I’m a Quantity Surveyor - ask me anything.
Hey all,
I thought I’d post this simply as an insight to my background and role, with a view to providing advice where I can.
I have been a Main Contractors QS for 4 years now, I currently work for a major Tier 1 Main Contractor as a Quantity Surveyor. I have only recently become a fully fledged QS, after serving just over 3 and half years as an Assistant QS, working for a few different regional Tier 2 contractors.
So, I have the insight into working at different companies, of differing sizes, cultures and processes and procedures.
Quantity Surveying was a career change for me, at 36. I already had a degree in Business Management, but completed a MSc in Quantity Surveying, full time, whilst I was a Trainee Surveyor working two days per week.
The reason why I chose QSing, was because, of the industry. It suited my personality to a T - I’m extroverted, have very good interpersonal skills and very perceptive to people’s emotions. Building sound relationships with subcontractors are one of the most fundamental skills you must have as a QS. Of course, being good with numbers helps, but maths is not my biggest strength! You use Excel spreadsheets anyway, so you don’t need to be a whizz at Maths....
At Assistant QS level, you will usually manage several subcontract packages. From compiling a tender, using drawings, a bill of quants (sometimes), a contract etc, to placing the order after you have chosen the winning bidder from your tenderers, to managing the subcontract once the works commence, to dealing with variations to that subcontract, to issuing notices, to settling the account (once works have complete, you settle the account and discuss any outstanding issues, including variations yet not approved), to processing Applications for Payment, to undertaking site valuations - these are the typical tasks you will undertake at Assistant QS level.
At Quantity Surveyor level, things can change in two ways. Firstly, you may run your own job, or, you will just manage higher value packages (at AQS level, the package values will be very low, so that it’s low risk). If you run your own job, it means you will manage/look after EVERYTHING to do with that job. So, not only will you look after all the subcontractors, doing their applications and valuations, etc, you will look after the client too. So, submit your application to them, so that you get paid, plus any client variations, or questions they may have. You need to know the ins and outs of the job. Also, if you manage the job, you will have to do; Cost Reporting, Cash Flow Forecasting and CVRs (CVR is usually integrated into the Cost Reporting). This is a whole other level to being an AQS - it can be very stressful, so you have to be extremely well organised and on the ball when it comes to managing costs.
It is very common for a Quantity Surveyor to run their own job nowadays. If you don’t want to run your own job, then you can be a QS on a high value job which has a Senior Quantity Surveyor managing it. You will report to the SQS, and you won’t have to do the Cost Reporting or CFF - they do this. So, bare this in mind because if you do run your own job, expect it to be hard when you get to this level. Some QSs will say it’s not that bad, they’re either full of rubbish, and just blagging it, or they are on an easy low value job. I have worked on a £45m student accommodation, a £4m & £1.2m tower block refurbishment and a £10m school. The £1.2m tower block refurb was stripping some cladding off and making good the exposed substrate (wall). That was an easy job. The £45m student accommodation and £10m school wasn’t.
The pay is excellent, and is the main reason why many people, like you, want to become a Quantity Surveyor. But with that pay, can come a lot of stress, and I am talking seriously now. It is of course one of the most multi faceted jobs you can do, as you learn about drawings, programmes, cost reporting, contracts, H&S, etc. That’s the second reason why I pursued QSing. I love learning, every day is different as a QS.
If you are a Main Contractors QS, you will likely be based on site. I personally loved it. I love the banter and seeing the building be constructed at different stages. Fascinating. The team you work with is KEY to the job being a success. Having an experienced, perceptive, engaging, knowledgeable, supportive and respected Project Manager on your job is SO important- not just for the project/job, but for the project team you work on. I have been lucky to work with a fantastic project team, with a brilliant PM and very supportive Senior QS who mentored me to the highest level there is. You can be a great QS, provided you get the RIGHT mentoring from a brilliant Quantity Surveyor. There are some horrendous ones out there, who will blag their way through it all, but there are some incredible Senior QSs, who can give you the best advice and support ever. Just bare that in mind - who ever mentors you will determine how good a QS you will be. I can’t stress that enough.
Before you consider a degree in QSing, or a career at that, I strongly suggest you go and get some work experience first. Don’t just think of the money, think about whether you would like to be on a construction site or in an office instead (in which case, you can be a PQS - working for a company who represents the client). Think about whether you can handle high workloads, stress, multi tasking, cost manage, risk manage, contract manage etc. If you work on site, do you like banter? Are you thick skinned? I say this because there can be situations were arguments may arise between you and the subcontractor - or you and the Director if he or she isn’t happy with your cost reporting. If you’re a woman, like me, yes, you need to be thick skinned and resilient. You come across some tough and mouthy characters in construction, so you can’t be soft. There are also some truly wonderful characters in construction too!
