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QS
So what exactly is a quantity surveyor (QS), and what do they do day-to-day?
This guide explains everything you need to know about the profession, including average salaries and how to launch your career.
The Role of the Quantity Surveyor A quantity surveyor is the financial linchpin of any construction job. You'll become an expert at precisely costing buildings from conception through completion while ensuring each project meets all legal and quality requirements.
As a quantity surveyor, you'll be involved from the very start - consulting with the client and contractors on preliminary cost analysis. Once construction begins, you'll monitor ongoing expenses, identify potential savings for the client, and produce regular progress reports.
With experience, you'll offer expert advice on lifecycle costing, cost planning, procurement, tendering, contract administration and overall commercial management. You may specialise in a particular area or play an active hand in multiple aspects of a project.
Northampton /nɔːrˈθæmptən/ (About this soundlisten) is a large market town and the county town of Northamptonshire in the East Midlands of England. It lies on the River Nene, 60 miles (97 km) north-west of London and 50 miles (80 km) south-east of Birmingham.[2][3] One of the largest towns (as opposed to cities) in England,[4] it had a population of 212,100 at the 2011 census (223,000 est. 2019).
Archaeological evidence of settlement in the area dates to the Bronze Age, Romans and Anglo-Saxons. In the Middle Ages, the town rose to national significance with the establishment of Northampton Castle, an occasional royal residence which regularly hosted the Parliament of England. Medieval Northampton had many churches, monasteries and the University of Northampton, all enclosed by the town walls. It was granted a town charter by Richard I in 1189 and a mayor was appointed by King John in 1215. The town was also the site of two medieval battles, in 1264 and 1460.
Northampton supported the Parliamentary Roundheads in the English Civil War, and Charles II ordered the destruction of the town walls and most of the castle. The Great Fire of Northampton in 1675 destroyed much of the town. It was soon rebuilt and grew rapidly with the industrial development of the 18th century. Northampton continued to grow with the arrival of the Grand Union Canal and the railways in the 19th century, becoming a centre for footwear and leather manufacture.
Northampton's growth was limited until it was designated as a New Town in 1968, accelerating development in the town. It unsuccessfully applied for city status in 2000.[5]
