The future looks bright for quantity surveyors. They are highly sought-after professionals in the construction industry, with a diverse range of responsibilities and the ability to take on leadership roles. With the construction industry expected to continue growing in the future, there will be ample opportunities for quantity surveyors to advance their careers and make a meaningful contribution to the industry.

The profession of quantity surveying has faced and withstood many challenges, such as changes in demands in the market, unstable economic conditions in the construction industry

In its development compared to when it first came into existence, It has grown and survived the storms to an extent that today it is a notable profession in the construction industry. 

 “Some of what Quantity Surveyors used to do is fading however what they now do is growing”

It is true that in the nearest future, traditional quantity surveying, especially calculating bills of quantities might be on its way out.

But modern quantity surveying roles are now the basis of the future in the construction industry

10 reasons why Quantity surveyor has a bright future 

Here is a detailed explanation of the bright future of quantity surveyors: 

1. “Global Expansion”: As construction projects continue to grow and expand internationally, the demand for skilled quantity surveyors will increase. These professionals will be able to work on a variety of international projects, using their knowledge and expertise to navigate the unique challenges and regulations of different countries.
2. “Sustainability Specialists”: Quantity surveyors who specialize in sustainable building practices and materials will be in high demand as the construction industry becomes more environmentally responsible. These professionals will be able to help companies reduce their carbon footprint and make more eco-friendly choices in their building projects.
3. “Risk Management Gurus”: In the future, quantity surveyors will be highly valued for their ability to minimize risk and maximize value in building projects. They will use their expertise in cost estimation and budget management to help ensure the success of these projects.
4. “Budget Wizards”: Quantity surveyors will be known for their ability to accurately estimate costs and manage budgets for building projects. This will be especially important in today’s economic climate, where cost efficiency is a top priority.
5. “Technology Trailblazers”: Quantity surveyors will use the latest software and tools to streamline the construction process, making them essential to the industry. These professionals will be able to use technology to improve accuracy, speed, and efficiency in their work.
6. “Innovative Problem-Solvers”: Quantity surveyors will be called upon to find creative solutions to complex challenges in the construction industry. Whether it’s finding ways to reduce costs or streamline the building process, these professionals will be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
7. “Project Management Mavericks”: Quantity surveyors will be leaders in managing large-scale construction projects, from start to finish. They will use their expertise in budget management and risk assessment to ensure that these projects are completed on time and within budget.
8. “Compliance Champions”: As the construction industry becomes more regulated, there will be a greater need for quantity surveyors to ensure compliance. These professionals will be instrumental in making sure that building projects meet all necessary regulations and standards.
9. “Value Engineers”: Quantity surveyors will use their expertise to maximize value and minimize costs in building projects. They will be able to identify opportunities to reduce waste and streamline processes, making them a vital part of any construction team.
10. “Multi-Talented Professionals”: Quantity surveyors will be highly skilled in a variety of areas, making them versatile and able to adapt to any situation. They may specialize in a particular area, such as sustainability or project management, but will also have a broad range of skills that allow them to take on a variety of roles within the construction industry.

One thing is certain about quantity surveyors irrespective of their new roles and responsibilities

They have a goal ultimatum of always ensuring clients get the best value for money.

This goal can never be replaced or Misinterpreted

Future of the Quantity surveying profession

A Quantity Surveyor will be needed now and even in the future because it is the most uniquely evolving dynamic profession in the construction industry

The quantity surveying profession has a broader sense than any other professional in the construction industry

Their flexibility and adaptation to a wide range and functions of different activities in the construction industry have made them unique and securely stable and capable of the future

Aside from their traditional role, Quantity surveyors deal with a wide variety of functions, 

They know a lot and understand more about the construction industry than any other professional

That’s why they have a broader sense of need and value in the construction industry 

do you know

Clients prefers Quantity Surveyors appointed as project managers over other professionals

This is expected because they are truly the most capable in the construction industry at taking such a role among the other professionals

In terms of Arbitration and Dispute resolution, Quantity surveyors are seen to be the best fit and the most experienced professionals to settle disputes and contractual conflicts in the construction industry.

