Building surveyor

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree or professional qualification approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in a subject like:

• surveying
• construction
• civil engineering
• building engineering

If you graduated in any other subject, you could do a surveying postgraduate conversion course. These usually lead to a master's degree or postgraduate diploma.

Entry requirements vary, so check with individual universities which degrees might be preferred.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship.

It may be possible to work towards this role by doing a surveying technician apprenticeship. This will teach you some of the skills and knowledge required. You would then need to take further qualifications to gain chartered surveyor status.

RICS has more information on surveying apprenticeships.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

If you have a relevant foundation degree or higher national diploma and are working, for example as a surveying technician, you may be able to get more qualifications on the job.

OtherRoutes

You could do a postgraduate surveying qualification through:

• a company graduate trainee scheme
• distance learning with the University College of Estate Management

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• analytical thinking skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• thinking and reasoning skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• customer service skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Building surveyors advise clients about the design, construction, maintenance and repair of buildings.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• survey properties, identify structural faults and recommend repairs
• assess damage for insurance purposes
• establish who's responsible for building repair costs
• advise clients on issues like property boundary disputes
• act as an expert witness during legal proceedings
• make sure properties meet building regulations, fire safety and accessibility standards
• deal with planning applications and improvement or conservation grants

Location : You could work on a construction site, at a client's home or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £70,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into project or senior management.

You could go into partnership in private practice or become self-employed as a consultant.

You could move into a related field, like building control.