Quantity surveyor
Manage the costs for large and small construction projects in this important and varied role. You'll make sure they're good value for money and recommend sustainable materials.
About the job
What it's like
As a quantity surveyor you'll be the financial heart of construction projects.
You'll work out and control precise costings, from the early design plans to the completed building. You’ll make sure that projects meet legal and quality requirements.
Your client – the company or organisation which is paying for the building – will rely on you to make sure that the project is good value for money.
There are lots of different projects you could work on, including:
housing and industrial sites
retail and commercial developments
roads, railways and waterways
Your tasks could include:
doing feasibility studies to work out timescales and costs
negotiating with suppliers and drawing up bids for tenders and contracts
advising your clients on legal and contractual matters, or helping resolve disputes
assessing the financial costs of new environmental guidelines, such as using sustainable timber
preparing records, work schedules and reports
dealing with maintenance and renovation costs once buildings are in use
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
recommend sustainable, energy-efficient materials and technologies
understand green building certifications and make sure projects meet environmental standards
Hours
You'll normally work Monday to Friday, although some overtime may be required on evenings or weekends.
Environment
You'll usually work in an office or may work some hours from home. You'll work on client sites or visit areas for development, such as rivers, railways, city centres or industrial zones.
Travel
You'll travel to development areas and construction sites at various stages of the build.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- negotiating
- time management
- developing a plan
- working with numbers
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Environmental Science
Geography
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Foundation Apprenticeship: Civil Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Interested in getting into quantity surveying?
University
You'll usually need a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in quantity surveying, or a related subject, accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Useful subjects can include:
Civil Engineering
Construction
Economics
If the degree is not RICS-accredited you can do an accredited postgraduate conversion course (SCQF Level 11).
From work
You could enter this role if you already work in a related job in the construction industry. Some employers may support you to study for a RICS-accredited qualification part-time.
It's important to have a good knowledge of construction methods and materials. You’ll also need to understand Building Regulations and other legal guidelines.
Once in work, there will be a period of supervised practical training and Assessment of Professional Competence.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card or equivalent to work on site. You'll need to pass a health and safety test to qualify for the CSCS scheme.
You'll need a driving licence for some jobs.
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