Building surveyors are mainly concerned with building materials. They apply their measuring and surveying skills to various tasks required by building contractors and quantity surveyors.
Building surveyors measure the building work already completed on sites by means of a very specific system, which is standardized throughout South Africa. The information obtained from measuring the work is used to issue monthly certificates and also to determine whether the company is running at a profit.
Before commencement of building projects, professional quantity surveyors make cost estimations. These estimates are presented in the form of complete lists of all items necessary to complete projects and are known as 'bills of quantity'. Building surveyors then analyze these bills of quantity and price all items such as materials, labour and plant. In this way they arrive at tender amounts, which are submitted as offers for building contracts.
When the building project is started, building surveyors prepare budgets and do the necessary financial planning for various projects within the larger overall project. They negotiate with manufacturers and suppliers of building materials for the best prices, while keeping the costs for the completion of each separate project in mind.
Building surveyors also need to ensure that the flow of materials to building sites runs smoothly to ensure that the right quantities are available where and when needed. When certain parts of buildings have been completed, building surveyors are responsible for surveying the completed work and issuing payment certificates, so contractors can be paid.
Building surveyors are responsible for the correct and timeous settlement of account of contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers of building materials.
Building surveyors can also work for, and assist, quantity surveyors; for example, in measuring the builders' work and help to compile bills of quantity. They may also issue monthly valuation certificates, measure variations and help with the preparation of final accounts.
In large companies senior building surveyors mainly perform management functions. They advise the company on aspects such as legal documentation and the financial implications regarding the use of particular materials.
The building industry is continually being further mechanized and computers are therefore essential tools to building surveyors. This occupation requires both being indoors, as well as outdoors. They work mostly in offices, making calculations and compiling reports. However, it is also necessary to visit building sites.
Satisfying Aspects
- taking part in the creation of architectural masterpieces
- variety of work
- being able to work in various locations
Demanding aspects
- many different areas to supervize and control
- pressure due to time constraints
- frustrations with uncooperative and unreliable staff
Requirements
A building surveyor should:
- have an interest in figures, computers and people
- be able to work quickly and very accurately
- be able to maintain good interpersonal relations
- be reliable and responsible
- have perseverance
- be able to visualize building work that still needs to be done
- have aptitude for figure work
- be an organized, methodical worker
- be able to work well under pressure
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Physical Sciences, Accounting
Training
Diploma: N.Dip: Building; NH.Dip: Construction Management - UJ, CPUT, DUT, TUT, NMMU
Employer
- quantity surveyors
- building contractors
- construction companies
- property developers
- government departments
- local government
- mining houses
- financial and insurance institutions
- self-employment, as a consultant in the industry
Contact
Master Builders South Africa (MBSA)
P O Box 1619
Halfway House, 1685
CMA Office and Conference Park
234 Alexandra Avenue
Midrand
Tel: (011) 205-9000 Fax: (011) 315-1644
The Director
The Building Industries Training Board
P O Box 1955
Halfway House, 1685
Tel: (011) 805-1985
www.mbsa.org.za