What is The difference Between a building surveyor and quantity surveyor?
In the dynamic world of build environment and property management, building surveyors and quantity surveyors play crucial yet distinct roles. Whilst their titles might sound similar, their professional responsibilities differ significantly.
Building Surveyors:
Building surveyors are technical experts dedicated to assessing and improving property conditions. They conduct comprehensive property surveys, including RICS home surveys, identifying potential structural issues and providing expert recommendations for repair, maintenance, and restoration.
Their primary focus is evaluating building conditions to ensure safety, functionality, and potential enhancement. They inspect properties meticulously, offering strategic insights into maintaining and improving built environments.
Quantity Surveyors:
Quantity surveyors serve as the financial linchpins of construction projects. From project inception, they work closely with clients and contractors, delivering critical financial and logistical expertise.
Their responsibilities encompass precise project cost estimation, material requirement calculations, detailed project timeline development, procurement management, and comprehensive commercial guidance. They transform complex financial challenges into structured, manageable project frameworks.
Key Distinctions
Building surveyors concentrate on physical property assessment and improvement strategies, whereas quantity surveyors specialise in financial planning, cost control, and project economic management.
Building surveyors typically engage during and after construction to assess building condition. In contrast, quantity surveyors are involved from the earliest project stages, conducting preliminary cost analyses and maintaining financial oversight throughout the development process.
Career Pathways in the Built Environment
Both professions offer exciting opportunities for professionals passionate about construction, property management, and strategic planning. Success requires continuous learning, practical experience, and professional certifications.
Interested in exploring opportunities within the built environment? Learn more on the RICS website:
Becoming a Building Surveyor: https://www.rics.org/surveyor-careers/surveying/what-surveyors-do/what-is-a-building-surveyor
Becoming a Quantity Surveyor: https://www.rics.org/surveyor-careers/surveying/what-surveyors-do/what-is-a-quantity-surveyor
About Munday + Cramer
Munday + Cramer is a leading professional services firm providing expert guidance and innovative solutions across the built environment and project management sectors.