for managing contract agreements, ensuring compliance, and overseeing the contractual aspects of construction projects.

According to recent data from Google, the projected growth for the job role of Quantity Surveyor in the United States is promising. Over the next 10 years, this role is expected to experience steady growth in the market. The demand for Quantity Surveyors is projected to increase, resulting in a significant number of employment opportunities in the future. This positive outlook is backed by the increasing construction and infrastructure projects in the country. With the importance of cost management and accurate estimation in construction projects, Quantity Surveyors are likely to play a crucial role, making this profession an attractive career option.