Quantity Surveyor
Tasks & duties
Quantity surveyors may do some or all of the following:
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study architects' and engineers' building plans
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prepare a schedule of quantities (which involves measuring and estimating material and labour costs) used in the tendering process
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prepare reports before and during building projects showing costs of the project
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undertake cost planning to ensure the project stays within budget
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visit building sites to monitor progress
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recalculate costs if design or materials change
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prepare building feasibility studies
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certify progress claims from contractors, which involves managing payments for contractors and suppliers, and reporting them back to the client
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act as an arbitrator in cases of dispute between clients and building contractors
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offer services in value management (comparing a building's cost to similar buildings)
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prepare bank reports and offer financial advice to clients
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prepare a statement of final account recording the actual costs of the project
Specialisations
Quantity surveyors can specialise in the following areas:
Consultant/Professional Quantity Surveyor
Consultant or professional quantity surveyors work for a client, and provide financial advice and estimation services for setting up building contracts, and consult with the contract quantity surveyor. They may also be involved in mediation and arbitration between parties about building contracts.
Contract Quantity Surveyors
Contract quantity surveyors work for a building company, and estimate a building's construction costs, manage the building contracts and monitor construction progress. They are often based on-site, and look after sub-contractors and work with the consultant or professional quantity surveyor throughout the project.
Sub-contractor Quantity Surveyor
Sub-contractor quantity surveyors do the same work as contract quantity surveyors, but on a smaller scale. They only work with one trade (for example, timber, aluminium or window companies), rather than contract quantity surveyors who coordinate with all the trades.
Skills & knowledge
Quantity surveyors need to have:
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knowledge of building methods and materials
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the ability to read and interpret building plans
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skill estimating building, material and labour costs
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an understanding of relevant legislation, including the New Zealand Building Code, the New Zealand Building Act 2004 and local by-laws
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an understanding of how a building site operates, including safe work practices
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maths and basic accounting skills
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some computer-aided design (CAD) skills
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writing skills for producing reports
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communication skills
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analytical and problem-solving skills
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decision-making and negotiation skills
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planning and organisational skills
Entry Requirements
To become a quantity surveyor you need to have a National Diploma in Quantity Surveying or a Bachelor of Construction (Economics or Quantity Surveying).
While both qualifications allow graduates to take on entry-level roles, those with a Bachelor's degree find it easier to move into management roles later in their careers.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter tertiary training. Study to Year 13 level in at least one maths and one science subject is recommended. Other useful subjects include English, computing and economics.
Tertiary Education
There are two Bachelor of Construction degrees accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Both are based in Auckland, and require students to study full time for two years. However, they can study extramurally (distance learning) and work to finish the third year of the programme.
Unitec website - information on Bachelor of Construction (Economics) programme (Auckland)
Massey University website - information on Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) programme (Auckland)
The two-year National Diploma in Quantity Surveying is offered by many schools.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job. Larger companies may offer cadetships or on-the-job training programmes for students or recent graduates, which gives them experience working in quantity surveying, estimating, and project management. These programmes typically take two to three years to complete.
Fletcher Construction website - opportunities for graduates, apprentices, cadets and interns
Mainzeal Property and Construction website - opportunities for quantity surveyor trainees
The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) also runs a mentoring service, putting new graduates and students in contact with a senior quantity surveyor. This quantity surveyor acts as a mentor and guide through the initial stages of their career.
Registration
Quantity surveyors may apply for New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors membership and work towards professional registration with appropriate work experience and assessment.
Useful experience
Useful experience for quantity surveyors includes any building industry work, such as labouring on construction sites. Work involving calculations and accounting is also good experience.
Related courses
Building Construction Economics (including Quantity Surveying)
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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