Science & ResearchISCO 2149

Quantity surveyor

Quantity surveyors have under their helm complete management of the cost involved in building and construction projects from the inception of the project until the delivery. They strive for an efficient use of the resources whilst keeping an eye on quality, quality standards, and client's requirements.

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Check yourself in a minute: quantity surveyor

Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

advise on construction materials

oversee construction project

manage budgets

identify customer objectives

finish project within budget

About quantity surveyor

As a quantity surveyor, you will serve as the financial and resource steward of construction and building projects from conception to completion. You are responsible for estimating project costs, managing budgets, and ensuring that every resource is used efficiently while maintaining quality standards and meeting client requirements. Your work involves analyzing construction plans, calculating material quantities, preparing detailed cost estimates, and monitoring expenses throughout the project lifecycle. You will also manage contracts with suppliers and subcontractors, maintaining comprehensive records and handling cost accounting activities. This is a critical role that directly impacts project profitability and success, requiring both technical knowledge of construction practices and strong analytical abilities.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a quantity surveyor.

Cost Estimation and Project Planning

Analyze construction drawings and specifications to calculate project costs
Calculate material quantities and labor requirements
Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender documents
Advise on construction materials and cost-effective alternatives

Budget and Cost Management

Establish and manage project budgets from inception to completion
Monitor and control project expenses against approved budgets
Perform cost accounting activities and financial reporting
Manage project finances to achieve cost efficiency targets

Contract and Supplier Management

Draft, review, and manage construction contracts
Order construction supplies and manage supplier relationships
Negotiate pricing and terms with contractors and suppliers
Ensure contract compliance and resolve disputes

Project Oversight and Quality Assurance

Oversee construction project execution and progress
Ensure quality standards and client requirements are met
Communicate with construction crews and project stakeholders
Keep records of work progress and maintain project documentation

Professional Knowledge and Compliance

Stay current with urban planning laws and building construction principles
Identify and document customer objectives and project requirements
Ensure compliance with construction industry regulations and standards
Prepare construction documents and technical specifications

Do You Have the Skills for This Role?

Core competency requirements inferred from the occupation's skill profile. Take the free assessment to see how you match.

Supporting Skills

Problem SolvingIntermediate

Creative ThinkingIntermediate

CommunicationIntermediate

CollaborationIntermediate

Global PerspectiveIntermediate

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European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (18)

urban planning lawurban planning lawInvestments and urban development agreements. Legislative developments regarding construction in terms of environmental, sustainability, social and financial matters.cost managementcost managementThe process of planning, monitoring and adjusting the expenses and revenues of a business in order to achieve cost efficiency and capability.quantity surveyingquantity surveyingThe process of estimating, planning and monitoring the costs of construction for buildings within large construction projects. It means the efficient and effective utilisation of resources and include...advise on construction materialsadvise on construction materialsProvide advice on and test a wide range of construction materials.oversee construction projectoversee construction projectMake sure that the construction project is carried out in compliance with the building permit, the execution plans, the performance and design specifications, and the relevant regulations.manage budgetsmanage budgetsPlan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.communicate with construction crewscommunicate with construction crewsExchange information with the construction crews or supervisors to ensure smooth progress of the construction project. Obtain updates on the progress and any obstacles, and inform the crews of any cha...identify customer objectivesidentify customer objectivesIdentify individual motives resulting in short, medium and long term fitness goals.finish project within budgetfinish project within budgetMake sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.order construction suppliesorder construction suppliesOrder required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.keep records of work progresskeep records of work progressMaintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.control of expensescontrol of expensesMonitor and maintain effective cost controls, in regards to efficiencies, waste, overtime and staffing. Assessing excesses and strives for efficiency and productivity.calculate needs for construction suppliescalculate needs for construction suppliesTake measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.building construction principlesbuilding construction principlesThe component elements and principles of building construction such as types of wall construction and foundations, defects in walls and roofs and ways to address such defects.manage contractsmanage contractsNegotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, ...perform cost accounting activitiesperform cost accounting activitiesExecute the cost related activities and operations within the accounting activities such as standard cost development, average pricing analysis, margin and cost ratio analysis, inventory control, and ...prepare construction documentsprepare construction documentsDraft, update and archive documents concerning the planning and implementation of construction or renovation projects including information about security systems and accounting documentation.construction industryconstruction industryThe products, brands and suppliers active in the construction field.

