A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a highly qualified construction professional who specializes in the management of costs and risk within the construction sector. Their role is to advise clients on the best methods of achieving cost effective construction works and minimizing risk associated with construction projects. This advice may include identifying any potential risks that need to be addressed in the project plan, developing control systems for costs and budgets, and providing estimates on the cost of a project. The role of a Quantity Surveyor in Ireland is to ensure that clients are offered the best possible value for money on projects.
There are certain steps that need to be taken in order to become an expert Quantity Surveyor in Ireland. The first step is to ensure that you meet the necessary qualifications for the role. This will include a Level 8 degree along with professional certification. It is also necessary to gain relevant professional experience and attend on-the-job training. As well as academic qualifications, there are certain skills and knowledge that need to be demonstrated in order to become an expert Quantity Surveyor in Ireland.
In order to become a Quantity Surveyor in Ireland, you will need to obtain a Level 8 degree in a subject relevant to the industry such as Construction Economics, Quantity Surveying or Project Management. In some cases, universities in Ireland will require the completion of additional professional examinations set by accredited bodies in order to graduate. In addition to a degree, it is necessary to obtain professional certification in order for a Quantity Surveyor to work in Ireland.
A Level 8 degree in a relevant subject such as Construction Economics, Quantity Surveying or Project Management is the minimum academic requirement for becoming a Quantity Surveyor in Ireland. The course should be accredited by a recognised institution, such as The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This qualification is necessary for gaining an understanding of the core principles involved in quantity surveying and gaining an insight into the construction industry in Ireland. It will also provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out your role.
Along with the Level 8 degree, it is also necessary to obtain professional certification from an appropriate body in order to gain employment as a Quantity Surveyor. This certification is awarded by institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This certification demonstrates your knowledge of the industry as well as your commitment to professional standards and ethical practice. It is also necessary to renew this certification on an annual basis.
In addition to academic qualifications, it is also necessary to gain professional experience as a Quantity Surveyor in order to become an expert in the field. There are various methods of gaining this professional experience such as working in an existing surveying practice, taking on a placement or internship with a construction firm, or undertaking a supervised on-the-job training programme. The more professional experience that is gained, the better equipped a Quantity Surveyor will be in terms of understanding the necessary requirements of the job and carrying out their role effectively.
The first step in gaining professional experience is to carry out placements or internships within an existing surveying practice or construction firm. This provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field by working alongside experienced Quantity Surveyors and learning the necessary skills required for the job. This can be an invaluable opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the job and become familiar with the industry. It is also worth attending conferences and seminars in order to network with other professionals in the field.
In addition to professional experience, it is also beneficial to undertake supervised on-the-job training programmes. This will provide an opportunity to gain an understanding of the day-to-day role of a Quantity Surveyor as well as the experience needed to become an expert. The training programmes available will vary depending on the individual, however they will generally include practical experience, skills training, and ongoing assessment and feedback.
Along with the academic qualifications and professional experience needed for becoming a Quantity Surveyor in Ireland, there are certain skills and knowledge that need to be demonstrated in order to become an expert. This includes an understanding of construction processes, knowledge of construction codes and regulations, understanding of financial management and cost analysis, knowledge of valuation and estimation, knowledge of risk management, and understanding of different types of contracts.
One of the key skills required for becoming a Quantity Surveyor is an understanding of the various construction processes. This involves knowledge of the project lifecycle from initiation to closure, the key steps in each stage of the process, and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities required at each stage. This knowledge is necessary in order to effectively manage the cost and risk associated with a construction project.
It is also necessary for a Quantity Surveyor to have a good knowledge of the relevant construction codes and regulations in Ireland. This knowledge is necessary in order to ensure that projects are designed and managed in accordance with the law and to ensure that clients are not exposed to any legal risks. A Quantity Surveyor should also be familiar with the planning process and any relevant licencing requirements in order to ensure that projects are completed within the required time frame and to budget.
