Introduction
In a dynamic and organically evolving sector such as Construction Industry, the roles of built environment professionals like Building and Land Surveyors and Quantity Surveyors are naturally subject to an overlap (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, 2021). This article ventures into the depths of these professional roles, delineating their functions comprehensively and comparably, thereby delineating the unique value each brings to the Australian construction landscape. Let’s begin with understanding these roles individually.
Building & Land Surveyors
Building and Land Surveyors are professionals responsible for measuring earth surfaces, observing land boundaries, and preparing site works for construction projects (Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute, 2021). They provide inputs on site suitability, guide the design phase with accurate topographical maps and land division maps, and contribute towards the planning and building permit process as per legislative requirements (RICS, 2021).
Quantity Surveyors
On the other hand, a Quantity Surveyor manages all the financial aspects of a construction project. As quantity surveying involves meticulous cost calculations from the design stage to completion, they become an integral part of the project planning and execution phases (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, 2021).
Comparison
Going deeper into the comparison, Building and Land Surveyors focus predominantly on the physical aspect of the project where exact measurement is paramount (Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute, 2021). They delineate the boundaries, review the land’s topography and land division, and ascertain the impact on the development process. In a sense, they form the crux of site analysis, preparing a conducive ground for project commencement.
On the contrary, Quantity Surveyors are concerned primarily with the project’s financial aspects (RICS, 2021). They provide a cost analysis for the project, estimate and monitor construction costs, from the construction stage to aftercare, essentially becoming the project’s financial consultants. They mediate cost efficiencies while maintaining the effective balance of quality and standard.
While Building and Land Surveyors’ roles remain critical early in the project stage, Quantity Surveyors have an extended lifespan throughout the project cycle.
Conclusion
To conclude, both Building and Land Surveyors and Quantity Surveyors bring their unique skillset, perspectives and contributes considerably to the construction project. However, their roles, responsibilities and impact points are fundamentally different. While Building and Land Surveyors are the pit crew preparing the project ground, Quantity Surveyors are the strategists ensuring cost efficacy. This understanding and effective collaboration between these two professionals collectively contribute to the construction project’s overall success.
Sources:
1.Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. (2021). What is a Quantity Surveyor? Retrieved from https://www.aiqs.com.au/page/about-aiqs/what-is-a-quantity-surveyor
2.RICS. (2021). What is a chartered surveyor? Retrieved from https://www.rics.org/asiapacific/training-and-events/rics-and-the-built-environment/what-is-a-chartered-surveyor/
3.Survey Express Services. (2021). The Importance of Land Surveyors in Construction. Retrieved from https://www.surveyexpress.co.uk/catalogue/p-the-importance-of-land-surveyors-inconstruction
4.Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute. (2021). About Surveying. Retrieved from https://sssi.org.au/knowledge-hub/about-surveying
5.The Institution of Surveyors, Victoria. (2021). What does a Surveyor do? Retrieved from http://www.isv.org.au/what-does-a-surveyor-do
