Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Working Life

Quantity surveyors and construction economists, sometimes known as construction cost consultants, work for either the client or contractor and can be based in an office or on site.

Their role is to manage all costs relating to construction projects from initial design calculations to the final account, seeking to minimise costs and enhance value for money, while achieving the required standards and quality.

Typical tasks for a quantity surveyor or construction economist include:

• Researching and preparing construction budgets for a range of construction and construction related projects
• Planning the costs of each phase of the project to ensure value formoney and also sustainability in terms of the overall project
• Advising both contractors and state agencies on costing related matters for various construction projects
• Advising on choosing contractors and procurement processes
• Administering the costs during the project for both contractor and other related parties, such as the client
• Negotiation and dispute resolution
• Taxation and funding advice

All aspects of the project need to be correctly costed and financially sustainable. If the costings are too restrictive, the project’s overall quality could suffer, if they are too generous, funds could be exhausted before the project is completed, so it’s a question of balance and being realistic about what can be achieved by analysing the timeframe in which it is expected that the project be completed and the available funding for the project.

The quantity surveyor controls the cost by accurate measurement of work combined with their expert knowledge of prices for work, labour, materials and plant required.  
 
Private practice and central and local government quantity surveyors are usually office based and work from a fixed location. They use architect's plans to make an initial estimate of the cost of a project. They then produce a more detailed breakdown of costs and quantities known as the Bill of Quantities. They send this to building contractors so they can work out their bids for the project. Finally, they assess the bids they receive so they and their clients can decide who to give the project to.  
 
Local and central government quantity surveyors also control expenditure on ongoing programmes, making the best use of budgets and balancing maintenance against new construction work. They must make sure that all design decisions are made at the start of the project to ensure good value is obtained for money spent. There are 2 kinds of quantity surveyor - one who carrys out work on behalf of an organisation and one who works for a construction company.  
 
Commercial quantity surveyors are employed by building and civil engineering contractors. They prepare bids for construction work, and make sure that work is completed on time and to the required standard and that the contractor makes a profit. They assess the effect of any changes to the project or disruption in work and discuss it with the client's quantity surveyor.  
 
Commercial quantity surveyors are usually based on construction sites and may need to move around the country for projects.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
• Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organising, and scheduling work.
• Analyse blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
• Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
• Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.

Further Information

• Quantity Surveyor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Quantity surveyor- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

To gain a professional recognition as a surveyor in Ireland you first need to complete a degree accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Those with degree from other disciplines can still become a surveyor by taking an accredited property degree or postgraduate conversion course. 

Surveyors specialise in one of the following areas of construction & valuations:

• Quantity Surveying
• Building Surveying
• Project Management Surveyor
• Property  
• Facilities Management
• Residential/ Rural/ Commercial Surveyor
• Valuations Surveyor
• Planning & development surveyor
• Geomatics
• Minerals & Mining survey

Training & Development 

Many colleges and universities throughout the country offer courses in surveying. A full list of accredited degrees is available on the SCSI website.

Candidates are advised to check individual institutions for course details.

The next step is to undertake a period of training in employment and complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This is a structured practical training programme, which takes about two years to complete in the workplace, so you will need to be prepared to combine work and study.

The training structure is based on a set of skills known as ‘competences’, which are a mix of technical and professional practice skills along with interpersonal, financial, business and management skills.

Professional Development 

Upon successful completion of the  Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), you apply to become a member of the SCSI and the RICS.

SCSI website status as a chartered surveyor will accelerate career progression and support self-employment in private practice. As this is a globally recognised professional qualification, it will also be recognised if you wish to work overseas, and continue to upskill. 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €110k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Lincoln / Brightwater/ Morgan McKinley/ Clark/ Sigmar/ Azon/ Excel

Last Updated: July, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Architects; Town planners; Quantity surveyors; Chartered surveyors; Chartered architectural technologists.    

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation, although employment levels declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to quantity surveyors and issues with recruitment of quantity surveyors were also evident in both the Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey data.

The supply of quantity surveyors has increased since 2016, with 336 awards in 2021 in higher education. The demand for these skills is expected to be sustained in the coming years, although the tasks may be incorporated into other occupations e.g. structural engineer. With supply increasing, issues with recruitment may lessen in future years. Demand for architects and town planners is likely to continue, although the data does not currently point to issues in relation to sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles. 

• Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

  • The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6445500
  • [email protected]
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• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
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