The career of a land or building surveyor
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The role of a land or building surveyor is to provide professional property and construction advice. The role of a surveyor includes overseeing the design and development of land or new buildings, as well as maintaining and restoring existing developments.
Land and building survey work entails covering a wide range of properties and developments, which often includes surveying and advising at various stages of construction and development. Here is what to expect in each role:
[edit] Building surveyor
A building surveyor is trained to understand and interpret building laws. They are able to assess building plans to check if they comply with the building regulations. They will hold an accredited degree in building surveying, and be registered with a professional body.
Their role will include interacting with other professionals such as architects, engineers and builders, to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the building regulations. They will analyse a construction based on building legislation law and technical codes, and diagnose any possible design issues, or problematic construction techniques and materials.
A surveyor will analyse the construction at various stages of its development, from the construction of foundations through to completion. As for pre-existing constructions, a surveyor will carry out an inspection to determine if the building still meets stipulated standards. If not, they can assess what work will need to be carried out to meet requirements, or set in motion the steps for the building to be demolished.
[edit] Land surveyor
A land surveyor will check an area of land prior to any development work. They will hold a degree in surveying technology or onsite surveying, and be registered with a professional body.
A land surveyor works in an office setting as well as in out in the field. When checking a land area, a land surveyor will use a variety of devices to help them scan and map the area. These devices record data via satellite and GPS to locate boundaries and record other data required for the survey. Once back in the office, this information is transferred onto a computer to accurately map out the area digitally in two and three dimensions. Once mapped, a land surveyor will work with architects and engineers assigned to the project to assess the next steps in development.
If you decide to study to become a land or building surveyor, check which universities offer the course you require, or consider online study options. If you have concerns about study fees, a government student loan can be applied for, to help cover the cost of the course. The loan will accumulate interest only when the course of study has ended, and at a much more reasonable interest rate than a conventional loan.
https://www.modricsurveying.co.uk/
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.




