Quantity Surveyors need an understanding of financial management and cost analysis in order to provide advice to clients on the most cost effective methods to deliver a project. This may include conducting detailed cost analyses of the project and advising on the most appropriate costing systems to use in order to maximize cost savings. A Quantity Surveyor will also need to provide advice on budgetary control systems and manage contract and variation costs throughout the project. This requires a good knowledge of financial management and cost analysis.
It is also important for a Quantity Surveyor to have a good understanding of valuation and estimation processes in order to provide accurate and reliable estimates of the cost of a project. This includes knowledge of the various methods of valuation such as Cost Plus, Lump Sum, and Design & Build. A Quantity Surveyor should also be able to accurately estimate resources required for a project and identify any potential cost savings that can be achieved.
Risk management is an important part of the role of a Quantity Surveyor. This involves identifying any potential risks associated with a project and developing strategies to minimize these risks. A Quantity Surveyor will need to be familiar with the various techniques of risk management such as risk avoidance, risk transfer and risk mitigation. They will also need to be able to accurately assess the likelihood of a risk occurring and the potential financial and legal implications. This requires a good understanding of the principles of risk management.
A Quantity Surveyor needs to have a thorough understanding of the different types of contracts used in the construction industry in order to ensure that clients are offered the best possible value for money on projects. This knowledge includes understanding the differences between Standard and Linked forms of contract, Fixed Price, Cost Plus and Design & Build contracts. It is also necessary to understand the terms and conditions of these contracts in order to ensure that cost and time estimates are realistic and accurate.
As well as the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become a Quantity Surveyor, it is also important to have a good understanding of the various soft skills required for the job. This includes communication skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, time management skills, and negotiation skills. These soft skills are necessary in order for a Quantity Surveyor to carry out their role effectively and ensure that projects are managed in a professional and efficient manner.
Communication skills are an important part of any role, and this is especially true for the role of a Quantity Surveyor. This involves the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in order to ensure that clients are kept up to date with the progress of the project. It also requires the ability to provide clear and concise advice in a way that can easily be understood by clients. This is an essential skill for any Quantity Surveyor.
A Quantity Surveyor needs to have strong problem-solving skills in order to be able to effectively manage the cost and risk associated with a project. This involves the ability to quickly identify potential problems and develop solutions in order to minimize the potential impact. This requires a good understanding of the construction process and the ability to quickly identify potential risks.
Analytical skills are essential for a Quantity Surveyor in order to accurately analyse the cost and risk of a project. This involves the ability to analyse data, interpret information, and make decisions based on this information. It also requires the ability to identify cost and time savings and to negotiate the best possible contractual terms and conditions.
Time management skills are also an important part of the role of a Quantity Surveyor. This involves the ability to manage tasks efficiently and ensure that projects are completed on time and to budget. It also requires the ability to plan and organise work in order to meet tight deadlines, and to work under pressure when required.
Finally, it is important for a Quantity Surveyor to have strong negotiation skills. This involves the ability to effectively negotiate contractual terms and conditions in order to achieve the best possible value for money for clients. It also requires the ability to manage disputes and resolve conflict in an efficient manner. This is a vital skill for any Quantity Surveyor in Ireland.
In order to gain employment as a Quantity Surveyor in Ireland, it is necessary to join one of the various professional bodies in the sector. These bodies include The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Ireland (IQS). Each of these organisations offer a range of benefits to their members, such as access to expertise, training and development opportunities, conferences and events, and networking opportunities.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is one of the leading professional bodies in the property, construction and infrastructure sector and offers a range of qualifications and career development opportunities for Quantity Surveyors in Ireland. Membership of RICS is highly sought after and provides members with access to a range of benefits, including practical experience, mentoring and networking. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is an international professional body which promotes, educates and develops the construction industry, offering a range of qualifications and professional development opportunities for Quantity Surveyors. The Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Ireland (IQS) is a national organisation which represents the interests of Quantity Surveyors in Ireland, providing members with access to support and advice, training and development opportunities, and networking opportunities.
Joining a professional body provides numerous benefits to a Quantity Surveyor, including access to experts and mentors who can provide assistance in developing the skills and knowledge needed to become an expert in the field. Membership also provides access to training and development opportunities which can give an insight into the various aspects of the job, as well as networking opportunities which can help to further a career. Furthermore, membership of a professional body can demonstrate to employers that a Quantity Surveyor has the necessary qualifications and experience to carry out their role effectively.
