Quick answer: Yes, being a Quantity Surveyor (QS) can be a good job for those who enjoy analytical work, have strong math skills, and are interested in the construction industry. QSs play an important role managing construction costs and contracts. It offers the opportunity to work on exciting building projects while earning a decent salary. However, it also involves a lot of stress, long hours, and hard work to be successful. You need strong technical and interpersonal skills. Overall, QS is a challenging but rewarding career if you have the right skills and personality for it.
A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a construction industry professional who manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects. Their main job duties include tracking and managing budgets, contracting, billing, and providing cost analysis. They work closely with architects, engineers, construction managers and contractors. QSs typically work in an office but also frequently visit construction sites. It’s an important role that can have a big impact on the success of projects.
So is being a QS ultimately a good job and career path? There are both advantages and disadvantages to the role. Here is an in-depth look at different factors to consider if you are interested in becoming a Quantity Surveyor.
Advantages of Being a QS
There are several appealing aspects of the QS job for the right kind of person:
Earning Potential
One of the top advantages of being a QS is the strong earning potential. According to PayScale, the average salary for a QS in the United States is $68,805 per year. The total pay ranges from $49,000 to $108,000 annually. Senior and management level QSs earn salaries closer to the higher end of that range. QSs are well-compensated for their technical skills and value brought to construction projects. There is good opportunity to earn a comfortable living in the field.
Interesting Project Work
QSs get the chance to work on exciting architectural and engineering projects, like sports stadiums, skyscrapers, hospitals, schools and more. It’s satisfying to be part of teams building large, complex and socially impactful construction projects. QSs develop deep knowledge of the building and design process. Seeing the tangible results of your cost management is rewarding for many in the profession.
Professional Advancement
Beginning as an assistant QS, you can advance to higher roles with more responsibility and pay. Many QSs eventually transition into project management positions. Some even start their own quantity surveying or project management firms once they gain enough experience. There is room for growing your career over decades in the construction industry.
In Demand Profession
The quantity surveying field has remained in fairly high demand even amid economic downturns. As long as construction projects are being developed, QS services will be needed to manage budgets and costs. It’s a profession that’s unlikely to disappear anytime soon. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts quantity surveying jobs will grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, on par with average national job growth.
Variety of Projects
QSs frequently work on different types of commercial, residential and civil engineering projects. You aren’t stuck in the same type of construction job day after day. The projects you work on provide exposure to many industries and areas of building design and technology. This variety keeps the work interesting.
Disadvantages of Being a QS
Despite the positives, there are also some downsides or challenges to the QS role:
Stress and Pressure
Keeping projects on budget is extremely important. QSs face pressure from contractors and clients to keep costs down. Having to relay budget overages or delays to stakeholders results in stressful situations. The QS role also involves juggling many urgent priorities at once. You need to be able to thrive under pressure in this job.
Tight Deadlines
Construction projects run on tight schedules and fixed timelines. QSs constantly race against the clock to complete cost estimates, evaluations and other time-sensitive tasks. Missing deadlines can jeopardize the budget and schedule of the whole project. Fast turnaround times are required.
Travel Requirements
Although office-based, QSs also regularly have to travel to visit construction sites, meet with clients or attend conferences and training. You may need to travel locally, regionally or internationally depending on the projects and firms you work with. Being away from home can be tiring.
Long Hours
Working overtime, evenings and weekends is common leading up to bids, during active construction and around project deadlines. QSs average 10-12 hour days during their busiest stretches. Achieving a positive work-life balance can be difficult with the frequent long hours.
Lots of Reporting
You’ll spend much of your time producing financial reports, change orders, forecasts, budgets, contract audits and other complex paperwork. Administrative paperwork takes patience and attention to detail.
Collaborating with Many Personalities
QSs interact heavily with clients, architects, engineers, project managers and construction tradespeople. Navigating all these personalities and relationships while coordinating costing tasks can be draining. Strong diplomacy skills are a must.
Skills and Qualities for Success as a QS
Succeeding as a QS takes more than just construction industry knowledge. Here are some of the key technical skills, personality traits and other qualities top QSs possess:
Analytical Thinking
Expert math and analytical abilities are essential. You need the competence to thoroughly track, analyze, forecast and report on construction costs. Being able to problem-solve cost issues is also crucial.
Communication Skills
QSs must communicate constantly with many parties through meetings, emails, letters, calls and reports. Strong writing and speaking skills help you relay financial details accurately and persuade stakeholders.
Time Management
Juggling many projects and deadlines requires stellar organizational skills. You need the discipline to stay on top of costs and paperwork despite constant interruptions.
