Best Quantity Surveying course for civil engineering students

Summary

Civil engineering is one of the oldest forms of engineering in the world and has many sub-disciplines and disciplines in it. It concerns itself with everything from the building of roads to the large-scale construction of cities and dams. For as long as man has wanted a roof over his head, civil engineering has been around and will continue to be so as well because in the future we need self-sustainable and green buildings. It is one of the branches of engineering wherein we can very easily see its impact. The various subdivisions of it are structural, transportation, geotechnical, environmental and project management. This time around we will be taking a look at one such important facet of civil engineering known as quantity surveying. Read on to find out everything you need to know regarding the best online courses to learn quantity surveying and also why it is so important.

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1. GIS

2. Structural & Foundation Analysis

3. CPM & BIM

4. Tall Building Design

5. Construction Technology (Career Building Course)

6. Foundation Design

7. Construction Project Management

8. Building Information Modelling

9. Seismic Design

10. Quantity Surveying

11. ETABS Software

12. Project Management with Primavera

What is Quantity Surveying?

Quantity surveying blends engineering, building, development and even economics. While still considered a relatively new occupation in India, quantity surveyors are a common feature in most construction workforces in countries such as the UK and Australia. The same people are known as construction cost estimators in the US and Canada. Such surveying occurs right from the start of the project. Surveyors might even talk to the clients on their own to properly understand just what the client wants.

Once the project is in the developmental phase, they draw up a rough, yet comprehensive project estimate. They are also involved in the gathering of tender and contract information and documentation. In certain cases, when the project is undertaken is huge, they are also tasked with conducting feasibility studies to aid in risk control and management. The rest of their work starts when the construction begins. Quantity surveyors must keep tabs on any changes made, every revision, scrap and redesigning to ensure that the project does not exceed the initial budget.

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What do surveyors do?

Generally speaking, such surveyors deal with, calculate and manage all the costs associated with the completion of a civil engineering project. Their work is split between drawing up plans in the office and inspecting work on the sites, and hence it is both office and site-based. The main aim of such surveyors is to minimize the overall cost of such projects and to ensure that their projects are completed without exceeding their total budget. Sticking to a budget is an important part of successfully completing any project, and surveyors ensure that this happens. However, they must also take care to do so without compromising on the build quality of the structure. They also have to make sure that the project work adheres to all the safety, health and building regulations and that all the required documents and permits are procured before starting the work.

They are also responsible for handling and balancing cost fluctuations. As the construction work continues, they must carry out outcome analysis, evaluate the work being done and keep a check on all the payments made. However, it is also quite common for them to take up extra duties such as management of the work, distributing tasks, ordering the raw materials required and even handling the payment of workers and contractors. Since construction is one of the costliest endeavors, having someone to manage your expenses is a great way to ensure you don’t go too much of your budget. Surveyors also help clients avoid risks and stay clear of fiscal mishaps, pitfalls, and wastage of time.

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Why Hire Quantity Surveyors?

Having someone to help with managing a project really helps to reduce the burden on civil engineers. It helps them pay more attention to the structural integrity of the project because they need to worry less about the ergonomics related to the project. Thus, surveyors help civil engineers focus on the important stuff and not worry about secondary concerns. Employing, one, therefore, helps you save time and effort which would otherwise be wasted trying to micromanage your schedule. Surveyors also help greatly in improving the overall efficiency of the team involved in the completion of the project.

Duties of a quantity surveyor

1. Responsible for cost estimation of projects
2. Prepare an initial estimate and keep checks on expenses
3. Help with the acquisition of raw materials
4. Help clients understand hidden costs and deadlines
5. Improve the efficiency of operations through responsible supervision
6. Meet with clients and keep them informed regarding new expenses and changes in plans
7. Prepare contracts and work out the details regarding the purchase of materials
8. Conduct feasibility studies
9. Analyzing completed work and ensuring the rightful payment of contractors
10. Allocating and distributing work effectively to contractors
11. Supervise the maintenance of existing buildings

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How to Become a Quantity Surveyor?

Entering the construction industry right after college is a challenging yet extremely gratifying experience. Here’s a look at how to break into the industry with ease:

• Most companies allow graduates in as surveyors through graduate training schemes. Make sure you keep your eyes open for such schemes and initiatives.
• Such schemes and programs have solid coursework attached to them and hence will help students gain valuable technical and management skills. They also serve as another form of professional qualification.
• Look out for internship opportunities at large multinationals because most of those companies have plans to convert such internships into longer contracts.
• Keep an updated CV and try to attend workshops, enroll in courses and go for competitions to build an impressive resume.
• Try to do a dissertation or final-year project with respect to related fields for an added benefit when it comes to interviews and applications.
• Check company websites for information regarding application deadlines and vacancies.
• The most important skills that employers look for include the ability to meet deadlines, creativity, ability to handle multiple responsibilities, a willingness to work and learn and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Enroll in online courses to gain valuable insight into the workings of this field so that you are well-prepared when it comes to interviews and internship duties.
• Check out accredited courses on the websites of institutions and follow the ones which you think will help you out because they give you an opportunity to meet other students and professionals.

What is a Quantity Surveying course?

A Quantity surveyor course must help students manage the various duties their work will typically including the conduction of feasibility studies and estimation of costs. Hence, the course must bring together concepts in the field of engineering, economics, and management. Students must have an innate knowledge of materials, the time required for the completion of certain types of work and labor costs to become an efficient surveyor. The course must also include the basics of cost accounting so that surveyors are able to draw up tenders and contracts and negotiate such deals. Management skills are also an integral part of the job requirement and hence, students must be good at negotiating, distributing work, managing people and effectively micromanaging duties. The course must also encourage and highlight qualities such as problem-solving skills, financial management skills, and communication and negotiating skills.

Best Quantity Surveying course for civil engineering students