There are a variety of employment opportunities for expert Quantity Surveyors in Ireland. This includes working in the public sector, in private firms, or as independent consultants. There are also opportunities to work as travel surveyors for international organisations or companies. The average salary for a Quantity Surveyor in Ireland can vary depending on the role and location, however the average salary is around €40,000
The job market for Quantity Surveyors in Ireland has been steadily increasing in recent years due to an increased demand for cost-effective construction projects, with a growing number of organisations looking for Quantity Surveyors to manage projects and advise on cost savings. There is a wide variety of roles and locations
In a recent report from BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland, construction activity witnessed a decline in November, marking the fifth consecutive monthly drop according to its Construction Total Activity Index.
The organization highlights that respondents attribute this downturn to a combination of factors, including a general economic slowdown, project completions, and delays in decision-making by clients.
The report reveals a contraction in all three categories it measures, with housing experiencing the most substantial decline since April. As the construction sector navigates these challenges, industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the landscape for potential shifts and opportunities in the coming months.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
According to the Construction Industry Federation’s Q3 construction outlook survey half of construction companies in Ireland remain positive about the health of the industry despite 76% reporting a year-on-year increase in labour costs and 64% citing a year-on-year increase in raw materials.
The survey also found that turnover and employment figures in the sector continue to increase.
Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation said: “Regrettably, increasing costs in the form of labour and raw materials continue to put upward pressure on pricing across all sub sectors. It’s likely that unsustainable cost increases in labour and materials could affect the viability of some projects.”
The survey of 220 construction companies found that:
Respondents observed an increase in housebuilding, civil and general construction, and a decrease in commercial development. Some respondents identified a healthier pipeline of work expected to emerge by Quarter 2 2024, but warn of a potential slowdown in the civil engineering sector, if some key projects get delayed in the planning process.
Respondents signal that these and other planning delays, funding issues, stalled public projects and access to skilled operatives will continue to challenge the sector throughout 2024.
Hubert Fitzpatrick said: “With the uncertainty surrounding current global events and economic headwinds that may slow the growth of the economy in the short term, the recent investment funds announced in the budget are welcome to help create more business certainty across the built environment.
“The Construction Industry Federation welcomes this and will continue to work with Government on its commitment to addressing constraints to NDP delivery in areas such as planning, public sector capacity, digital adoption, housing delivery, and skills. This ensures that the construction sector has grounds for increased positivity in 2024.”
Read the Construction Industry Federation Quarter 3 Economic Outlook Survey.
TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick – Construction Day welcomes Leaving Certificate and 5th year students to visit the Moylish campus, Limerick on Tuesday 12th December from 11.00am – 1.00pm to learn about Level 8 and Level 7 degrees in Construction and the Built Environment.
Course information talks will take place from 11.00am – 12.00pm, followed by a tour of the built environment labs and workshops.
To book a place for your school, contact Dr Pat Gill at: pat.gill@tus.ie
11.00am – 12.00pm Course Information Talks
12.00pm – 1.00m Visit to Built Environment labs and workshops
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
In the latest report on construction activity, the sector faced its fourth consecutive monthly contraction in output.
The Construction Total Activity Index, adjusted for seasonal variations, indicated a solid pace of decline, faster than that observed in September but less severe than the contractions experienced over the summer.
A survey involving 150 construction firms revealed a general slowdown in market conditions, with rising input prices contributing to a marked increase in overall expenses for October. BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland's Director and Head of Research, John McCartney, attributed the residential activity slowdown to a rise in completions outpacing commencements.
However, he highlighted the surprising expansion in commercial activity, pointing to delayed Dublin office space projects.
While the medium-term outlook for residential construction looks promising, the commercial sector faces a downturn in speculative office starts.
Despite the overall contraction in the construction index, the commercial index returned to marginal growth in October, ending a three-month decline.
