Quantity Surveyor

Preconstruction & Estimating

Measures and values construction work in detail, a title that comes out of the UK/Commonwealth surveying tradition but increasingly shows up at U.S. firms with international ties.

What is a Quantity Surveyor?

A Quantity Surveyor measures and values construction work throughout a project, similar territory to an Estimator and a Cost Engineer, with particular depth in precise quantity measurement and cost planning from early design through final account. The title and formal training structure originated in the UK, where the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) governs a "Chartered Surveyor" (MRICS) credential; no U.S. state or federal license is required to use this title or do this work in the United States, so RICS chartership here is a professional recognition some practitioners pursue, not a legal requirement to work in the role.

What they do

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and bills of quantities from design documents
• Track project costs from early design through final account, similar to a Cost Engineer
• Advise on cost planning and value engineering options during design
• Measure completed work for interim payment valuations
• Assess the cost impact of variations and changes as they arise
• Support contract administration around measurement-based payment terms

A typical day

• 8:00 AMPrepare a bill of quantities from a newly issued set of drawings
• 9:30 AMReview a subcontractor's payment valuation against measured quantities of completed work
• 11:00 AMAdvise the design team on a cost-saving alternative during a value engineering session
• 1:30 PMAssess the cost impact of a design variation
• 3:30 PMUpdate the project's cost plan with the latest measured quantities

Skills

Software

Education

Required:

High school diploma or equivalent, since no certification or license is legally required to work as a Quantity Surveyor in the United States

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field

Helpful:

RICS Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) status, mainly relevant at firms with UK/Commonwealth ties or international project work

Not necessary:

A specific quantity surveying degree isn't available at most U.S. schools; many U.S.-based practitioners come from an estimating or cost engineering background instead

Career progression

1. 1.Assistant Quantity Surveyor
2. 2.Quantity Surveyor
3. 3.Senior Quantity Surveyor
4. 4.Chief Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager

Who hires for this role