Collaboration
Although QSs oversee finances, you still collaborate closely with the full project team. Teamwork and people skills allow you to coordinate duties and resolve disputes.
Computer Literacy
Tools like Excel, PowerPoint, project management software and building information modeling (BIM) programs are used daily. You must be highly adept with relevant computer applications.
Attention to Detail
Even small errors in quantity surveying could be disastrous for budgets. You need meticulous attention to detail when reviewing drawings, contracts and cost data.
Commercial Awareness
A strong grasp of commercial business principles allows you to prepare accurate cost models and negotiate contracts effectively. Follow industry news and trends.
Resilience
Cost overruns, last minute changes and tough negotiations all come with the job. Being able to stay calm under pressure and setbacks is vital.
Ethics
QSs hold important financial responsibility and privilege confidential data. Maintaining high integrity and ethics is paramount to build trust.
QS Job Duties and Responsibilities
What does an average day look like for a QS? Here is an overview of the key job duties and responsibilities QS take on:
– Develop cost estimates for materials, equipment and labour on construction projects using estimating software
– Prepare and submit detailed bids for new projects including materials, labour and other costs
– Perform value engineering during design phase to control costs
– Conduct in-depth financial analysis on construction plans and provide life cycle costing advice
– Draft, review and finalize construction contracts with suppliers and subcontractors
– Create comprehensive budgets for each project phase using historical data
– Continuously monitor project costs and production to ensure adherence to budget
– Review payment applications and sign off on progress billings
– Manage change orders and additional costs that arise mid-project
– Maintain accurate financial records and documentation through entire project lifecycle
– Prepare monthly cost reports, forecasts and budget variance analyses
– Negotiate and mediate cost disputes that emerge between parties
– Assess expenses of building damages, delays or disputes
– Review construction progress claims and verify payable amounts
– Conduct audits to ensure work completed aligns with payments and pricing
– Remain updated on factors affecting construction costs like material prices
– Research and utilize industry best practices to maximize value and minimize waste
– Comply with all relevant laws, building codes, regulations and safety standards
– Liaise and coordinate with clients, architects, engineers, contractors and other project staff
Education and Qualifications to Become a QS
What education and qualifications do you need to start a career as a Quantity Surveyor?
Most QS roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, construction management or a related engineering field like civil engineering. Mathematics, physics and economics courses are helpful. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
Gaining practical experience is also extremely valuable. Completing internships while in school provides exposure to costing processes. Working for a subcontractor or construction firm can build hands-on expertise.
Earning a Quantity Surveying certification demonstrates your professional expertise. Getting certified may allow you to advance faster and qualify for senior QS positions. Common designations include:
– Certified Construction Estimator (CCE)
– Certified Cost Technician (CCT)
– Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
– Project Management Professional (PMP)
Specialized software training is another asset when applying for QS jobs. Familiarity with tools like RSMeans, Sage Timberline and Building Information Modeling (BIM) makes you more employable.
Continuing education through a QS career is also crucial. Regulations, techniques, technologies and industry standards frequently change. Ongoing professional development ensures your skills stay sharp.
Choosing Quantity Surveying as a Career
Should you pursue a career as a Quantity Surveyor? Here are some signs it may be the right path for you:
– You enjoy analytical math and statistics work. Crunching numbers is satisfying.
– You want to apply your mathematical skills in a practical real world setting.
– Managing budgets, contracts and finances sounds appealing.
– You are highly organized and detail-oriented.
– Fast-paced problem solving excites you.
– You work well under pressure and tight deadlines.
– You thrive presenting detailed reports to audiences.
– Technical computer applications come easily to you.
– You are fascinated by the construction process.
– You want to be part of iconic building projects.
– A construction management role appeals more than hands-on building trades.
Of course, QS is not suited to every personality. It can be a draining profession requiring lots of mental stamina. People skills are mandatory too. But if you have the right blend of analytical and communication abilities, it can be a rewarding career path in the thriving construction industry.
Conclusion
The Quantity Surveyor role is a challenging but lucrative career for the right individuals. It provides the opportunity to use specialized financial skills and contribute to major construction initiatives. Although the job involves high stress, long hours and demanding metric-driven deliverables, QSs are well compensated and gain exposure to diverse and exciting projects. With the construction sector continuing to expand globally, strong employment prospects exist for qualified QS professionals. If you have sharp analytical abilities, technical know-how, people skills, ethics and a passion for the building industry, Quantity Surveying could be an ideal job choice. Just be prepared for hard work, pressure, collaboration and continuous learning.
