Quantity Surveying
Discussion
Just over a year into the role now, career changed from something totally different so it's all still very new.
However, about 3 months ago I was told I had to work on a huge new development site full time near Crewe which is about an hour (on a good day) away from my location in Manchester. Long commute but I'm happy to do it as I'm still new to the role. However not a big fan of working from site. Completely different environment to an office. I try and talk to the site lads but it isn't always easy as they are out and about and I get the feeling they are a bit wary of the 'QS' so usually stuck in my little office in the cabin which can get a bit lonesome compared to what I've been used too before in an office environment.
As I'm still learning as such I do still feel a bit daunted. Tasks can get a bit repetitive on a daily basis such as invoicing, valuations, cost variations along with creating alot of documents for the subbies like scopes whilst assisting with the tenders. I'm still new to do the big cost report (CVR) and forecasting but imagine it won't be long until I'm tasked with them.
Just interested to hear people's experiences of QS'ing.. how they found working on site full time and how long does it take to get fully to grips with being a QS?
However, about 3 months ago I was told I had to work on a huge new development site full time near Crewe which is about an hour (on a good day) away from my location in Manchester. Long commute but I'm happy to do it as I'm still new to the role. However not a big fan of working from site. Completely different environment to an office. I try and talk to the site lads but it isn't always easy as they are out and about and I get the feeling they are a bit wary of the 'QS' so usually stuck in my little office in the cabin which can get a bit lonesome compared to what I've been used too before in an office environment.
As I'm still learning as such I do still feel a bit daunted. Tasks can get a bit repetitive on a daily basis such as invoicing, valuations, cost variations along with creating alot of documents for the subbies like scopes whilst assisting with the tenders. I'm still new to do the big cost report (CVR) and forecasting but imagine it won't be long until I'm tasked with them.
Just interested to hear people's experiences of QS'ing.. how they found working on site full time and how long does it take to get fully to grips with being a QS?
I’m a QS, been both office and site based on massive projects. Currently on a stadium.
I learnt the most from being on site and getting involved, I found for my own development and getting involved with the other site staff was get that PPE on and walk site everyday. The site staff (erectors, welders, labourers, painters etc) soon warmed up to me. They need our support too with clients and sub-contractors. You can also learn more about change (including the programme) whilst on site, as you can see it in practise.
Travel is quite regular for me and currently loving the fact my site is only 50 mins away from home. Worse was 3/4 hours away and then lived away during the week.
Get the experience under your belt and RICS if you can. I love my job.
I learnt the most from being on site and getting involved, I found for my own development and getting involved with the other site staff was get that PPE on and walk site everyday. The site staff (erectors, welders, labourers, painters etc) soon warmed up to me. They need our support too with clients and sub-contractors. You can also learn more about change (including the programme) whilst on site, as you can see it in practise.
Travel is quite regular for me and currently loving the fact my site is only 50 mins away from home. Worse was 3/4 hours away and then lived away during the week.
Get the experience under your belt and RICS if you can. I love my job.
Nemophilist said:
Agree totally with getting out and walking the site. Speaking to the team.
You’ll learn so much more that way.
I hate CVR’s generally but I don’t get involved in them that much.
Its not for everyone but I love it
Not a QS myself but I've worked with 'loads' of themYou’ll learn so much more that way.
I hate CVR’s generally but I don’t get involved in them that much.
Its not for everyone but I love it
My experience (from seeing the endless arguments) is you need to have seen both sides of the fence to get a balanced view
I was a local authority (LA) QS for 9 years. Mainly working on schools, old folks homes and community centres.
I was the first graduate QS taken on in 15 years in the county and hated it. It was mostly working for a LA and the old guard, complete lack of foresight and lack of use/trust of technology bored me out my brains. Everything was set up to persuade me to do RICS qualifications, but I just couldn't face it.
We had an office on the top floor of a building that was split into three rooms, Architects, QS and technicians and none of the 3 ever interacted, unless they absolutely had to. Strange situation
Eventually made the move into Project Management, then into Facilities Management and gained further qualifications that way.
I was the first graduate QS taken on in 15 years in the county and hated it. It was mostly working for a LA and the old guard, complete lack of foresight and lack of use/trust of technology bored me out my brains. Everything was set up to persuade me to do RICS qualifications, but I just couldn't face it.
We had an office on the top floor of a building that was split into three rooms, Architects, QS and technicians and none of the 3 ever interacted, unless they absolutely had to. Strange situation
Eventually made the move into Project Management, then into Facilities Management and gained further qualifications that way.
Stick with it, get amongst the site team and ask questions, when the project draws to a close and the fighting over costs begins you will be the person who is expected to have all the answers. Clients will try to pay as little as possible Main Contractor will want the complete opposite. Between you and the client QS build a rapport that you can both come to a decent agreement. I'm not a QS but a PM, you guys are the one's I trust re programme, valuations, variations every time.
I am a chartered QS of 22 years. It's a decent career, and eventually should put you in the top 10% in terms of earnings in the Country. I always advocate it to anyone young I speak to. It's allowed me to travel and work in different parts of the world.
It is not glamourous but it pays the bills (maybe not this winter) and some.
If you are not enjoying it at the moment, you can move into being a PQS, working for a Consultancy. Not sure if a PM is such a thing on this site, but i'd be happy for you to contact me and see if there are any opportunities in Manchester.
It is not glamourous but it pays the bills (maybe not this winter) and some.
If you are not enjoying it at the moment, you can move into being a PQS, working for a Consultancy. Not sure if a PM is such a thing on this site, but i'd be happy for you to contact me and see if there are any opportunities in Manchester.
Pedro25 said:
Stick with it, get amongst the site team and ask questions, when the project draws to a close and the fighting over costs begins you will be the person who is expected to have all the answers. Clients will try to pay as little as possible Main Contractor will want the complete opposite. Between you and the client QS build a rapport that you can both come to a decent agreement. I'm not a QS but a PM, you guys are the one's I trust re programme, valuations, variations every time.
Pretty much everybody I know now is using NEC4 so that arguing at the end 'shouldn't' happen 
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