While the traditional role of quantity surveyors such as taking off and preparation of BOQ may fade away in the future 

The application of knowledge such as Valuation, cost management, cost planning, Building development, Economics, Arbitration and Litigation, etc. will never fade out

This knowledge will always be useful and needed in the construction industry

The client now realizes that money and time management is key and very important in ensuring a successful project 

And Quantity surveyors are just the right professionals in doing just that

What is the Biggest Challenge for Quantity Surveyors?

One of the most important characteristics of a good Quantity surveyor is that he/she must be open to learning and always have space for growth. That would be the biggest challenge for a Quantity Surveyor who lacks such.

A Quantity Surveyor who is dogmatic and myopic (narrow-minded) may struggle to adapt to new situations and think creatively. In the constantly evolving construction industry, this can be a major hindrance to their success.

For example, if a Quantity Surveyor is unwilling to consider new technologies or approaches, they may miss out on opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This could result in lost business or projects being completed over budget.

Similarly, if Quantity Surveyor is not open to new ideas or perspectives, they may struggle to work effectively with a diverse team or in a global environment. This could lead to conflict or misunderstandings, which could have negative impacts on the project and the Quantity Surveyor’s reputation.

In the future, a Quantity Surveyor who is rigid rather than flexible may find it difficult to keep up with the changing demands of the industry. They may struggle to adapt to new technologies or regulatory changes, which could limit their career growth and opportunities.

In order to succeed as a Quantity Surveyor, it is important to be open-minded and adaptable. This means being willing to consider new approaches and technologies, and being able to work effectively with a diverse team. By embracing these characteristics, Quantity Surveyors can position themselves for success in the ever-changing construction industry.

A Good Quantity surveyor must always learn and adapt to new ways of doing things that are better than the former ways, they must be flexible and resourceful

Here are a few additional ways in which being dogmatic and myopic (narrow-minded) could pose a challenge for Quantity Surveyors:

• Limited career growth: If a Quantity Surveyor is unwilling to learn new skills or consider new technologies, they may struggle to advance in their career. For example, if they are not open to learning new software or approaches to cost estimation, they may be passed over for promotions or miss out on new opportunities.
• Inability to adapt to changing market conditions: The construction industry is subject to fluctuations and changes. A Quantity Surveyor who is rigid and unwilling to adapt to these changes may struggle to succeed in a rapidly evolving market. For example, if a Quantity Surveyor is only comfortable working on traditional construction projects, they may struggle to find work if the market shifts towards prefabricated or modular construction.
• Poor client relationships: A Quantity Surveyor who is dogmatic and unwilling to consider different perspectives may struggle to build strong relationships with clients. For example, if a Quantity Surveyor is working on a building project and refuses to consider the client’s budget or design preferences, it may lead to conflict and ultimately jeopardize the project.

Here is a practical example of how being dogmatic and myopic could pose a challenge for a Quantity Surveyor:

A Quantity Surveyor is working on a building project and is responsible for procuring materials and services. The client has requested that the project be completed using sustainable materials and practices whenever possible. However, the Quantity Surveyor is not familiar with these types of materials and is resistant to using them. They insist on using traditional materials and approaches, regardless of the client’s preferences.

As a result, the project goes over budget and takes longer to complete. The client is unhappy with the results and the Quantity Surveyor’s reputation is damaged. If the Quantity Surveyor had been more open to learning about and using sustainable materials, they may have been able to complete the project on time and within budget, resulting in a more successful outcome.

With this

Quantity surveyors must understand that their continuous uniqueness and usefulness solely depend on what they have to offer in the construction industry

However, it appears clear that the role is not going to fade away. Instead, it is ever-growing and adapting to new requirements and responsibilities.

Therefore Quantity surveyors must continue to overcome this challenge as they have always done in times past.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the bright future of quantity surveying is filled with opportunities for skilled professionals who are open-minded and adaptable. Being dogmatic and myopic can pose a major challenge for Quantity Surveyors, limiting their ability to adapt to new situations and keep up with the changing demands of the construction industry. However, by embracing a flexible and open-minded approach, Quantity Surveyors can position themselves for success in this diverse and constantly evolving field. The construction industry is growing, particularly in developing countries, and there will be a corresponding increase in the demand for quantity surveyors. They are highly skilled professionals who use specialized software and tools to accurately estimate costs and manage budgets. Quantity surveying is a diverse field with many specializations, allowing quantity surveyors to choose a niche that aligns with their interests and skills, ensuring a bright future for those who are well-trained and adaptable.