How to Be Building Surveyor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 30, -0001 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of qualified and experienced building surveyors can have a detrimental effect on the quality of construction and maintenance of buildings. As building surveyors are responsible for inspecting and assessing the condition of buildings and their components, any shortcomings in their skills and knowledge can result in inaccuracies in the assessments and therefore a lesser quality of work. This can have a knock-on effect of resulting in higher costs of repairs or renovations, as well as a lack of safety for both the occupants and the environment. Furthermore, not having a qualified and experienced building surveyor can lead to a delay in projects, ultimately leading to further financial losses.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelors degree in building surveying, engineering, architecture, or a related field is typically required to become a building surveyor. Coursework should include surveying techniques, construction techniques, business law, and mathematics.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required to become a building surveyor, but it can increase job opportunities. Professional certification is available through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Get Licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state and can include a combination of taking exams, having work experience, and completing continuing education requirements. Each state has its own licensing board and requirements for licensure.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer to hire building surveyors with at least three years of experience in the field. This experience can be gained through an internship or working with a surveying team.
Pursue Continuing Education. Most states require that building surveyors complete continuing education courses in order to keep their licenses current. This can include courses in surveying techniques, construction techniques, and business law.

In order to stay up-to-date and competent as a surveyor, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments in the field. This includes regularly attending seminars, conferences and networking events to stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies and regulations. it is important to broaden ones knowledge by reading industry publications and keeping an eye on new and upcoming products and services.

Finally, obtaining additional qualifications, such as an advanced degree, or certification in a specialty field, will help to ensure that a surveyor is well equipped to handle any job that comes their way. By taking these proactive steps, surveyors will ensure they are competent and prepared for any challenge that comes their way.

You may want to check Utility Surveyor, Mine Surveyor, and Highway Surveyor for alternative.

Job Description

Develop surveys and inspect existing buildings to assess their condition and compliance with local building regulations.
Prepare detailed reports outlining the condition of buildings and any necessary repairs or alterations.
Provide professional advice to clients, architects and other building professionals on building regulations, standards, materials and construction methods.
Analyze architectural drawings, blueprints and diagrams to assess the structural integrity of buildings.
Inspect buildings for compliance with health and safety regulations.
Investigate and resolve complaints from clients about building defects or malfunctions.
Recommend suitable building materials and construction methods for renovation projects.
Ensure that buildings comply with local building codes and regulations.
Monitor construction projects to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
Test soil samples for potential building sites to ensure suitability for development.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of building regulations and standards
Knowledge of construction techniques and materials
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and engineering drawings
Ability to identify and evaluate building defects
Knowledge of surveying instruments, such as levels, theodolites, and total stations
Ability to use computer-aided drafting (CAD) programs
Strong mathematical and analytical skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in teams
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Being a surveyor requires a range of different skills, but the most important skill to possess is the ability to accurately measure and record data. A surveyor's job is to accurately measure, document, and analyze the physical characteristics of land and buildings. This requires a strong attention to detail and the capacity to accurately interpret what is seen.

Inaccurate measurements can lead to costly errors, so accuracy is essential. surveyors must be able to interpret their findings and draw conclusions in order to provide their clients with detailed, useful information. They must also have an in-depth understanding of mathematics, physics, and engineering principles in order to effectively analyze the data they have collected.

Good communication skills are also important, as surveyors must be able to explain their findings clearly and concisely. the success of a surveyor depends on their ability to accurately measure and interpret data in order to provide their clients with useful information.

Geodetic Surveyor, Marine Surveyor, and Railroad Surveyor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in building surveying?
Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult client and how did you handle it?
How would you approach the inspection of a large residential building?
What knowledge do you have of current building regulations and codes?
How do you decide on the best course of action when faced with a problem?
What experience do you have with advising clients on building repair and maintenance issues?
What methods do you use to stay up to date with changes in legislation and regulations?
What techniques do you use to determine the cause of structural issues?
What tools and software packages are you familiar with for measuring, evaluating and reporting on building conditions?
How would you go about preparing a final report and presenting your findings to the client?

Common Tools in Industry

Laser Level. An instrument used to measure and set heights accurately. (eg: Leica Rugby 610)
Total Station. An electronic/optical instrument used to measure angles and distances in topographic surveys. (eg: Nikon Nivo 3M)
GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar). A radar system used to detect subsurface objects, such as pipes and cables. (eg: GSSI SIR-3000)
Theodolite. A tool used to measure horizontal and vertical angles in surveying. (eg: Nikon NE-101)
GPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite-based system used to determine location and time with great accuracy. (eg: Garmin GPSMAP 66s)
Autolevel. An optical instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angles in surveying. (eg: Topcon AT-G6)
Dumpy Level. A surveying instrument used to measure vertical angles and elevation differences. (eg: Spectra Precision DL-1)
Digital Level. An electronic instrument used to measure heights accurately. (eg: Nikon AX-1)
Sonar. An acoustic system used to detect objects underwater. (eg: Klein 5000)
TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer). An electronic instrument used to measure the depth of a buried cable. (eg: Fluke Networks TDR-100)

Professional Organizations to Know

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)
International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
Building Surveyors and Project Managers Association (BSPMA)
The Appraisal Institute (AI)
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
The Land Surveyors Network (LSN)
Association of European Valuers (AEV)

We also have Soil Surveyor, Environmental Surveyor, and Cadastral Surveyor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Building Regulations. Rules that aim to ensure the safety and welfare of people in and around buildings.
Structural Surveying. A method of surveying to assess the condition of a building's structure.
Building Inspection. An inspection of the condition of a building, including its structure, components, and systems.
Building Survey. A comprehensive survey of a building, typically conducted before purchase or renovation.
Land Surveying. The process of measuring and mapping land for legal or engineering purposes.
Topographical Surveying. The process of gathering data about the shape, elevation, and geographical features of an area.
Hydrographic Surveying. The process of gathering data about the depth and shape of underwater or water-covered surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Building Surveyor?

A Building Surveyor is a professional who inspects and evaluates the condition of buildings and structures, and advises on repairs, maintenance, and compliance with building regulations.

What qualifications do I need to become a Building Surveyor?

To become a Building Surveyor, you need to have a degree in Building Surveying or related discipline, such as Architecture or Construction Management. Additionally, some employers may require Chartered Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

What does a Building Surveyor do?

A Building Surveyors role includes inspecting existing buildings for structural soundness and compliance with building regulations; preparing reports, plans, and estimates for proposed building works; and providing advice on repairs, maintenance, and energy efficiency.

How much do Building Surveyors earn?

According to the RICS, the average salary for a Building Surveyor in the UK is £43,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on experience and qualifications.

What is the purpose of a Building Survey?

A Building Survey is an inspection of a property that provides an assessment of its condition. It is usually required by potential buyers or lenders to ensure that they are aware of any issues that may affect the value of the property.