When I did my MSC in Quantity Surveying, it did not really prepare me for what it would be like in the real world, so, as I said, go and get some work experience first.
As I was 36 when I entered the construction industry, I brought a lot of life experience with me and I also worked in different sectors, doing mostly finance related stuff. So I brought a lot of strengths to the job. If you are 18 and thinking about this as your first job, be prepared to work in one of the toughest sectors going. It is a very exciting sector to work in too, but it’s definitely one of the most stressful. I know a lot of jobs can be stressful, it’s part of life, but Quantity Surveying isn’t for everyone. Working for a smaller main contractor for me personally, was a better fit. The culture was more family like and their processes and procedures were more simplified. When you work for a major Tier 1 Main Comtractor, like I am now, it has a more corporate feel about it. Processes and procedures are highly complex and convoluted, making your job as a QS more stressful. Saying that, if you get a Graduate QS job, you will be given full training and support at the right pace. Whereas, if you join a major Main Contractor as an AQS or QS, etc, you are thrown in the deep end! A graduate level job is a nice transition into a major Main Contractor (so, Morgan Sindall, Wates, Kier, Laing ORourke etc - they are major Tier 1s).
So, like I said, go to a construction site and get some work experience first, otherwise you might be in for a bit of a culture shock if this is your first job.
Is being Chartered important? No, not really. It’s great to have if you wish to work abroad, or, want a lot more money. 98% of Quantity Surveyor who work for a Main Contractor are not chartered. You don’t need it. It’s a title, which gives you more money, and recognition abroad. That’s it. If it’s something you personally want, that’s great, but get a good five years experience under your belt before you think about doing it.
As I said, I’m a Main Contractors QS, which is different to being a PQS or a Subcontractors QS. Being a Main Contractors QS means you learn all the trades, as you’re managing different packages. But learning all the trades will take you YEARS. There’s a hell of a lot to learn!! It’s intense, but interesting. Being a Subcontractor QS means you just learn the one trade, so, you could be an M&E QS, where your expertise will just be on M&E. or work for a Masonry subcontractor, where you will be a QS who specialises in Masonry (brick laying basically).
Hopefully the above was insightful or it might be totally useless!
Any questions, then fire away.
I thought I’d post this simply as an insight to my background and role, with a view to providing advice where I can.
I have been a Main Contractors QS for 4 years now, I currently work for a major Tier 1 Main Contractor as a Quantity Surveyor. I have only recently become a fully fledged QS, after serving just over 3 and half years as an Assistant QS, working for a few different regional Tier 2 contractors.
So, I have the insight into working at different companies, of differing sizes, cultures and processes and procedures.
Quantity Surveying was a career change for me, at 36. I already had a degree in Business Management, but completed a MSc in Quantity Surveying, full time, whilst I was a Trainee Surveyor working two days per week.
The reason why I chose QSing, was because, of the industry. It suited my personality to a T - I’m extroverted, have very good interpersonal skills and very perceptive to people’s emotions. Building sound relationships with subcontractors are one of the most fundamental skills you must have as a QS. Of course, being good with numbers helps, but maths is not my biggest strength! You use Excel spreadsheets anyway, so you don’t need to be a whizz at Maths....
At Assistant QS level, you will usually manage several subcontract packages. From compiling a tender, using drawings, a bill of quants (sometimes), a contract etc, to placing the order after you have chosen the winning bidder from your tenderers, to managing the subcontract once the works commence, to dealing with variations to that subcontract, to issuing notices, to settling the account (once works have complete, you settle the account and discuss any outstanding issues, including variations yet not approved), to processing Applications for Payment, to undertaking site valuations - these are the typical tasks you will undertake at Assistant QS level.
At Quantity Surveyor level, things can change in two ways. Firstly, you may run your own job, or, you will just manage higher value packages (at AQS level, the package values will be very low, so that it’s low risk). If you run your own job, it means you will manage/look after EVERYTHING to do with that job. So, not only will you look after all the subcontractors, doing their applications and valuations, etc, you will look after the client too. So, submit your application to them, so that you get paid, plus any client variations, or questions they may have. You need to know the ins and outs of the job. Also, if you manage the job, you will have to do; Cost Reporting, Cash Flow Forecasting and CVRs (CVR is usually integrated into the Cost Reporting). This is a whole other level to being an AQS - it can be very stressful, so you have to be extremely well organised and on the ball when it comes to managing costs.
