Building surveyor vs quantity surveyor: Who should you hire?

When it comes to building surveyor vs quantity surveyor, understanding the difference can help you avoid costly mistakes and reduce stress. While both play crucial roles, their expertise covers different aspects of the project.

If you’re unsure about the difference between a quantity surveyor vs building surveyor or wondering if you need both types of surveyors, this guide will clarify their roles and help you decide who to call first to ensure a smooth and successful property journey.

What do building surveyors do? 

Quantity surveyor and project manager reviewing site plans while overseeing construction progress (Source: iStock)

Building surveyors check the overall condition of buildings to ensure they’re safe and up to standard. They look at both the inside and outside of a property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, and doors. Building surveying consists of finding any problems, such as cracks, damage, or potential safety risks, and recommending necessary repairs or maintenance.

Building surveyors also make sure that buildings meet local building regulations, fire safety rules, and accessibility standards. They may issue important documents like building certificates, handle permits, and help with planning applications. In some cases, they also provide advice on property disputes or assess damage after events like fires or floods.

What do quantity surveyors do? 

A quantity surveyor working on cost estimates and floor plan measurements (Source: iStock)

Quantity surveyors manage the costs and finances of a construction project, ensuring everything stays within budget. Their main role is to estimate how much the project will cost, monitor expenses, and make sure the work is completed on time without going over budget. They also help ensure the project meets legal requirements and quality standards.

Quantity surveying entails working closely with architects and engineers,  as well as contractors and subcontractors, to make sure the design and construction plans are affordable. They create cost estimates, schedules, and reports to keep the project on track. By overseeing expenses and contracts, they help avoid unexpected costs and delays, making the construction process smoother and more efficient.

Quantity surveyor vs building surveyor: Which role is essential for your construction project?

Now that you understand the basics of a building surveyor and a quantity surveyor, let’s explore their specific roles and differences. Surveyors are crucial to a construction project, but each of their expertise covers distinct areas. Knowing these differences will help you decide whether you need one or both to ensure your project runs smoothly.

In terms of area of focus

Building surveyors reviewing site plans and using surveying equipment (Source: iStock)

A building surveyor is primarily concerned with assessing the physical condition of a property, examining its structural integrity, identifying defects, and determining necessary maintenance or repairs. Their focus is on ensuring the building’s safety, stability, and compliance with regulations. 

In contrast, a quantity surveyor, including a residential quantity surveyor, concentrates on the financial aspects of construction projects. They estimate costs, manage budgets, and oversee tendering and contract administration to ensure that projects stay financially on track. While building surveyors focus on the physical structure, quantity surveyors are dedicated to the economic and financial planning side of construction.

In terms of responsibilities

In a building construction project, a building surveyor conducts inspections, assesses structural integrity, and identifies defects or maintenance issues, providing recommendations for repairs and improvements. They prepare detailed building reports and offer expert advice on necessary actions to ensure a building’s safety and compliance. 

In contrast, a quantity surveyor is responsible for the financial management of the project, including cost planning, estimating, and budgeting. They research and analyse the cost of materials, manage tenders and contracts, and oversee payment valuations and final account settlements. While building surveyors ensure the structure meets all necessary standards, quantity surveyors manage the financial aspects to keep construction projects within budget.

In terms of qualifications

The qualifications required for building surveyors and quantity surveyors share some similarities, but focus on different areas of expertise.

Building surveyors typically hold a degree in building surveying or a related field, such as construction management or building engineering, and often have formal training in structural design, making them experts in assessing the physical condition and safety of structures. 

On the other hand, quantity surveyors are usually trained in quantity surveying, construction engineering, or civil engineering, with a strong focus on analysing the cost of materials and managing project finances. 

Both professions require membership in professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

In terms of skill set

A surveyor using a drone for aerial inspection and site measurement (Source: iStock)

A building surveyor and a quantity surveyor have distinct skill sets that reflect their specialised roles. 

Building surveyors possess deep knowledge of building construction, materials, and local building regulations, allowing them to assess the structural integrity and safety of properties. They’re skilled at identifying defects, applying construction technology, and communicating their findings in clear reports or presentations. 

For example, if you’re focused on residential properties, a house surveyor, a specialised type of building surveyor, specifically assesses the safety and condition of home structures.

On the other hand, quantity surveyors excel in mathematical analysis, construction costs, and contract management. They’re adept at navigating pricing, procurement procedures, and contract law, using their analytical skills to keep projects within budget. 

Both roles require proficiency in communication, but while building surveyors focus on technical building details, quantity surveyors ensure financial efficiency. 

In terms of project involvement

In terms of project involvement, a building surveyor typically engages at key intervals: in the beginning with initial site inspections to ensure compliance, and at the end of the project to perform final assessments. They may also be called during construction to monitor progress and address structural or regulatory concerns as they arise. However, their involvement is generally more limited in duration and scope. 

Meanwhile, a quantity surveyor remains actively involved throughout the entire lifecycle of the project, from early cost planning to final account settlement. This continuous engagement allows them to oversee the financial health of the project, monitor expenditures, and manage contracts, making their role more integrated into the day-to-day operations. 

While the building surveyor steps in at crucial stages, the quantity surveyor ensures that the project stays financially viable and on track from start to finish, providing a more overarching involvement.

In terms of service fee

A building surveyor and a quantity surveyor serve distinct roles in the construction and property sectors, which is reflected in their service fees. Building surveyors typically conduct detailed inspections of properties, focusing on structural integrity and maintenance needs. Their fees for comprehensive house surveys range from £600 to £1,500, influenced by factors such as survey type, property size, and condition. 

In contrast, quantity surveyors primarily manage construction costs, helping clients keep track of the overall budget for projects, including the cost to build a house, which can be between £1,400 and £3,000 per square metre. They then charge 1% to 5% of the total cost, depending on the project's scale and complexity. They also advise on land survey costs, which range from £300 to £1,000, to ensure efficient project execution. 

Hire a local building or quantity surveyor today

Building surveyor using a theodolite to measure structural levels (Source: iStock)

Choosing the right surveyor is essential to ensuring the success of your project, from a building surveyor evaluating a property’s condition to a quantity surveyor managing construction costs efficiently. 

Whether it’s safeguarding your property or streamlining your project, having a trusted surveyor makes all the difference. On Airtasker, you can easily find building or quantity surveyors near you and receive the professional help you need. You can then compare offers, check ratings and reviews, and choose a qualified professional who fits your needs and budget. 

And before you hire anyone, make sure they comply with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) regulations and standards, ensuring you're working with a reliable and accredited professional.