Quantity Surveyor

Related Careers

• Industrial Safety and Health Engineer

• Urban and Regional Planner       

• Materials Engineer

• Surveyors   

The Quantity Surveyors use dedicated computer software programmes to calculate the quantity building material required for a specific building project. They manage the procurement of material and are responsible for the flow of building material to the building site. They ensure that the correct quantities of the prescribed materials are available as determined by the project management schedule.

When a building project is started, it is the task of the Building Surveyor to prepare a cost estimate. He or she negotiates with suppliers of building materials for the best prices. The quantity Surveyors draws up and controls delivery schedules for materials and sees to it that the necessary paper work is done to ensure timeous payment for suppliers. When a certain phase of the building project has been completed, the Quantity Surveyor is responsible for surveying the completed work and issuing payment certificates for building contractors.

In large companies Senior Building Surveyors mainly perform management functions. They advise the company on aspects such as legal documents and the financial implications regarding the use of particular materials.