It is very common for a Quantity Surveyor to run their own job nowadays. If you don’t want to run your own job, then you can be a QS on a high value job which has a Senior Quantity Surveyor managing it. You will report to the SQS, and you won’t have to do the Cost Reporting or CFF - they do this. So, bare this in mind because if you do run your own job, expect it to be hard when you get to this level. Some QSs will say it’s not that bad, they’re either full of rubbish, and just blagging it, or they are on an easy low value job. I have worked on a £45m student accommodation, a £4m & £1.2m tower block refurbishment and a £10m school. The £1.2m tower block refurb was stripping some cladding off and making good the exposed substrate (wall). That was an easy job. The £45m student accommodation and £10m school wasn’t.
The pay is excellent, and is the main reason why many people, like you, want to become a Quantity Surveyor. But with that pay, can come a lot of stress, and I am talking seriously now. It is of course one of the most multi faceted jobs you can do, as you learn about drawings, programmes, cost reporting, contracts, H&S, etc. That’s the second reason why I pursued QSing. I love learning, every day is different as a QS.
If you are a Main Contractors QS, you will likely be based on site. I personally loved it. I love the banter and seeing the building be constructed at different stages. Fascinating. The team you work with is KEY to the job being a success. Having an experienced, perceptive, engaging, knowledgeable, supportive and respected Project Manager on your job is SO important- not just for the project/job, but for the project team you work on. I have been lucky to work with a fantastic project team, with a brilliant PM and very supportive Senior QS who mentored me to the highest level there is. You can be a great QS, provided you get the RIGHT mentoring from a brilliant Quantity Surveyor. There are some horrendous ones out there, who will blag their way through it all, but there are some incredible Senior QSs, who can give you the best advice and support ever. Just bare that in mind - who ever mentors you will determine how good a QS you will be. I can’t stress that enough.
Before you consider a degree in QSing, or a career at that, I strongly suggest you go and get some work experience first. Don’t just think of the money, think about whether you would like to be on a construction site or in an office instead (in which case, you can be a PQS - working for a company who represents the client). Think about whether you can handle high workloads, stress, multi tasking, cost manage, risk manage, contract manage etc. If you work on site, do you like banter? Are you thick skinned? I say this because there can be situations were arguments may arise between you and the subcontractor - or you and the Director if he or she isn’t happy with your cost reporting. If you’re a woman, like me, yes, you need to be thick skinned and resilient. You come across some tough and mouthy characters in construction, so you can’t be soft. There are also some truly wonderful characters in construction too!
When I did my MSC in Quantity Surveying, it did not really prepare me for what it would be like in the real world, so, as I said, go and get some work experience first.
As I was 36 when I entered the construction industry, I brought a lot of life experience with me and I also worked in different sectors, doing mostly finance related stuff. So I brought a lot of strengths to the job. If you are 18 and thinking about this as your first job, be prepared to work in one of the toughest sectors going. It is a very exciting sector to work in too, but it’s definitely one of the most stressful. I know a lot of jobs can be stressful, it’s part of life, but Quantity Surveying isn’t for everyone. Working for a smaller main contractor for me personally, was a better fit. The culture was more family like and their processes and procedures were more simplified. When you work for a major Tier 1 Main Comtractor, like I am now, it has a more corporate feel about it. Processes and procedures are highly complex and convoluted, making your job as a QS more stressful. Saying that, if you get a Graduate QS job, you will be given full training and support at the right pace. Whereas, if you join a major Main Contractor as an AQS or QS, etc, you are thrown in the deep end! A graduate level job is a nice transition into a major Main Contractor (so, Morgan Sindall, Wates, Kier, Laing ORourke etc - they are major Tier 1s).
So, like I said, go to a construction site and get some work experience first, otherwise you might be in for a bit of a culture shock if this is your first job.
Is being Chartered important? No, not really. It’s great to have if you wish to work abroad, or, want a lot more money. 98% of Quantity Surveyor who work for a Main Contractor are not chartered. You don’t need it. It’s a title, which gives you more money, and recognition abroad. That’s it. If it’s something you personally want, that’s great, but get a good five years experience under your belt before you think about doing it.
As I said, I’m a Main Contractors QS, which is different to being a PQS or a Subcontractors QS. Being a Main Contractors QS means you learn all the trades, as you’re managing different packages. But learning all the trades will take you YEARS. There’s a hell of a lot to learn!! It’s intense, but interesting. Being a Subcontractor QS means you just learn the one trade, so, you could be an M&E QS, where your expertise will just be on M&E. or work for a Masonry subcontractor, where you will be a QS who specialises in Masonry (brick laying basically).
