What is Quantity Surveying?
Quantity Surveying (QS) is a crucial profession in the construction industry. One of their main responsibilities is to manage costs within construction projects. This typically involves a range of procedures and skills to ensure the project stays within budget and on schedule.
Quantity surveyors control/value construction costs through accurate measurement of the work required. This requires expert knowledge of costs and prices of work, labour, and materials. It also requires a good understanding of the implications design decisions have at an early stage. Quantity surveyors need to ensure that good value is obtained for the money expended.
While all Quantity Surveyors need a similar skillset and knowledge base. There are two main distinctions, a Professional QS (PQS) and a Contractor’s QS
In this article, we will delve deeper into the two types of Quantity Surveyors. We explore their specific responsibilities, and the tasks their roles entail. As well as the earning potential and requirements for each path.
Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)
A Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) works on behalf of a client organisation. The PQS main focus is on controlling, reporting, and forecasting the cost of construction projects. Specifically for that client. In order to do this, a PQS undertakes a wide range of activities; some of these activities include:
- Cost planning
- Value engineering
- Feasibility studies
- Cash flow forecasting
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Life cycle costing
- Tender evaluation and analysis
- Valuation
- Take offs
- Claim valuation
- Cost estimation.
A PQS applies their knowledge of the above points to ensure that value is obtained for the money expended. All in a very defined way as prescribed by the QS profession and representatives of the construction industry. In New Zealand, PQS follow the same standards. These standards are laid out in the “Australian and New Zealand Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works” (ANZ SMM)
Contractor’s QS
A Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor (QS) is similar to a professional QS, in that they measure and price construction work. However, they often use a shorthand version of the measurement process known as “builders’ quantities”, which may vary from contractor to contractor.
The role of a Contractor’s QS goes beyond that of a PQS. A Contractor’s QS also manages the day-to-day building projects. They work closely with the managers and board of directors. They forecast and advise on the effect the current and future work is having on the health of the company, and how the work is progressing.
A Contractor’s QS often plays a central role in estimating and preparing for tenders. They forecast and advise on the effect current, and future work is having on the health of the company and how all is progressing
Some of the activities of a Contractors QS include:
- Tender evaluation
- Estimating
- Value engineering
- Claims preparation
- Payment schedules
- Project cost control
- Feasibility studies
- Cash flow forecasting
- Valuation subcontract and main
- Subcontractor management
- Buying
- Take offs
- Claim valuation
- Cost estimation and reporting
- Financial reports
The increasing demand for Quantity Surveyors in the construction industry has led to a broader scope of their role. PQS, typically hold more structured and office-based positions with established salaries. On the other hand, Contractors QS have a more adaptable work environment, with the possibility of working both on-site and in the office.
Contractors QS have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of personnel, from tradespeople to consultants. They have diverse career options, such as surveying, company management, the immense subcontract base and, of course, self-employment with the potential to earn salaries that match their level of skill and expertise and which often well exceed the industry average.
Overall, the role of Quantity Surveyors is expanding to meet the requirements of the industry. This offers a variety of opportunities and career paths for both PQS and Contractors QS.
How much does a Quantity Surveyor Earn?
We often get asked, “How much does a Quantity Surveyor Earn?”. When deciding which path you would like to take, it is important to understand remuneration and earning potential. The differences between a PQS and a contractors QS are also reflected in their earnings throughout their careers.
Both PQS and Contractors QS earn competitive salaries in the construction industry. If they have the same level of experience, a PQS might initially expect to earn more than a contractors QS; however, a PQS salary is more restrained.
The PQS path is well-established in New Zealand. There are many long-standing companies and institutions, and due to this, the salaries are already set out and tend to be more predictable. Comparatively, a contractors QS salary is more negotiable and more dependent on the role and the company.
The average salary for both paths varies depending on factors such as location, years of experience, and level of education.
On average, at each level, Quantity Surveyors can expect to earn:
Entry: $45-$97k
Intermediate: $130-$150k
Senior: $150-$225K+
How to become a Quantity Surveyor
To become a Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS), one typically needs to have a three-year degree from a university. This degree would typically be a Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying). Additionally, many countries have professional bodies that accredit PQSs. In order to become a member of these bodies, one usually needs to have said degree and pass a professional examination plus a test of professional competence. After becoming a member, one must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their accreditation. In New Zealand, that accreditation body is the NZIQS
On the other hand, becoming a contractor’s Quantity Surveyor (QS) generally requires skill and experience rather than pure formal education. Contractor’s QSs are often trained on the job and gain experience through working on construction projects. Many contractor’s QSs start out as trainees and work their way up through the ranks. They may also gain experience by working on small projects or companies, before moving on to larger ones. While a degree in Quantity Surveying may be beneficial for career advancement, it is not a requirement for becoming a contractor’s QS.
