More Information
Building surveyors use their knowledge and skills to provide guidance relating to property and construction issues. They may advise on home extensions and help to conserve historic buildings.
The majority of prospective building surveyors in the UK work towards achieving chartered status. This means that they follow a route approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). To obtain RICS chartered status, it is necessary to study for a RICS-accredited degree in a subject such as surveying and undertake supervised training. Alternatively, it is possible for graduates of degrees that are not RICS-accredited to study for a postgraduate conversion course. It may also be possible to enter into a career as a chartered surveyor through an Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying, for which GCSEs and A levels are required.
Skills, Qualifications and Salary Information
In addition to formal qualifications, building surveyors require excellent technical skills, a sound understanding of building regulations, strong negotiation skills, creative problem-solving abilities, an understanding of the use of complex surveying technology, and good time management skills.
Employment openings for building surveyors exist across the UK. Employers include construction companies, local authorities, building conservation bodies and surveying practices. Vacancies may be advertised through construction recruitment agencies.
A graduate trainee building surveyor may receive up to £26,000 per year. An experienced chartered building surveyor, meanwhile, may receive up to £70,000 per year. The majority of large surveying firms enable employees to follow a structured career pathway, enabling them to progress into more senior positions.