Hopefully the above was insightful or it might be totally useless!
Any questions, then fire away.
(edited 2 years ago)
Great info here. I didn't study QS but BS. I have managed to get a few interviews for BS roles but haven't managed secure a position. Looking for work experience has been a challenge. Had conflicting info on speculative applications, some say that's not the thing and should network through LinkedIn.
As for chartered status, we were told for BS its a must.
As for chartered status, we were told for BS its a must.
Original post by ScouseEmma28
Hey all,
I thought I’d post this simply as an insight to my background and role, with a view to providing advice where I can.
I have been a Main Contractors QS for 4 years now, I currently work for a major Tier 1 Main Contractor as a Quantity Surveyor. I have only recently become a fully fledged QS, after serving just over 3 and half years as an Assistant QS, working for a few different regional Tier 2 contractors.
So, I have the insight into working at different companies, of differing sizes, cultures and processes and procedures.
Quantity Surveying was a career change for me, at 36. I already had a degree in Business Management, but completed a MSc in Quantity Surveying, full time, whilst I was a Trainee Surveyor working two days per week.
The reason why I chose QSing, was because, of the industry. It suited my personality to a T - I’m extroverted, have very good interpersonal skills and very perceptive to people’s emotions. Building sound relationships with subcontractors are one of the most fundamental skills you must have as a QS. Of course, being good with numbers helps, but maths is not my biggest strength! You use Excel spreadsheets anyway, so you don’t need to be a whizz at Maths....
At Assistant QS level, you will usually manage several subcontract packages. From compiling a tender, using drawings, a bill of quants (sometimes), a contract etc, to placing the order after you have chosen the winning bidder from your tenderers, to managing the subcontract once the works commence, to dealing with variations to that subcontract, to issuing notices, to settling the account (once works have complete, you settle the account and discuss any outstanding issues, including variations yet not approved), to processing Applications for Payment, to undertaking site valuations - these are the typical tasks you will undertake at Assistant QS level.
At Quantity Surveyor level, things can change in two ways. Firstly, you may run your own job, or, you will just manage higher value packages (at AQS level, the package values will be very low, so that it’s low risk). If you run your own job, it means you will manage/look after EVERYTHING to do with that job. So, not only will you look after all the subcontractors, doing their applications and valuations, etc, you will look after the client too. So, submit your application to them, so that you get paid, plus any client variations, or questions they may have. You need to know the ins and outs of the job. Also, if you manage the job, you will have to do; Cost Reporting, Cash Flow Forecasting and CVRs (CVR is usually integrated into the Cost Reporting). This is a whole other level to being an AQS - it can be very stressful, so you have to be extremely well organised and on the ball when it comes to managing costs.
It is very common for a Quantity Surveyor to run their own job nowadays. If you don’t want to run your own job, then you can be a QS on a high value job which has a Senior Quantity Surveyor managing it. You will report to the SQS, and you won’t have to do the Cost Reporting or CFF - they do this. So, bare this in mind because if you do run your own job, expect it to be hard when you get to this level. Some QSs will say it’s not that bad, they’re either full of rubbish, and just blagging it, or they are on an easy low value job. I have worked on a £45m student accommodation, a £4m & £1.2m tower block refurbishment and a £10m school. The £1.2m tower block refurb was stripping some cladding off and making good the exposed substrate (wall). That was an easy job. The £45m student accommodation and £10m school wasn’t.
The pay is excellent, and is the main reason why many people, like you, want to become a Quantity Surveyor. But with that pay, can come a lot of stress, and I am talking seriously now. It is of course one of the most multi faceted jobs you can do, as you learn about drawings, programmes, cost reporting, contracts, H&S, etc. That’s the second reason why I pursued QSing. I love learning, every day is different as a QS.
If you are a Main Contractors QS, you will likely be based on site. I personally loved it. I love the banter and seeing the building be constructed at different stages. Fascinating. The team you work with is KEY to the job being a success. Having an experienced, perceptive, engaging, knowledgeable, supportive and respected Project Manager on your job is SO important- not just for the project/job, but for the project team you work on. I have been lucky to work with a fantastic project team, with a brilliant PM and very supportive Senior QS who mentored me to the highest level there is. You can be a great QS, provided you get the RIGHT mentoring from a brilliant Quantity Surveyor. There are some horrendous ones out there, who will blag their way through it all, but there are some incredible Senior QSs, who can give you the best advice and support ever. Just bare that in mind - who ever mentors you will determine how good a QS you will be. I can’t stress that enough.
