Regardless of the size of a project, it’s important to keep track of the materials and time consumed. This is because the costs of both materials and labour are skyrocketing. Big projects, in particular, make it necessary for the entire team to work together to stay on budget.

One of the key individuals who specialise in these tasks is the quantity surveyor. They are also known as the cost manager, project estimator, and cost estimator. If you enjoy working in the construction and design industry but want to focus on budgeting, this may be a suitable career for you.

What does quantity surveying involve?

It entails much of the preparation before the building begins so responsibilities include:

• Measuring the entire site for production
• Calculating the budget for the project
• Managing the construction workers
• Handling the tendering process
• Designing the economic plans
• Developing methods for high-quality work
• Conducting feasibility studies for realistic cost estimates
• Finding ways to reduce costs to ensure best value for money
• Adhering to legal and quality assurance requirements
• Analysing and negotiating contracts
• Providing advice for contractual and legal issues
• Assigning appropriate property value after completion
• Reconciling materials to determine the wastage
• Preparing client bills towards work accomplished
• Certifying and verifying running account bills
• Making cash flow statements for all activities
• Determining daily material requirements against plan of execution
• Controlling costs while procuring materials and hiring sub-contractors
• Doing rate analysis of building works or civil works
• Creating detailed project reports for determining bid costs
• Reviewing construction, architectural, and building plans
• Gathering data and quantification for verifying accomplishments
• Undergoing plan interpretation and quantity take-off
• Evaluating quotations from suppliers and sub-contractors
• Forecasting of final cost and sales in monthly valuation
• Helping clients in accessing alternative sources for funding
• Giving advice about property taxes and post-occupancy
• Assisting clients with initiating any building projects
• Offering insights on maintenance expenses
• Preparing contracts and other documents for site engineers and clients

Is it worth becoming a quantity surveyor?

It’s a good idea to pursue a job in quantity surveying if you have strong financial management skills plus if you enjoy travelling. Here is one major perk of a career in construction cost estimation:

Quantity surveyor salary

According to PayScale, the average salary for a cost estimator in the Philippines is PHP 295,529 per year. It has a minimum base salary of PHP 145,000 and bonuses that may reach PHP 117,000. Profit sharing might also go up to PHP 120,000.

Indeed, on the other hand, reports that the average monthly salary is at PHP 27,353 per month based on 173 salaries reported. Meanwhile, a senior position brings in around PHP 39,000 a month as per Glassdoor. An assistant role pays PHP 209,459 per year as estimated by SalaryExpert.

Given the shortage of qualified professionals in this industry, it makes sense that salaries are competitive. Depending on your level of experience, skills, and knowledge, you may be able to make a comfortable amount in this field of work.

Other things to expect as a project estimator

• It is not as intellectually demanding as engineering and calls for only basic mathematics.
• It may be arranged to be office-based or even fully remote, according to employer-type.
• It is becoming more welcoming to women recruits in both the public and private sectors.
• It is possible to do freelance work for it, if you have the working experience.
• It tends to have flexible schedules, depending on where the client is based geographically.

What are the drawbacks of this career?

Like any other job out there, there are downsides to becoming a cost estimator too. These include:

• Regular usage and implementation of mathematical principles
• Constant need to communicate with clients and the workers
• Routine paperwork and being in front of a computer all day

The drawbacks listed above are easy to resolve considering the unique nature of the profession. Those who are fully remote and are bored of working at home may head to a co-working space for a change, for instance.

How to become a quantity surveyor

Since it isn’t possible to attain a quantity surveying degree in the Philippines, the closest thing you may study is civil engineering. This isn’t a must though, and it’s fine to pursue a different course as long as it offers relevant knowledge in:

• Geography
• Urban studies
• Structural engineering
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Building and construction

Other technical skills and/or requirements

Even if you don’t have a bachelor degree, you may enter this profession if you possess the following:

• Knowledge in preparing work breakdown structures
• Ability to make financial reports and analysis
• Familiarity with bidding proposals and costing
• Working knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
• Strong mathematical or numerical skills
• Ability to outsource and negotiate sub-contractors
• Familiarity with process orientation
• Time management and planning skills
• Knowledge of risk analysis, cost benefit, and cost control
• In-depth understanding of materials and pricing
• Ability to relay complex information in a clear way
• Innovative and creative problem-solving skills
• Capability to lead people of different backgrounds
• Detailed understanding of past and present technologies
• Awareness of common commercial and legal issues

Is quantity surveying for you?

With the shortage of professionals and an increase in construction activities, it’s definitely worth pursuing a career as a cost manager. It’s also nice that quantity surveyor salary is competitive even if you don’t have a degree in civil engineering.

If this is a career you’re interested in, let us at Remote Workmate help you. Being that we’re an offshore staffing agency, we only provide virtual opportunities and no onsite roles though. If you prefer working online, we are more than happy to guide you in your remote work journey.