Everything you need to know about becoming a surveyor

Becoming a surveyor is an important role in the construction and real estate industry. Surveyors are responsible for ensuring that buildings and structures meet all safety and quality requirements. Here is a comprehensive guide based on the handbook for surveyors, covering everything you need to know about this profession.

What does a surveyor do?

A surveyor carries out thorough checks on buildings and structures to ensure that they comply with applicable laws, standards and specifications. Duties include:

• Inspecting buildings and facilities: This can include anything from residential and commercial properties to bridges and other infrastructure.
• Document and report: Inspectors write detailed reports on their inspections, including any defects and recommended actions.
• Advice: They advise developers, property owners and other stakeholders on necessary repairs and maintenance.

Training and Certification Requirements

Becoming a surveyor requires specific training and certification. According to the Handbook for Surveyors, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Basic Education: A technical or construction-related education of at least secondary level is usually necessary.
• Specialized Training: Courses and certificates in building standards, inspection techniques and related subjects are essential.
• Certification: Obtaining a certification from a recognized organization is often a requirement. This may include practical and theoretical tests to ensure competence.

Competencies and Skills

A successful surveyor should have a combination of technical and personal skills, including:

• Technical knowledge: Deep understanding of building materials, construction methods and safety standards.
• Detail orientation: the ability to spot small but important details that can affect the safety and quality of a design.
• Communication skills: Clear and concise communication both written and verbal to effectively report findings and make recommendations.
• Problem solving: Ability to quickly and efficiently solve problems detected during inspections.

Common Challenges

Working as a surveyor comes with its challenges. Some of the most common include:

• Keeping up to date: Building standards and regulations are constantly changing, requiring continuous training and certification.
• Conflict management: Sometimes there may be disagreements with owners or contractors about inspection results.
• Working under pressure: Surveyors often have to work to strict deadlines, which can be stressful.

The future of surveyors

With increasing demands on construction safety and quality, the need for qualified inspectors is expected to grow. Digital technologies and new inspection tools, such as drones and advanced software, will revolutionize the profession and provide new opportunities for more efficient inspections.

Executive summary

Becoming a surveyor is a demanding but rewarding career path that plays a crucial role in ensuring construction safety and quality. By following the guidelines presented in the Handbook for Surveyors, aspiring surveyors can ensure that they are well prepared to meet the demands and expectations of the industry.

For more information and detailed guidelines, visit the Health and Safety Executive website on inspection requirements and training.

This article is based on the guidelines and standards described in the Handbook for Surveyors, which provides a thorough overview of what it takes to become a certified and effective surveyor.

Certification as a Surveyor

Becoming certified as an inspector is an important part of ensuring that you have the skills and knowledge required to carry out your work effectively and safely. Certification means that you have undergone thorough training and passed the necessary tests to prove your ability to carry out inspections according to current standards.

RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) offers certification for surveyors in various fields. By getting certified through RISE, you get a recognized and reliable confirmation of your competence, which can increase your opportunities in the labor market and give you a head start in your career. For more information on how to become certified as a surveyor, visit RISE Certification.

Training for Construction Inspectors

To help you meet these requirements and improve your skills, we offer a comprehensive online training for construction inspectors. Our e-learning course is designed to give you the skills you need to succeed in your role. Visit our course and register today on Construction Inspector Online Training.

Secure your future as a surveyor and make sure you are ready to meet the demands of the industry!