Building surveyors advise clients about the design and construction of new buildings. They also advise on the maintenance and repair of existing buildings. Clients can range from home owners to large commercial and industrial companies. If you are interested in buildings and like the idea of a varied job where expert advice is key, this could be perfect for you.

Tasks:

• surveying properties, identifying structural faults and making recommendations for repairs
• assessing damage for insurance purposes, for example following a fire or flooding
• establishing who is responsible for building repair costs
• advising clients on issues such as property boundary disputes
• acting as a client’s supporter or standing as an expert witness during legal proceedings
• checking properties to make sure that they meet building regulations, and fire safety and accessibility standards
• dealing with planning applications and with improvement or conservation grants.

Key skills:

• good problem-solving skills
• excellent STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)
• the ability to work to a high degree of accuracy
• the ability to interpret data
• strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills
• the ability to prioritise and plan effectively
• an understanding of the client’s business needs
• a commitment to continuing professional development
• the ability to work as part of a team
• a comprehensive knowledge of building regulations
• an understanding of planning legislation, and health and safety.

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £23,000 and £38,000 a year

Qualifications and training required:

To qualify as a building surveyor, you will need to complete a degree course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), followed by a period of professional development training. Accredited RICS courses are available in subjects such as:

• surveying
• construction
• civil engineering
• building engineering.

If you have a non-RICS accredited degree, you will need to take a postgraduate course in surveying. You can do this through a company's graduate training scheme, or by studying full-time at a RICS-accredited university. If you are working in engineering or construction, you could take a distance learning postgraduate conversion course with the College of Estate Management (CEM).

If you have an HNC/HND or a foundation degree in surveying or construction, you may be able to start working as a surveying technician and take further qualifications to become a building surveyor. Please see the profile for technical surveyor in the Related careers section.

Source: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk