Quantity Surveying vs Civil Engineering – Know the Difference

In the construction industry, there are various professionals who contribute to the successful completion of projects.Two key professionals in this field are quantity surveyors and civil engineers. While they both operate within the construction industry, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly.

A Quantity Surveyor is a professional within the construction industry, concerned with cost, procurement, and contracts. To make it even more simple, the main reason a company would hire a quantity surveyor is to accurately manage the cost on a project.

A Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.

So, here’s the first difference. A QS is focused on the cost and value of a project and a construction manager is focused on the design, construction & maintenance You’re probably wondering what a day in the life of a QS & Civil Engineer is like too.

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A normal day for a Quantity Surveyor may include;

• Estimating or forecasting the cost of labour, plant, and material required for a project
• Preparing tender documents, contracts, budgets, bills of quantities and other documentation
• Tracking changes to the design or method of working and adjusting budget projections accordingly
• Procuring or agreeing on the services of contractors or subcontractors who work on the construction of the project
• Measuring and valuing the work completed on-site
• Issuing payments to subcontractors
• Liaising with the client and other construction professionals, such as site managers, project managers and site engineers
• Selecting and sourcing construction materials

A normal day for a Civil Engineer may include:

• Undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations
• Using a range of computer software for developing detailed designs
• Undertaking complex calculations
• Liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects and subcontractors
• Compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures
• Resolving design and development problems
• Managing budgets and project resources
• Scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries
• Making sure the project complies with legal requirements, especially health and safety
• Assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects
• Ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time

Skills Needed for Civil Engineers & Quantity Surveyors

Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects. Their primary responsibility is to estimate the costs associated with materials and labor, prepare budgets, and manage contracts.

They employ their expertise to provide accurate financial advice to clients, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Who are Quantity Surveyors

• price/forecast the cost of the different materials needed for the project;
• prepare tender documents, contracts, budgets, bills of quantities and other documentation;
• track changes to the design and/or construction work and adjust budget projections accordingly;
• procure or agree the services of contractors and/or subcontractors who work on the construction of the project;
• measure and value the work done on site;
• pay subcontractors;
• liaise with the client and other construction professionals, such as site managers, project managers and site engineers;
• select and/or source construction materials; and
• write reports.

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Quantity Surveyor Qualification

Responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors

Quantity surveyors have a diverse range of responsibilities, including:

1. Cost Estimation: Quantity surveyors meticulously assess the cost of materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project.They conduct thorough evaluations and research to provide accurate estimates.
2. Budget Preparation: Once the cost estimation is complete, quantity surveyors prepare detailed budgets that outline the anticipated expenses for various project stages.This helps stakeholders plan and allocate funds efficiently.
3. Contract Management: Quantity surveyors are proficient in managing contracts. They ensure that all parties involved adhere to contractual agreements, monitor progress, handle variations, and resolve disputes.
4. Financial Advice: Clients often seek the guidance of quantity surveyors on the best financing options for their construction projects.Quantity surveyors analyze the financial viability of different approaches and provide recommendations accordingly.

Is Quantity Surveying a Good Career?

Quantity Surveyor Skills

Apart from academic and technical knowledge, one should possess some skills to be a successful professional in quantity surveying. Some of the skills are:

• Budgeting skills
• Mathematical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Good financial skills
• Logical and thinking ability skills
• Communication skills
• Negotiation and team-building skills
• Organizational and planning skills
• Leadership skills

Job Role of a Quantity Surveyor Job and Salary

Quantity Surveyors are involved in multiple phases such as preparing Bill of Quantities, budgets, contract documents, cash flow, negotiating with contractors, and much analysis. So you need to know the job role of a quantity surveyor. Here is the list that will open you up for your great career Job.

·         Cost Planning and control

A QS Civil Engineers should prepare Cash Flow statements for all the activities including Bank Guarantees, Margin money, taxes, Office expenditure, and material costs. QS engineers have to verify and certify Running account bills of subcontractors, machinery, and work done bills. They determine profit and loss statements upon execution of the project. The budget prepared must be followed and controlled in order to yield profit to the contractor.

·         Evaluation of projects

On the basis of data given and from the market research, QS Engineers evaluate before construction, during construction, and till the completion and they also do cost analysis for maintenance and repair work. And Preparing tender and contract documents before starting the project.

·         Record of Financial data

They save data of financial conditions of all sites Record and keep analysis the Purchase orders, Work orders, and other activities are done through planning through SAP MM only. Prepare detailed progress reports after analyzing outcomes.

·         Contact to different departments

Contact stores, construction materials shops, and surveys to get the data of items procured, items left on-site to complete the job month-wise. Quantity Surveyor Civil Engineer helps contractors with bidding, project budgeting, and submitting bills to the client.

·         Daily material requirement schedule

Determination of daily material requirements against the plan of execution prepared by QS. You have to monitor material requirements every day so you don’t fall short in your construction activities. As huge money involves in BBS Bills. Construction Company loses or profits depending on perfection in BBS and your work is to reduce the scrap.

Education and Licensure

To pursue a career as a quantity surveyor, a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying is typically required.

This specialized education equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field.

While licensure is not mandatory in all jurisdictions, obtaining professional accreditation or certification can enhance career prospects and credibility.

Salary Range

If you want to enter the company as a Quantity Survey Engineer, they will provide your designation and the salary depending on the Size of the Company, Revenue Generation, and the Project Budget.

Junior Quantity Surveyor– you can get upto 17,000-22,000.