Employment in the sector continued to grow, with optimism for the future tempered by concerns about a potentially weaker economic climate impacting construction activity.
The State Housing Agency's recent figures for August showed a positive trend, with construction beginning on 2,770 homes, the highest number in August in the past five years.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Ireland must rapidly upskill and expand its construction workforce over the next decade to meet critical housing and climate goals, warns a new report by the Technological University of the Shannon.
The study projects that 284,000 additional and reskilled construction workers will be required by 2030. This includes 120,000 new hires and 164,000 existing workers needing retraining. An added 26,000 third-level engineering and construction students must also gain new skills.
The research highlights worrying gaps as enrollment in construction courses, though growing, remains low. Apprenticeships are also decreasing, with shortages of plumbers and carpenters especially acute.
Engineers are also urgently needed, with estimates showing a 30-40% deficit in electrical, structural, civil and energy engineering roles, as well as quantity surveyors.
Achieving Ireland's housing and emissions targets will require better utilization of current buildings, high-quality renovations, and innovative construction techniques, the report emphasizes.
Upskilling the existing workforce and attracting new talent into construction careers is deemed critical to deliver progress on these pressing national priorities.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
The latest Morgan McKinley Quarterly Employment Monitor has revealed that the Construction sector faced a shortage of new graduates and professionals at junior levels between July and September 2023.
The report also found that senior roles in maintenance engineering and reliability saw growing demand in line with the expansion of facilities around the country.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Practical Approaches to Remanufacturing & Circular Economy in Construction takes place on Wednesday, October 11 · 9:30am - 1pm at Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, 1A Naas Road D22 X5N7 Newlands Cross.
Together, building and construction are responsible for approx. 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions and the adoption of approaches to reduce this level are urgently required. Construction and demolition waste is the largest waste stream produced in Ireland and represents one third of all waste produced within the European Union.
This workshop introduces practical approaches to enhancing sustainability within the construction sector, with a particular focus on remanufacturing. Included in the overview, will be an introduction to the broad sustainability issues facing manufacturers of construction products. These include the gradual increase in Irish carbon charges per ton of CO2 emitted, from €48.5 currently, to €100 / ton in 2030. The impact of a number of European directives which impact on manufacturers will also be discussed, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), as well as the Critical Raw Materials Act.
Amongst the speakers will be David Peck from TU Delft who heads up a European Institution for Innovation and Technology (EIT) project on remanufacturing. The overall aim of this workshop is to enhance the awareness of sustainability issues facing manufacturers within the construction sector, as well as to provide practical advice and support to address these issues.
9:30 AM - 9:40 AM
Workshop introduction
Jamie Goggins, Director, Construct Innovate
9:40 AM - 10:00 AM
Introduction to the sustainable manufacturing and remanufacturing construction
Denis Dowling, Director, I-Form
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Circularity & remanufacturing in buildings & infrastructure-what did we learn?
Janet Lynch, Circular Economy Lead, Arup Europe
10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
Planet Passionate: A circular approach to construction
Karl Crowley, Analytical Manager, Kingspan Group
10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
Our journey towards carbon neutral and zero avoidable waste
Sarah-Jane Pisciotti, Innovation & Design Director, SISK
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Coffee Break
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Remanufacturing introduction and impact
David Peck, Associate Professor, TU Delft
11:45 AM - 12:10 PM
Round Table Discussion
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Panel Discussion / Wrap Up
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Have you considered a career in Construction? Did you know that there are over 170,000 working in the building & construction industry in Ireland and over 10% are working in Cork? Are you interested in learning more about the Construction Site Ready Course run by Cork College of FET-Bishopstown Campus.
This 1 week programme aims to provide learners with a knowledge and competence to work as a general operative within the construction and building sector.
Do you want to learn more about the course content and to book your course place?
Join on Tuesday 31st October 2023 at Intreo Office, Abbey Court House, Cork City to meet the team from the Cork Education and Training Board based in Bishopstown Campus to learn about the skills you will gain and the certification you will achieve by participating on this one week course.
Complete this course to be "job ready" for this busy and expanding employment sector.
This course will commence in early November.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
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