What, you may ask, is a 'Quantity Surveyor'? Also known as a Construction Economist, or Cost Manager, a Quantity Surveyor is a professional adviser to the construction industry on matters pertaining to construction cost and schedule. As a profession, it is most often found in British Commonwealth countries where it is well recognized and four-year degree courses in it are offered by major universities. Quantity Surveyors estimate and manage construction costs and schedule, from the feasibility stage of a project through to the completion of the construction period. After construction they may be involved with tax depreciation schedules, replacement cost estimation for insurance purposes, maintenance and replacement forecasts and if necessary, mediation and arbitration.
Quantity Surveyors are employed predominantly on building and construction projects as consultants to the owner, in both the public and private sectors. They work closely with architects, financiers, engineers, contractors, suppliers, project owners, accountants, insurance underwriters, attorneys and Courts and with all levels of government.
In addition to new projects, Quantity Surveyors also use their skills in the renovation of old buildings, alterations to existing buildings and insurance replacement estimates.