Categories: Career, Hiring 

Can a Quantity Surveyor truly adapt across different sectors? Imagine seamlessly transitioning from cosy homes to massive industrial complexes – is that a QS superpower? Well, I recently posed this question to the LinkedIn community, and the resounding answer was YES! But why exactly are QSs so adaptable, and how can this benefit both QSs and the construction industry as a whole?

The QS Skillset: A Versatile Weapon for Any Project

Being a QS is much more than just crunching numbers (though they do shine at that too!). Their core skillset equips them to excel in diverse construction environments. Here's what I believe makes them such valuable players:

• Contract Champions: No matter the sector, ensuring everyone involved in a project is on the same page regarding costs and deliverables is crucial. QSs are contract champions, making sure all parties understand their financial obligations from the get-go. It’s refreshing when I speak to clients who aren’t too fussy about what current sector a QS is working in, as long as they are hot on specific forms of contract they are open to having a meeting.

• Estimating Specialists: A keen eye for detail and a talent for accurate cost analysis are hallmarks of a QS. They bring gold-standard estimating skills to the table, regardless of whether it's a quaint bungalow or a towering manufacturing plant.

• Risk Management Masters: Identifying and mitigating cost risks is a QS's specialty. This ability to anticipate and solve problems makes them valuable assets on any construction team, be it residential or industrial.

• Tech-Savvy Stars: Modern QSs embrace digital tools for cost estimating, quantity take-off, and project management. This tech-savviness keeps them ahead of the curve as construction software continues to evolve, no matter the sector they're working in.
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Why This Matters: The QS Advantage

Because it translates to a more robust and successful construction industry which will benefit from:

• Reduced Costs: Their expertise in cost control ensures projects stay within budget, regardless of the complexity.

• Minimised Risks: Their ability to anticipate and mitigate risks prevents costly delays and unforeseen problems.

• Increased Efficiency: Their streamlined processes and tech-savviness keep projects moving smoothly.

• Larger Pool of Talent: The willingness to hire QSs of various sectors gives you a much larger talent pool to choose from. With the right core skills and contract expertise a top QS will have little difficulty acclimating to a new sector.

… with the shortage we're all facing presently if businesses don't recognise that a decent QS can sidestep to a slightly different area we're all in trouble!”