What does a surveyor do?

 Surveyors play a crucial role in shaping our environment. They contribute significantly to the development of our towns, cities, streets, and homes, fostering the creation of safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable communities.

There are over 100 distinct types of surveyors involved in property, land, construction, and infrastructure, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic, the availability of water, and the mobility of individuals. They are instrumental in designing our roads, bridges, and tunnels, as well as our skyscrapers, transit stations, and sports arenas. Additionally, they influence our future by revitalizing underprivileged areas and planning intelligent urban spaces, while also leading the way in safer, more sustainable, and environmentally conscious construction practices.

So, what does a surveyor's daily work entail? To gain a deeper understanding of this essential profession—covering the various types of surveying across different sectors, typical job roles, and average salary ranges—please continue reading.

Explore: What Is The Role of an Architect?

What do surveyors do on a day-to-day basis?

The responsibilities of a surveyor encompass overseeing construction and development initiatives while offering expert counsel on issues related to a property's structural soundness and valuation.

In the capacity of a surveyor, collaboration with various professionals is essential, including architects, engineers, financial institutions, ecologists, urban planners, and property developers. Additionally, you will utilize cutting-edge technologies pertinent to your field; for instance, you may engage in operating drones for land mapping and building measurements, developing virtual reality representations of structures, or employing big data analytics to address significant global challenges such as climate change, migration, and urbanization.

Other activities typically found in surveyors’ job descriptions could include:

• ensuring that new-build properties comply with building regulations, accessibility specifications and health and safety requirements
• assessing structural damage and recommending building repairs
• advising on the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a property
• inspecting buildings for insurance purposes and ensuring they meet relevant legal requirements
• researching land records and other sources of information that may relate to a property
• advising clients on boundary disputes, planning applications and the maintenance of existing structures
• managing budgets and dealing with conservation or improvement grants, and
• planning conservation projects for historic buildings.

Also Read: What Does MEP Mean in Construction?

What are the different types of surveying?

Surveying encompasses a wide range of specializations, prompting many surveyors to focus on a specific area due to the unique responsibilities associated with each role. For those considering a career in surveying, it is beneficial to understand the various types of surveyors and their functions within their respective fields.

Surveying roles in construction and infrastructure

• Building surveyors help create and supervise everything from towering skyscrapers to simple home extensions.
• Project management surveyors run teams to deliver projects on time and on budget.
• Quantity surveyors assess the financial impact and profitability of construction projects.
• Building control surveyors design and manage the use of buildings to make sure they comply with laws and regulations.
• Infrastructure surveyors specialise in the project and cost management of civil engineering projects, including road, rail and utilities investments.

Surveying roles in property

 

• Property surveyors value, sell, rent and manage all types of housing and businesses, from offices to shops and restaurants.
• Valuation surveyors analyse and measure the value of buildings or businesses: for example, how much is Google actually worth?
• Management consultancy surveyors maximise business performance by running operations, strategies and structures.
• Facilities management surveyors add value to businesses by creating vibrant, productive workplaces.

Surveying roles in land 

 

• Geomatics surveyors map, analyse and interpret spatial data and information about the land, sea and buildings.
• Environmental surveyors manage the development and use of land to minimise the impact on the environment.
• Minerals and waste surveyors extract, mine, use and manage natural resources and then plan the disposal of related waste.
• Rural surveyors value and manage the use of land and buildings in the countryside.
• Planning and development surveyors help create the towns and cities of the future, ensuring happier, healthier communities.