How to Become a Building Surveyor

Obtaining an industry-recognised qualification is important for pursuing a career in the building surveyor profession. This prestigious career involves on-the-job training, which can be achieved through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are ideal for beginners, as they give you the opportunity to develop basic skills and gain experience while shadowing more advanced professionals. They can also increase your earning potential and help you network with other professionals.

For a career in building surveying, graduates with an undergraduate degree will usually be recruited by employers, who will usually pay for the postgraduate degree. Most employers will prefer graduates who have an accredited degree from an RICS-accredited institution. Upon graduation, students will usually be expected to study towards chartership with the RICS, or a similar professional body. There are also various opportunities for students to pursue higher qualifications in order to increase their earning potential.

Those who wish to pursue this career can also take an apprenticeship as a chartered surveyor. This route will require you to have five GCSEs at grades nine to four, and you must be over 16. Apprenticeships will consist of training and on-the-job experience. Some companies will also offer postgraduate degrees through graduate trainee schemes. For those with limited time, online building surveying courses are available.

The job of a building surveyor is rewarding and challenging. You can work on a range of building projects, including residential properties, commercial buildings, shopping centres, and more. Working as a building surveyor involves spending a large portion of your working day on site, assessing existing buildings and making recommendations for their improvements. You may also be responsible for working with local planning authorities to ensure that buildings are environmentally-friendly.

As a building surveyor, you may need to travel frequently throughout the country to visit construction sites. This requires some physical activity, such as climbing ladders and accessing hard-to-reach areas. It is important to be physically fit and have a full driving licence. A career in this field can be rewarding and well-paid. If you are able to work with a team of professionals, you may be able to become a chartered building surveyor and set up your own firm.

Building surveyors are responsible for ensuring that buildings are safe and meet safety regulations. They conduct structural inspections and check the plumbing and electrical systems of buildings. They also inspect buildings for defects and recommend improvements. Building surveyors also advise on sustainability and energy efficiency, and they often help to preserve historic buildings. They also carry out feasibility studies and deal with planning applications, which are vital to improving housing standards in the country.

The Chartered Surveyors Training Trust (CSTT) offers several apprenticeship schemes that aim to help young people become surveyors and qualify for associate membership of the society. Many employers offer degree apprenticeships in building surveying. They typically last five years and require four days of work per week and one day of study. If you like variety, this job may be right for you. But it is important to note that the training will be very intensive and demanding.