Before you consider a degree in QSing, or a career at that, I strongly suggest you go and get some work experience first. Don’t just think of the money, think about whether you would like to be on a construction site or in an office instead (in which case, you can be a PQS - working for a company who represents the client). Think about whether you can handle high workloads, stress, multi tasking, cost manage, risk manage, contract manage etc. If you work on site, do you like banter? Are you thick skinned? I say this because there can be situations were arguments may arise between you and the subcontractor - or you and the Director if he or she isn’t happy with your cost reporting. If you’re a woman, like me, yes, you need to be thick skinned and resilient. You come across some tough and mouthy characters in construction, so you can’t be soft. There are also some truly wonderful characters in construction too!
When I did my MSC in Quantity Surveying, it did not really prepare me for what it would be like in the real world, so, as I said, go and get some work experience first.
As I was 36 when I entered the construction industry, I brought a lot of life experience with me and I also worked in different sectors, doing mostly finance related stuff. So I brought a lot of strengths to the job. If you are 18 and thinking about this as your first job, be prepared to work in one of the toughest sectors going. It is a very exciting sector to work in too, but it’s definitely one of the most stressful. I know a lot of jobs can be stressful, it’s part of life, but Quantity Surveying isn’t for everyone. Working for a smaller main contractor for me personally, was a better fit. The culture was more family like and their processes and procedures were more simplified. When you work for a major Tier 1 Main Comtractor, like I am now, it has a more corporate feel about it. Processes and procedures are highly complex and convoluted, making your job as a QS more stressful. Saying that, if you get a Graduate QS job, you will be given full training and support at the right pace. Whereas, if you join a major Main Contractor as an AQS or QS, etc, you are thrown in the deep end! A graduate level job is a nice transition into a major Main Contractor (so, Morgan Sindall, Wates, Kier, Laing ORourke etc - they are major Tier 1s).
So, like I said, go to a construction site and get some work experience first, otherwise you might be in for a bit of a culture shock if this is your first job.
Is being Chartered important? No, not really. It’s great to have if you wish to work abroad, or, want a lot more money. 98% of Quantity Surveyor who work for a Main Contractor are not chartered. You don’t need it. It’s a title, which gives you more money, and recognition abroad. That’s it. If it’s something you personally want, that’s great, but get a good five years experience under your belt before you think about doing it.
As I said, I’m a Main Contractors QS, which is different to being a PQS or a Subcontractors QS. Being a Main Contractors QS means you learn all the trades, as you’re managing different packages. But learning all the trades will take you YEARS. There’s a hell of a lot to learn!! It’s intense, but interesting. Being a Subcontractor QS means you just learn the one trade, so, you could be an M&E QS, where your expertise will just be on M&E. or work for a Masonry subcontractor, where you will be a QS who specialises in Masonry (brick laying basically).
Hopefully the above was insightful or it might be totally useless!
Any questions, then fire away.
I thought I’d post this simply as an insight to my background and role, with a view to providing advice where I can.
I have been a Main Contractors QS for 4 years now, I currently work for a major Tier 1 Main Contractor as a Quantity Surveyor. I have only recently become a fully fledged QS, after serving just over 3 and half years as an Assistant QS, working for a few different regional Tier 2 contractors.
So, I have the insight into working at different companies, of differing sizes, cultures and processes and procedures.
Quantity Surveying was a career change for me, at 36. I already had a degree in Business Management, but completed a MSc in Quantity Surveying, full time, whilst I was a Trainee Surveyor working two days per week.
The reason why I chose QSing, was because, of the industry. It suited my personality to a T - I’m extroverted, have very good interpersonal skills and very perceptive to people’s emotions. Building sound relationships with subcontractors are one of the most fundamental skills you must have as a QS. Of course, being good with numbers helps, but maths is not my biggest strength! You use Excel spreadsheets anyway, so you don’t need to be a whizz at Maths....
At Assistant QS level, you will usually manage several subcontract packages. From compiling a tender, using drawings, a bill of quants (sometimes), a contract etc, to placing the order after you have chosen the winning bidder from your tenderers, to managing the subcontract once the works commence, to dealing with variations to that subcontract, to issuing notices, to settling the account (once works have complete, you settle the account and discuss any outstanding issues, including variations yet not approved), to processing Applications for Payment, to undertaking site valuations - these are the typical tasks you will undertake at Assistant QS level.