Optional (20) — show

Monte Carlo simulationMonte Carlo simulationA mathematical technique used to predict, estimate, and analyse a range of future possible outcomes for an uncertain event. The process is performed through a simulation to estimate a range of values.real estate marketreal estate marketThe trends concerning the buying, selling, or renting of property, including the land, buildings, and natural resources encompassed within the property; the categories of residential properties and pr...project managementproject managementThe discipline of project management, the activities which comprise this area and the variables implied in it, such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.civil engineeringcivil engineeringThe engineering discipline that studies the design, construction and maintenance of naturally built works such as roads, buildings, and canals.quality standardsquality standardsThe national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.civil lawcivil lawThe legal rules and their applications used in disputes between different parties.audit contractorsaudit contractorsExamine and document different industry contractors, in order to determine whether they comply with regulations and standards in relation to safety, environment and quality of design, construction and...communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.advise on risk managementadvise on risk managementProvide advice on risk management policies and prevention strategies and their implementation, being aware of different kinds of risks to a specific organisation.carry out tenderingcarry out tenderingPlace the request for a quotation to the organisation requesting a tender, then perform the work or supply the goods agreed with them during the tendering process.monitor parameters' compliance in construction projectsmonitor parameters' compliance in construction projectsMonitors progress in construction sites and the compliance of various parameters outlined in the design phase such as quality, costs, timeline, and contractors' responsibilities.liaise with financiersliaise with financiersLiaise with people willing to finance the project. Negotiate deals and contracts.provide cost benefit analysis reportsprovide cost benefit analysis reportsPrepare, compile and communicate reports with broken down cost analysis on the proposal and budget plans of the company. Analyse the financial or social costs and benefits of a project or investment i...estimate profitabilityestimate profitabilityTake various factors into account to calculate the cost and potential revenues or savings gained from a product in order to evaluate the profit that could be generated by the new acquisition or by a n...follow the statutory obligationsfollow the statutory obligationsUnderstand, abide by, and apply the statutory obligations of the company in the daily performance of the job.advise architectsadvise architectsGive advise on design, safety issues, and cost reduction to architects during the pre-application phase.monitor contractor performancemonitor contractor performanceManage contractor performance and assess whether they are meeting the agreed standard and correct underperformance if needed.monitor construction sitemonitor construction siteKeep an overview of what happens at the construction site at all times. Identify who is present and what stage of the construction work each crew is in.coordinate construction activitiescoordinate construction activitiesCoordinate the activities of several construction workers or crews to make sure they do not interfere with each other and to ensure that the works are done in a timely manner. Keep up to date on the p...contract lawcontract lawThe field of legal principles that govern written agreements between parties concerning the exchange of goods or services, including contractual obligations and termination.

Related Occupations

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Frequently asked questions

What does a quantity surveyor do?

What skills does a quantity surveyor need?

A quantity surveyor needs 18 essential skills, including urban planning law, cost management, quantity surveying, advise on construction materials, oversee construction project.

Will AI replace quantity surveyor jobs?

The AI disruption score for quantity surveyor is 68/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: provide cost benefit analysis reports, quality standards, perform cost accounting activities. Most resilient: liaise with financiers, communicate with construction crews, building construction principles.

AI Replacement Risk

68/ 100

High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

provide cost benefit analysis reports quality standards perform cost accounting activities

Skills resilient to automation

liaise with financiers communicate with construction crews building construction principles

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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research

ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals

Essential Skills18

Core Skills5

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