Building surveyor

Building surveyors provide professional advice on all aspects of property and construction. They work in a wide range of areas such as designing new buildings, refurbishments, specifying and supervising construction work and altering and extending existing buildings.

They ensure properties conform to regulations governing issues like public access, health and safety and energy conservation.

Did you know?
RICS (The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is very keen to encourage more women into this field of work, as currently women make up just 10% of RICS-qualified surveyors.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Varies from £18,000 to £20,000 for graduates. Chartered Building Surveyors earn between £25,000 and £35,000.

  • Senior level salary:

    Partners in surveying firms can earn over £75,000.

  • Education:

    You'll need an accredited degree or diploma in building surveying, but other professional qualifications may also be acceptable, such as architecture or civil engineering. There are also conversion courses for those with non-related degrees.

  • Skills:

    You'll need to be strong in maths and IT and have good organisational and communication skills. You also need to be able to write well and make presentations.

  • Likely employer type:

    Large multinational construction and property firms, small private surveying practices and local authorities. Professionals can also work for banks, insurance companies, housing associations, department stores and hotels.

  • Working hours:

    Generally 9am to 5pm, although longer hours may be required for meeting and socialising with clients.

  • Opportunities:

    Building surveyors are in considerable demand nationally.

  • Number of professionals:

    RICS has 140,000 members worldwide.

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