At Quantity Surveyor level, things can change in two ways. Firstly, you may run your own job, or, you will just manage higher value packages (at AQS level, the package values will be very low, so that it’s low risk). If you run your own job, it means you will manage/look after EVERYTHING to do with that job. So, not only will you look after all the subcontractors, doing their applications and valuations, etc, you will look after the client too. So, submit your application to them, so that you get paid, plus any client variations, or questions they may have. You need to know the ins and outs of the job. Also, if you manage the job, you will have to do; Cost Reporting, Cash Flow Forecasting and CVRs (CVR is usually integrated into the Cost Reporting). This is a whole other level to being an AQS - it can be very stressful, so you have to be extremely well organised and on the ball when it comes to managing costs.
It is very common for a Quantity Surveyor to run their own job nowadays. If you don’t want to run your own job, then you can be a QS on a high value job which has a Senior Quantity Surveyor managing it. You will report to the SQS, and you won’t have to do the Cost Reporting or CFF - they do this. So, bare this in mind because if you do run your own job, expect it to be hard when you get to this level. Some QSs will say it’s not that bad, they’re either full of rubbish, and just blagging it, or they are on an easy low value job. I have worked on a £45m student accommodation, a £4m & £1.2m tower block refurbishment and a £10m school. The £1.2m tower block refurb was stripping some cladding off and making good the exposed substrate (wall). That was an easy job. The £45m student accommodation and £10m school wasn’t.
The pay is excellent, and is the main reason why many people, like you, want to become a Quantity Surveyor. But with that pay, can come a lot of stress, and I am talking seriously now. It is of course one of the most multi faceted jobs you can do, as you learn about drawings, programmes, cost reporting, contracts, H&S, etc. That’s the second reason why I pursued QSing. I love learning, every day is different as a QS.
If you are a Main Contractors QS, you will likely be based on site. I personally loved it. I love the banter and seeing the building be constructed at different stages. Fascinating. The team you work with is KEY to the job being a success. Having an experienced, perceptive, engaging, knowledgeable, supportive and respected Project Manager on your job is SO important- not just for the project/job, but for the project team you work on. I have been lucky to work with a fantastic project team, with a brilliant PM and very supportive Senior QS who mentored me to the highest level there is. You can be a great QS, provided you get the RIGHT mentoring from a brilliant Quantity Surveyor. There are some horrendous ones out there, who will blag their way through it all, but there are some incredible Senior QSs, who can give you the best advice and support ever. Just bare that in mind - who ever mentors you will determine how good a QS you will be. I can’t stress that enough.
Before you consider a degree in QSing, or a career at that, I strongly suggest you go and get some work experience first. Don’t just think of the money, think about whether you would like to be on a construction site or in an office instead (in which case, you can be a PQS - working for a company who represents the client). Think about whether you can handle high workloads, stress, multi tasking, cost manage, risk manage, contract manage etc. If you work on site, do you like banter? Are you thick skinned? I say this because there can be situations were arguments may arise between you and the subcontractor - or you and the Director if he or she isn’t happy with your cost reporting. If you’re a woman, like me, yes, you need to be thick skinned and resilient. You come across some tough and mouthy characters in construction, so you can’t be soft. There are also some truly wonderful characters in construction too!
When I did my MSC in Quantity Surveying, it did not really prepare me for what it would be like in the real world, so, as I said, go and get some work experience first.
As I was 36 when I entered the construction industry, I brought a lot of life experience with me and I also worked in different sectors, doing mostly finance related stuff. So I brought a lot of strengths to the job. If you are 18 and thinking about this as your first job, be prepared to work in one of the toughest sectors going. It is a very exciting sector to work in too, but it’s definitely one of the most stressful. I know a lot of jobs can be stressful, it’s part of life, but Quantity Surveying isn’t for everyone. Working for a smaller main contractor for me personally, was a better fit. The culture was more family like and their processes and procedures were more simplified. When you work for a major Tier 1 Main Comtractor, like I am now, it has a more corporate feel about it. Processes and procedures are highly complex and convoluted, making your job as a QS more stressful. Saying that, if you get a Graduate QS job, you will be given full training and support at the right pace. Whereas, if you join a major Main Contractor as an AQS or QS, etc, you are thrown in the deep end! A graduate level job is a nice transition into a major Main Contractor (so, Morgan Sindall, Wates, Kier, Laing ORourke etc - they are major Tier 1s).
So, like I said, go to a construction site and get some work experience first, otherwise you might be in for a bit of a culture shock if this is your first job.
Is being Chartered important? No, not really. It’s great to have if you wish to work abroad, or, want a lot more money. 98% of Quantity Surveyor who work for a Main Contractor are not chartered. You don’t need it. It’s a title, which gives you more money, and recognition abroad. That’s it. If it’s something you personally want, that’s great, but get a good five years experience under your belt before you think about doing it.
