Quantity surveyors are a Scrooges worst nightmare; they figure out the cost. They assess each stage of the process and examine all factors such as design, labour and regulations. They are also expected to play the role of Oracle in predicting situations that may arise in the course of the development...

Construction managers have a more general role to play in the construction process by planning, organising and managing the overall building project, and focusing on resources such as finance, labour, plant and materials.

Both professions are greatly in the demand at the moment according to the National Skills Bulletin 2007 provided by the Expert Group on Future Needs (EGFSN), which reflected shortages in these skills while demand is increasing.

Education

There are several dedicated quantity surveying courses in Irish higher-level education. These include degree courses in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics & Management, as well as higher certificate courses in Quantity Surveying. The CAO points required for all quantity surveying courses range from between 250 to 450 points, depending on the level and institution chosen.

There are a large number of Construction Studies and Construction Management options in the CAO system, including degrees and higher certificate courses. The CAO points required for these are in the 300 – 450 range.

A quantity-surveying course will cover subjects such as Construction Economics, Project Cost Management, Business Law, Financial Management and Tender Documentation. Projects form a major part of all courses and most students also undertake an extensive period of work experience.

Construction and Construction Management courses include subjects such as Construction Technology, Site Surveying, Drawing & CAD, Measurement & Costing, Quantity Surveying and Legal Studies.

Options After Qualification

In order to qualify as a chartered surveyor, you must either pass or obtain exemption from the examinations of the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS), before completing a minimum two-year period of training and work experience.

The main employers of quantity surveyors and construction managers are construction companies and property developers. However, you can also find work in government departments and specialist surveying companies, or gain employment as an independent consultant or in a private practice.

The Work

Quantity surveyors are often referred to as building accountants. Their main concern is cost control: before, during and after construction. They begin managing costs from the feasibility stage of a project and continue to do so right through to tendering and construction. When a building project is complete, they may be involved in preparing tax depreciation schedules, estimating replacement costs for insurance purposes and, if necessary, mediation and arbitration. They also ensure that work is carried out efficiently, approving payments to suppliers and employees and preparing bills.

There are two main areas of employment for the quantity surveyor – either they can work for the developer who is financing the project, or for the contractor who is carrying out the building work. Law and accountancy practices also use quantity surveyors to provide technical reports or expert advice.

The role of the construction manager involves overseeing everything that happens on the building site. This can mean hiring and supervising building staff and sub-contractors, managing specific projects, purchasing or renting equipment and materials, ensuring each step in the process takes place efficiently and on time, implementing new technologies and making sure health and safety or environmental requirements are fulfilled. Some construction managers can specialise in a particular area, while others oversee the whole project.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

Quantity surveyors must be organised and meticulous with figures. Construction managers should have good communication, management and administration skills.

Quantity surveyors and construction managers combine business suits with hard hats. Their time is generally divided between the office and the building site. Some will work on a project-by-project basis, which can mean being very busy at times and not so busy at others.

The Money

Graduate quantity surveyors can expect to start on a salary of €26,000 – €28,000, which can rise to €40,000 with a few years’ experience. Higher earners in the industry can take home over €55,000. Construction managers’ salaries are in the same range.

The Jargon

Cost Analysis: Deciding if something is worth the price

Tender Documents: Official legal documents that outline precisely the work to be done, and the fees to be paid

Surveying: The technique and science of measuring the angles and distances between points in 3D

Job Titles

Quantity Surveyor
Chartered Surveyor
Construction Economist
Construction Manager

Further Resources

Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS)
5 Wilton Place
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 676 5500
Web: www.scs.ie
Email: info@scs.ie

Construction Industry Federation (CIF)
Construction House
Canal Road
Dublin 6
Phone: 01 406 6000
Web: www.cif.ie
Email: cif@cif.ie

PM Group
Killakee House
Belgard Square
Tallaght
Dublin 24
Phone: 01 4040 700
Web: www.pmg.ie
Email: dublin@pmg.ie