If you’re looking into a career as a construction estimator/quantity surveyor, I highly recommend taking the time to thoroughly research the role of quantity surveyors and the knowledge required for the job. As someone who runs a successful quantity surveying firm, I've got the inside scoop on what it takes to make it in this field, and I feel many may find this information valuable.
In this article, I'll be breaking down everything you need to know about being an estimator/ quantity surveyor. We'll talk about what these roles involve, the key differences between them, and how you can become one.
Let's dive in!
- Overview
- The Roles
- Similarities and Differences
- Services Provided
- Skills and Knowledge
- Certification
- Additional Notes
Estimators, Quantity Surveyors, and Construction Cost Consultants are all professionals that play critical roles in the construction industry in Canada. These individuals are responsible for helping to ensure that construction projects run smoothly and within budget by preparing reliable and accurate cost estimates. While these professions share some similarities, they each have distinct differences in terms of their role, services, priorities, and clients.
The Roles of Construction Estimators and Quantity Surveyors
Construction estimators are professionals who specialize in quantifying the materials, labor, and equipment required to complete a construction project. They prepare estimates on a wide range of areas, including civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical scopes of work. On the other hand, a quantity surveyor is a professional who also has expertise in real estate development, construction cost management, construction finance, and construction law. He is knowledgeable about all financial matters related to any development project, such as land costs, design costs, municipal fees and charges, and financial costs, and is responsible for cost monitoring or cost management from the inception of a project to its closeout stage.
Similarities and Differences
One of the main similarities between estimators and quantity surveyors is that they both play a critical role in helping construction projects to be successful. Both professions help to craft estimates that reduce financial risks and provide greater cost control to project managers. This, in turn, helps builders to achieve the visions they have for their projects within a designated schedule and budget.
However, there are some key differences between estimators and quantity surveyors. For example, estimators typically work for a general contractor or subcontractor company, while a quantity surveyor is usually an independent consultant or an employee of the owner. Estimators typically prepare estimates for the purpose of securing work for their company, while quantity surveyors provide services for the owner’s cost planning through the development process, courts, or lenders.
Services Provided
The services provided by quantity surveyors are much wider than simply estimating construction costs. Some of the key services they offer include project budget proforma preparation (including land, hard and soft costs, including design costs and financing), loan monitoring (including developer’s budget review, progress reports, cash flow projection, documentation, and technical review), litigation support and expert witness services, life cycle costing, and payment certification.
A quantity surveyor (CEC) can perform various functions, including pricing and preparing formal tender submissions, managing, administering, and coordinating all types of construction projects, conducting pre-bid negotiations with subcontractors and suppliers, negotiating contracts with owners, preparing estimates and measuring quantities, verifying subcontractor and supplier payments, pricing and negotiating change orders, preparing construction progress schedules, preparing monthly cost forecasts and progress claims, and recording final unit prices for database reference.
What You Need to Know if You Want to Build a Career as a Construction Estimator or Quantity Surveyor
To become a successful estimator or quantity surveyor, there are certain skills and knowledge that are essential. Construction estimators need to be knowledgeable in construction design, construction techniques, and methods of measurements of construction work. On the other hand, quantity surveyors need to have knowledge in construction and real estate development economics, construction project financing, construction law, construction procurement methods, and accounting.
Quantity surveyors may specialize in mechanical or electrical disciplines within the construction industry. However, they are required to have a working knowledge of the practical aspects and design features of both mechanical and electrical fields.
Self-study is key to earning certification, so I suggest investing in educational resources such as books to aid in your learning.
Keep in mind that the education and certification process will take several years. During that time, look for opportunities to work as an estimator in a construction company and complete the required diary.
Construction Estimator Certification and Professional Bodies
The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) is the only professional body in Canada that certifies both estimators and quantity surveyors. The CIQS manages the internationally recognized designation of "Professional Quantity Surveyor" (PQS), which can only be used by qualified, certified members of the institute. PQS's play a critical role in construction projects, serving as advisors to building owners, developers, designers, and contractors on, among other things, cost planning, value engineering, risk management, claims analysis, and life cycle costing.
To become a quantity surveyor, one must have successfully completed the TPE for the CEC designation, mechanical or electrical requirements, or have been admitted to sit the Direct Final Examination for PQS or the Mature Candidate Examination for PQS. Alternatively, one can possess an equivalent professional qualification but has not completed the TPE requirements for PQS. Another qualification option is obtaining the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Gold Seal Certified Estimator (GSC) designation.
The CIQS also manages the nationally recognized designation of "Construction Estimator Certified" (CEC), which can only be used by qualified, certified members of the institute.
The CIQS website is the place for you to get started.
Additional Notes
Gaining experience in estimating different scopes of work is critical and can have a synergistic effect, allowing you to better understand the project as a whole. I suggest aiming for experience in estimating at least two to four different scopes of work to become an excellent CEC or PQS.
Good luck on your journey!