As I said, I’m a Main Contractors QS, which is different to being a PQS or a Subcontractors QS. Being a Main Contractors QS means you learn all the trades, as you’re managing different packages. But learning all the trades will take you YEARS. There’s a hell of a lot to learn!! It’s intense, but interesting. Being a Subcontractor QS means you just learn the one trade, so, you could be an M&E QS, where your expertise will just be on M&E. or work for a Masonry subcontractor, where you will be a QS who specialises in Masonry (brick laying basically).
Hopefully the above was insightful or it might be totally useless!
Any questions, then fire away.
Hi, a great introduction you’ve written to QSing here. I was wondering what tips you have for people about to begin QSing (as in actually working for a company )?
Original post by TheRocketMan18
Hi, a great introduction you’ve written to QSing here. I was wondering what tips you have for people about to begin QSing (as in actually working for a company )?
Aw cheers. I’d say absorb as much as you can about drawings, so, whether they are section drawings, plans or elevation drawings. Nitpick every facet of floor or wall build up of materials and different interfaces. This is what I enjoy most about my job as I’m a sucker for learning! Then get out on site and see how they physically install that build up and subsequent interfaces. I particularly love learning about masonry, so I’ll get out on site as soon as they lay the first breeze block and witness how the sequencing develops.
Secondly Id say ensure you build a good reputation as it is a small world in construction! So that goes for building good relationships with your subcontractors- be respectful, engaging, funny, fair, and communicative. They also respect it when you ask questions if you’re unsure of anything. They’re just trying to earn a living too don’t forget. Of course there will always be one subcontractor that will try and pull the wool over your eyes, but most of them are genuine. Don’t try to screw them over (the nice ones). When you move to different companies, you’ll likely need to speak to those same subcontractors again at tender stage, so that’s why it’s paramount you treat everyone of them with respect.
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by route255
Great info here. I didn't study QS but BS. I have managed to get a few interviews for BS roles but haven't managed secure a position. Looking for work experience has been a challenge. Had conflicting info on speculative applications, some say that's not the thing and should network through LinkedIn.
As for chartered status, we were told for BS its a must.
As for chartered status, we were told for BS its a must.
Hey, yeh building surveying is a little tough in terms of securing a job, as not many positions are advertised at entry level. That’s because they’re usually hired within the private side of construction, so not actually based on site. If you did construction management degree then that opens loads of doors to become a site manager, where you have a greater chance of securing a job as an assistant site manager. Just depends if you want to be physically based on site or in an office (building surveyors mostly office based).
There’s nothing wrong with speculative applications! I have done this plenty of times over the years - it’s how you network. Linked is brilliant for that. I’ve never known anyone who works in construction that doesn’t do speculative applications. Sometimes people use a recruitment agency, or go on a company’s website to check for job listings or, as I said, search LinkedIn to see who the person is in charge of recruitment.
Chartered Status isn’t a must, but this entirely depends on which company you wish to work for. Some high profile consultancies will encourage you, at entry level, to do thr charter ship. Some other companies aren’t bothered. Let me tell you this. People say ‘oh get chartership as a QS as means you can command more money’. That’s rubbish, it it helps if you wish to work abroad definitely.. I am not chartered and I’ve been working as a Freelance QS on £300 a day. Why so much? Because there’s a shortage of Freelance QSs because of the intro of IR35 (tax related which means if you were freelancer you are worse off as a freelancer). So a lot of freelancers decided to look for permanent jobs instead (when you’re freelance you don’t get annual leave pay, don’t get sickness pay and you’re not entitled to any notice period). I don’t mind freelancing because, the pay overrides the benefits I’m missing out on being permanent.
What made you chose Building Surveying may I ask?
(edited 2 years ago)
Abit of a random one but I'm also a qualified QS looking at freelancing in the near future. However when you compare the average day rates of a QS to say another industry like IT which commands anything from (£500 to £900 ) it makes me think the QS day rate aren't as good as I once thought?
Hi,
I am.desperately in need of a qs tutor for my module quantification. I am lost regarding estimating, taking off and bills of quantities using nrm2. Was wondering during if anyone could help me in tutoring me on thi particular assignemnt. I have passed all my other modules.
Thanks
I am.desperately in need of a qs tutor for my module quantification. I am lost regarding estimating, taking off and bills of quantities using nrm2. Was wondering during if anyone could help me in tutoring me on thi particular assignemnt. I have passed all my other modules.
Thanks
Hi Emma,
Nice insight. Are QS that Work for a housing development company PQS or AQS, and are based mostly on site or at the office.
