Robert Witton a property surveyor with NPS Property Consultants Ltd.

Building Surveyor

Answers supplied by Robert Witton, BSc Hons, a building surveyor with NPS Property Consultants Ltd. NPS Property Consultants Ltd is a multi-discipline property consultancy, delivering a comprehensive range of professional services to both the public and private sector throughout the United Kingdom.

What does the job entail?
The core area of my job includes the management of a portfolio of properties; from day-to-day maintenance to the design, specification and management of multi-facet building projects. On a regular basis, both in and out of the office, I will liaise with clients, contractors and regulatory authorities to ensure the smooth running of works on the client's behalf.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
Generally employers will be looking for a degree standard qualification in either surveying or building surveying, although opportunities are available to work for a company whilst studying towards a degree. There is, however, no substitute for experience and mature applicants may also be suitable.

What type of person will fit in?
In general, the qualities required of a building surveyor are good communication skills coupled with sound time and people management techniques, together with the ability to work without instruction — using your initiative. On a personal level, a building surveyor will need to enjoy the outdoor life as well as working at a desk and an interest in construction and the built environment is a good starting point.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
The great thing about building surveying is that it is never the same from day-to-day. New challenges and projects arrive virtually every day and with such a diverse workload you are never tied to your desk full-time. Although there can be a lot of administration and procedures to follow, leading to some long hours to meet deadlines, etc, seeing the fruits of your labour at the end is worth the effort. The fact that properties will always be required leads to good job security.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
Surveying is a very diverse career, which means you can specialise in areas that are of interest or where you have key knowledge. For instance, a building surveyor can specialise in dilapidations, historic buildings, conservation, boundary disputes etc, and there is always the possibility of starting your own private practice.

What can I expect to earn?
The average starting salary for a building surveyor can vary greatly due to geographical location, although a graduate surveyor can expect to start on around £17,000 to £20,000 in the East Anglia region, rising to £30,000 to £40,000 or more once RICS chartered status has been achieved. Equivalent salaries for surveyors based in the capital are generally 11 per cent to 15 per cent higher on average.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS — 0870 333 1600) website, www.rics.org/careers is always a good starting place, giving advice on courses, careers and vacancies around the UK and the world. On a more local level, companies will advertise vacancies in many local papers and trade magazines such as Building Magazine. To get a foot in the door, write to companies to introduce yourself and inquire about vacancies.