Building Surveyor

Roles and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities of a Building Surveyor

1. Building Inspections and Assessments

   • Conduct thorough inspections of buildings to assess their condition, structural integrity, and compliance with safety standards and building codes.
   • Identify defects, hazards, or potential issues that could affect the safety, performance, or value of a property.
   • Prepare detailed reports outlining the findings, including photographs and recommendations for repairs or maintenance.

2. Surveying and Measuring Properties

   • Carry out surveys to measure and map out the physical structure of buildings, including dimensions, layouts, and existing features.
   • Use tools such as laser scanners, total stations, and 3D modeling software to gather accurate measurements for reports.

3. Providing Advice on Building Maintenance

   • Offer expert advice to property owners or developers on maintaining and repairing buildings to extend their lifespan and prevent costly future problems.
   • Help clients understand the long-term costs associated with the upkeep of a building and recommend preventive measures.

4. Ensuring Compliance with Regulations

   • Ensure that buildings meet all local, national, and international building codes, health, safety, and environmental regulations.
   • Review architectural and engineering plans to ensure that they comply with planning permissions and building regulations.
   • Assist clients in obtaining the necessary permits for construction or renovation projects.

5. Project Management and Coordination

   • Involved in the management of building projects, from pre-construction surveys to overseeing the construction process.
   • Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
   • Monitor the progress of construction or renovation projects, ensuring that work adheres to the approved designs and quality standards.

6. Condition Surveys

   • Conduct condition surveys to evaluate the state of repair and maintenance of a building, which is particularly important when purchasing or selling a property.
   • Provide clients with detailed reports about the condition of their property and outline any recommended remedial actions.

7. Dilapidation Reports

   • Prepare dilapidation reports for landlords or tenants, documenting the state of a property at the start and end of a lease agreement to determine responsibility for repairs or maintenance.
   • Assess damage or deterioration in properties and determine who is liable for repairs or remediation.

8. Cost Estimation and Budgeting

   • Help clients estimate the cost of construction, renovation, or maintenance work, offering advice on cost-effective solutions.
   • Prepare detailed cost reports, including material, labor, and overhead costs, for building projects and maintenance work.

Desired candidate profile

Support senior team members in coordinating with clients, conducting field inspections, and writing reports.

Conduct desk research, field inspections, and asset tagging.

Assist in creating technical reports on building condition assessments, capital expenditure forecasts, reserve fund studies, insurance valuations, and project progress.

Use AutoCAD and other software to create drawings and reports.

Develop knowledge of building and sustainability standards, legal knowledge, and architectural pathology.

Degree in construction or real estate field (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil, building surveying, facilities management).

Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Microsoft/Google packages.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at various levels.

UAE driving license with own car (optional).

• Technical Knowledge

  • In-depth understanding of construction techniques, building materials, and structural systems.
  • Knowledge of building codes, local planning laws, and regulatory standards.

• Attention to Detail

  • Building surveyors must be meticulous in inspecting properties, identifying even small defects that could lead to larger issues if left unresolved.

• Problem-Solving Skills

  • Ability to diagnose and provide solutions for construction problems or defects.
  • Creative thinking to find cost-effective and practical solutions for building repairs and renovations.

• Project Management

  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
  • Ability to liaise with various stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities.

• Communication Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for preparing reports, discussing findings with clients, and interacting with contractors and regulatory bodies.
  • Ability to explain technical issues clearly to clients and stakeholders with varying levels of technical knowledge.