Finance, Business, Law

Building Surveyor

If you enjoy problem solving and are interested in the design and construction of buildings, a career as a building surveyor would suit you

Building surveyors provide professional advice on property and construction, completing detailed reports known as building surveys. They identify defects and advise on repair and maintenance options.

As well as advising on the restoration and maintenance of existing buildings, they also work on the design and development of new buildings. The nature of the work may range from the design of large, multimillion-pound structures to modest adaptations and repairs. It can also involve working with buildings of architectural or historic importance.

Building surveyors often work on preventative measures to keep buildings in good condition and look for ways to make buildings sustainable. They may also be called upon to give evidence in court in cases where building regulations have been breached and as expert witnesses on building defects and dilapidations.

Discover more about this career and other professions in construction on one of our Budding Brunels courses - find a course near you.

This career information has been adapted from Prospects and National Careers Service

What are the key responsibilities for this position?

Key Responsibilities

ensure projects are completed on budget and to schedule;

advise clients on schemes and projects and determine requirements

prepare scheme designs with costings, programmes for completion of projects and specification of works

organise documents for tender and advise on appointing contractors, designers and procurement routes

determine the condition of existing buildings, identify and analyse defects, including proposals for repair

advise on energy efficiency, environmental impact and sustainable construction

instruct on the preservation/conservation of historic buildings

advise on the management and supervision of maintenance of buildings

deal with planning applications and advise on property legislation and building regulations

assess and design buildings to meet the needs of people with disabilities

instruct on construction design and management regulations

negotiate dilapidations (when there is a legal liability for a property's state of disrepair

carry out feasibility studies

advise on the health and safety aspects of buildings

advise on boundary and ‘right to light’ disputes and party wall procedures

prepare insurance assessments and claims

Why not come on one of our Budding Brunels courses to find out more about professions in construction? See our upcoming courses here.

Entry Requirements

an accredited 2.1 or higher RICS or CIOB degree, or a regular degree followed by an accredited conversion course

Academic requirements are more or less similar to those required for quantity surveyors

What key skills and personal attributes help with this role?

Skills & Attributes

technical knowledge and competence

a logical and practical mind

good oral and written communication skills

the ability to build lasting relationships with clients and colleagues

negotiation, presentation and report writing skills

the ability to analyse problems in order to identify solutions

commercial awareness and the ability to ensure that you are adding maximum value to clients' businesses

the ability to take on high levels of responsibility and be enthusiastic and motivated

good IT skills, including computer-aided design (CAD)

a driving licence - usually essential, especially if you are going to be involved in a design role

How much can you expect to earn and what are the career progression options?

The following figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salary & Progression

Graduate building surveyors can expect to earn around £22,000 to £26,000, although in London this may be higher

With a few years' experience building surveyors earn in the region of £28,000 to £50,000. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) the average salary is £44,000

Chartered building surveyors usually earn 15% more than their non-chartered counterparts; at senior level they can earn up to £70,000. Partners and directors have the potential to reach six-figure salaries

Salaries vary depending on location, with central London offering the highest

Additional benefits often include a company car, mobile telephone and pension

Income data from the RICS. Figures are intended as a guide only

Case Study

James Parr

Graduate Surveyor

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

Throughout the graduate programme my day-to-day role has changed, but the job always involves advising occupiers, landlords or investors on property occupation or investment performance, collaborating, analysing latest market transactions/ industry news and networking.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The mix of challenging, technical work alongside the social side of the industry.

Read the full interview here.

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