Assistant Quantity Surveyor-can expects 35,000 to50, 000 Per Month.

Senior Quantity Surveyor (5-10 Years of Experience)-up to Rupees 80,000 Per Month

This is just an average figure and can go to any maximum based on your overall profile.

Skills required for Quantity Surveyor

Quantity Surveyors are responsible for the cost of any building project from initial estimates to the final acquisition of materials. So To become a quantity surveyor, need some skills to be a successful professional. Here we’ve outlined the best skills to acquire.

• Good knowledge of construction– Mathematical Knowledge and sharp calculation speed.
• Financial and budgeting management skills- Important for working in the organization.
• Leadership and Team Building– Excellent communication & negotiating with Planning and Organizational skills are Extra advantages.
• Software skills– You should develop such skills as Microsoft Excel, and AutoCAD, and Estimation software Like CCS Candy, CostX to work smoothly.

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Career Goal Of a Quantity Surveyor

As of Now you would have the Knowledge of Quantity Surveyor Job and Salary. so, After several years of experience in the Quantity Survey industry, you have the opportunity to either become a contractor, Billing Engineer, or Project Manager. You can also choose to work abroad such as in Dubai. It ensures that you can pave the path of extraordinary success in this field and make incredible financial freedom. So who would you be from few years down the road, we have framed here some points to follow the career goals that you can set for your personal Triumph.

·         Good work Ethics

As you’re aiming for the next level, your goal must be to producing constructions that meet the client’s value. And not only that, Develop such work ethics which project as a Billing Civil Engineer or Procurement Engineer.

·         Thrive for the higher position

You could learn Bill Proposition, Reconciliation of materials, and Escalation to Build your own construction companies, become a property developer, Subcontractor, or project manager.

·         Develop Negotiations skills

So that you could be deal with everyone and someday you’ll be seeing yourself in a higher position.

·         Develop Learning Ability

as a Civil Engineer, you need to learn daily. The more you’ll learn, the more you go to the comfort position. You need to learn technical expect as well the self-development.

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Civil Engineers

• undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations;
• using a range of computer software for developing detailed designs;
• undertaking complex calculations;
• liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects and subcontractors;
• compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures;
• resolving design and development problems;
• managing budgets and project resources;
• scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries;
• making sure the project complies with legal requirements, especially health and safety;
• assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects; and
• ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time.

Who Are Civil Engineers?

Civil engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of physical infrastructure that forms the backbone of our society.

Their expertise ensures that structures, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, are safe, efficient, and sustainable.

Civil Engineers Qualification

To practice as an engineer in Malaysia, one must graduate with an engineering degree recognized by the Engineering Accreditation Department, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and be registered as a graduate engineer. Subsequently, one can apply to become a professional engineer.

Responsibilities of Civil Engineers

Civil engineers undertake a wide range of responsibilities throughout the lifecycle of a construction project, including:

1. Designing Structures: Civil engineers utilize their engineering knowledge and expertise to design structures that meet the functional, aesthetic, and safety requirements of projects.They employ advanced software and modeling techniques to create detailed designs and blueprints.
2. Overseeing Construction: Civil engineers play a critical role in overseeing construction activities.They collaborate with various stakeholders, including architects, contractors, and laborers, to ensure that projects are executed in accordance with design specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
3. Maintaining Infrastructure: Civil engineers are also involved in the ongoing maintenance and inspection of infrastructure.They assess the condition of structures, identify potential issues, and implement preventive measures to prolong their lifespan.

Requirements and skills

• Proven working experience in civil engineering
• Excellent knowledge of design and visualizations software such as AutoCAD,Civil 3D or similar
• Proficiency in site layout, grading, utility design, erosion control, regulatory approvals etc
• Project management and supervision skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• License of professional engineer
• BS/MA in Civil Engineering

Education and Licensure

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is the standard educational requirement for aspiring civil engineers. This degree program provides a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, and design concepts.

In addition, civil engineers may pursue advanced degrees or specialization in areas such as structural engineering, transportation engineering, or environmental engineering to enhance their expertise.

Licensure is a crucial aspect of a civil engineer’s career. In most countries, civil engineers are required to obtain a professional engineering license to practice independently and take responsibility for the safety and integrity of their designs.

Licensure typically involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gaining relevant work experience before sitting for the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

Salary Range

The salary range for civil engineers varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and sector of employment.

On average, civil engineers earn between $60,000 and $110,000 annually. Higher salaries are often associated with increased experience, advanced degrees, and specialization within the field.

Similarities and Collaborations

While quantity surveyors and civil engineers have distinct roles and responsibilities, their work often overlaps, and they collaborate closely on construction projects.

Both professionals contribute to the successful completion of a project by combining their expertise. Some areas of collaboration include:

1. Cost Management: Quantity surveyors and civil engineers work together to manage project costs effectively.Quantity surveyors provide accurate cost estimates and monitor expenses, while civil engineers ensure that design and construction activities align with the budget.
2. Contract Administration: Quantity surveyors play a significant role in contract management, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements.Civil engineers work closely with quantity surveyors to ensure that project milestones and deliverables are met, resolving any discrepancies that may arise.
3. Value Engineering: Quantity surveyors and civil engineers collaborate to optimize project value.They assess design alternatives, evaluate cost implications, and recommend value engineering solutions that balance functionality, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
4. Project Planning: Quantity surveyors contribute to project planning by providing financial insights and estimating the resources required.Civil engineers rely on this information to develop realistic project schedules and ensure that construction activities align with the overall project timeline.

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