Secondly, how likely are you to get a good mentor at a company like Cala or Redrow, given their notoriety, and how stressful/pressured are you to learn the job quickly?
Finally, if your the type of person that just wants to be in the zone, problem solve and fix things rather than do admin type work and absolutely hates the office then is Quantity Surveying for you?
And if not, what would you recommend to someone who has completed a MSC in Quantity Surveying and is presented with the graduate opportunity offering £22000 per year, and on the other hand an opportunity to do a plumbing apprenticeship offering £18699 per year.
Nice insight. Are QS that Work for a housing development company PQS or AQS, and are based mostly on site or at the office.
Secondly, how likely are you to get a good mentor at a company like Cala or Redrow, given their notoriety, and how stressful/pressured are you to learn the job quickly?
Finally, if your the type of person that just wants to be in the zone, problem solve and fix things rather than do admin type work and absolutely hates the office then is Quantity Surveying for you?
And if not, what would you recommend to someone who has completed a MSC in Quantity Surveying and is presented with the graduate opportunity offering £22000 per year, and on the other hand an opportunity to do a plumbing apprenticeship offering £18699 per year.
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by SRNSXT
What will be the demand for quantity surveying in 2025? I heard there's an oversupply of QS graduates. I really value the opinions of the QSes out there.
Personally, i doubt so. QS is in demand everywhere and can easily switch to another role in construction. In my area, employers will also prefer someone with QS background for any other roles. (Might be bad though, some QSes are doing dual roles but this is not the majority.
Original post by ScouseEmma28
Aw cheers. I’d say absorb as much as you can about drawings, so, whether they are section drawings, plans or elevation drawings. Nitpick every facet of floor or wall build up of materials and different interfaces. This is what I enjoy most about my job as I’m a sucker for learning! Then get out on site and see how they physically install that build up and subsequent interfaces. I particularly love learning about masonry, so I’ll get out on site as soon as they lay the first breeze block and witness how the sequencing develops.
Secondly Id say ensure you build a good reputation as it is a small world in construction! So that goes for building good relationships with your subcontractors- be respectful, engaging, funny, fair, and communicative. They also respect it when you ask questions if you’re unsure of anything. They’re just trying to earn a living too don’t forget. Of course there will always be one subcontractor that will try and pull the wool over your eyes, but most of them are genuine for construction takeoff job or service. Don’t try to screw them over (the nice ones). When you move to different companies, you’ll likely need to speak to those same subcontractors again at tender stage, so that’s why it’s paramount you treat everyone of them with respect.
Secondly Id say ensure you build a good reputation as it is a small world in construction! So that goes for building good relationships with your subcontractors- be respectful, engaging, funny, fair, and communicative. They also respect it when you ask questions if you’re unsure of anything. They’re just trying to earn a living too don’t forget. Of course there will always be one subcontractor that will try and pull the wool over your eyes, but most of them are genuine for construction takeoff job or service. Don’t try to screw them over (the nice ones). When you move to different companies, you’ll likely need to speak to those same subcontractors again at tender stage, so that’s why it’s paramount you treat everyone of them with respect.
I agree with your points related to quantity surveying. I wanna ask about construction. Many guys say that it's quite mandatory to use masonry estimator before starting the job. Why the construction takeoff so important nowadays? What are the main points that we should consider in a firm which we're hiring for the task?
Can you please share your thoughts on it?
Thanks in advance!
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Work experience as a quantity surveyor
- real estate
- What's better a degree in Construction Management or Quantity Surveying?
- Help! Looking for quantity surveying apprenticeship
- Quantity surveyor
- Building Surveying or Quantity Surveying
- Trainee Estate Agent
- Quantity Suverying Dissertation
- Which should i choose
- Poor A level grades what can I do?
- Quantity surveying at ljmu, ntu or loughborough uni
- real estate uni
- I need help with my career. Degree in construction management, but enjoy QS
- National Grid Grad Scheme 2024
- Chose the wrong degree and wrong job choice
- Atkins apprenticeship - Quantity surveyor
- Physics homework help
- TOF maths q
- Quantity surveyor querie
- Real Estate Agent
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 day ago
Government Social Research - Research Officer Scheme 2024Last reply 1 week ago
So I made the worst decision of my life. I chose Biochemistry as my degree.Last reply 1 week ago
Issues with jobs because I cannot driveTrending
Last reply 1 day ago
Government Social Research - Research Officer Scheme 2024Last reply 1 week ago
So I made the worst decision of my life. I chose Biochemistry as my degree.Last reply 1 week ago
Issues with jobs because I cannot drive
