Overview

What is a Building Surveyor?

Building Surveyors are built environment professionals that provide professional advice on property and construction projects, which can range from modest adaptations and repairs to multi-million-pound structures. 

Building Surveyors inspect new and existing buildings, identifying defects and advising repair, maintenance and restoration. They may also implement preventative measures to keep buildings in good condition and look for ways to make buildings sustainable. 

There are a range of different job titles that may denote specific areas within the building surveying profession. Some examples of these include: 

  • Building Repairs Surveyor
  • Residential Building Surveyor
  • Commercial Building Surveyor

What is the purpose of building surveying?

Building Surveyors are experts in the maintenance of buildings new and old. Their work spans the entire building lifecycle, making them one of the most valued and respected professions in the sector, and their expertise helps to ensure the safety and sustainability of the built environment. They also play a crucial role in preserving the culture and heritage of existing building stock.  

How much do Building Surveyors earn?

The salary of an Building Surveyors is usually between £25,000 – £70,000 a year.

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Skills

What’s required for the role?

  • Commercial awareness
  • Technical skills
  • Knowledge of building regulations
  • Organisational skills
  • A practical mindset
  • Presentation skills
  • Analytical thinking
  • Project management skills
  • Report writing
  • Negotiation skills
  • Communication skills
  • Digital literacy and IT skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • A driver's licence
  • Relationship building
  • The ability to work well with others

Details

What does a Building Surveyor do?

Point 1

Perform inspections and building surveys on a wide variety of different structures and sites to determine their condition/suitability for work

Point 2

Carry out surveys of potentially dangerous buildings and assess potential health and safety issues

Point 3

Provide advice to clients on the design, construction, maintenance, repair and refurbishment of buildings

Point 4

Managing planning applications and assessing construction designs for their feasibility

Point 5

Assume the role of Project Manager in construction projects and monitor the work being carried out

Point 6

Prepare reports and deliver presentations

Point 7

Ensure building projects are completed on time and within budget

Point 8

Consult clients on the sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental impact of their building or proposed development

Point 9

Factor in building regulations and legislation into the building process

Point 10

Advise clients on the preservation and conservation of historic buildings

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What is the work environment like?

Building Surveyors can work in the public sector, private practice or may be self-employed. Their typical week is split between the office and visits to project/construction sites.

A career in building surveying can be an active one – you’ll often be visiting and inspecting buildings and climbing into roof spaces, so you may need a level of physical fitness. Building Surveyors can cover large geographical areas, so a driving licence is also usually required.

Opportunities

Is building surveying a good career?

Building surveyors work in all aspects of property including residential, commercial, leisure, agricultural and industrial markets. Some of the more niche areas in this profession can include building conservation, insurance, rights to light, party wall matters and dilapidations.  

Building surveying professionals provide professional, technical, expert advice to clients, so they need an excellent level of technical knowledge as well as the ability to work with clients and other professionals. If you’re motivated to build, maintain and continuously develop a rich foundation of knowledge on all aspects of construction and property, this could be the ideal profession for you. 

It’s also one of many industries in the built environment in need of talent. Demand for young surveyors is very high, with 41% of professionals in the construction industry predicted to have retired by 2031, meaning graduates can expect plenty of opportunities to launch or progress their career in this exciting field. 

A career in building surveying would suit practically-minded individuals with a desire for a varied and challenging career. It can be a rewarding career path for people that want to make a difference, whether that’s through implementing sustainable practices and initiatives or ensuring the preservation of historical buildings and culture. 

Become a building surveyor

Who can become a Building Surveyor?

If you’re interested in buildings and want a varied, rewarding career, there’s nothing stopping you from beginning your journey in building surveying. At UCEM, thousands of students from across the world have undertaken their studies and successfully entered industries like building surveying. Find out their experiences below:

How to get into building surveying

With an RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) accredited degree in building surveying often required in the industry, most building surveyors will work towards achieving chartered status. RICS-accredited degrees, alongside professional qualifications recognised by industry bodies like the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), are not mandatory but will improve your employability with typical employers. 

Firms often advertise for graduates with a building surveying degree, although trainee roles and degree apprenticeships in building surveying are available, giving you practical experience alongside relevant qualifications. Conversion courses are another option, providing an opportunity for previous graduates who haven’t studied relevant subjects to launch their career in the profession. 

Along with obtaining degrees, online CPD courses in relevant subjects can strengthen your employment credentials, such as: 

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