Have you ever wondered who evaluates and ensures the quality of new constructions? Who checks the structural integrity of buildings and suggests improvements before they are approved for public use? The answer is building surveyors. They play an important role in the construction industry by ensuring that buildings are safe, compliant with regulations, and meet the needs of their future occupants. If you have a passion for architecture, engineering, and problem-solving, and want to become a building surveyor, then this blog post is for you.
Education and Qualifications
The first step to becoming a building surveyor is earning a degree in a related field such as construction management, building surveying, architecture, or civil engineering. Although a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some entry-level positions, a postgraduate degree such as a Master’s in Building Surveying is preferred. Additionally, you can obtain professional qualifications such as a Chartered Building Surveyor (RICS) or a Member of the Association for Project Safety (APS) by fulfilling certain training requirements and passing exams.
Experience and Training
Acquiring practical experience and training is essential for becoming a competent building surveyor, like those at TRIDENT BUILDING SURVEYING. You can gain this by undertaking a graduate training scheme with a construction company or a placement/internship with a building surveying firm. During this period, you will shadow experienced surveyors, learn how to conduct surveys, inspections, and assessments, and develop crucial communication and cooperation skills needed to interact with stakeholders like architects, contractors, and clients.
Professional Development
To stay current with industry trends and regulations, building surveyors should engage in professional development activities such as attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, acquiring new certifications, and joining professional organizations such as the RICS or the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). This will also enhance your chances of being promoted to a senior position or starting your surveying practice in the future.
Technical Skills
Building surveyors require excellent technical skills to carry out their duties. These include knowledge of building codes and regulations, building materials and supplies, cost estimation, project management, and data analysis. You should also be proficient in the use of various surveying tools and software such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design), BIM (Building Information Modelling), and laser scanning.
Personal Qualities
Finally, building surveyors should possess several personal qualities that enable them to succeed in their roles. These include attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, teamwork, customer service, and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. A good building surveyor should be able to recognize potential problems early and suggest preventive measures, act as a consultant, and contribute to the success of construction projects.
Building surveying is a rewarding career that requires a combination of academic qualifications and practical experience. To become a successful building surveyor, you should focus on developing technical skills and staying updated with industry trends, acquiring professional qualifications, and engaging in continuous professional development. You must also possess certain personal qualities that make you an effective communicator, problem solver, consultant, and team player. In this way, you can fulfill your passion for construction and make a difference in the safety, sustainability, and compliance of buildings.
