Consultancy in construction is performed by a group of professionals designated as consultants. Consultants are appointed by the client in order to perform expert tasks on the project.
Consultancy can be done for various areas of construction like structural design, analysis, project management, construction management, contracts, surveying etc.
The basic function and features of doing consultancy in the construction industry are briefly explained below.
Functions of Consultancy in Construction
Civil engineering professionals work as consultants for engineering consulting companies. They plan, design and execute structures like buildings, highways, water treatment plants, airports, railroads, etc. A consultant in a construction project must do the following to serve the client:
- The consultant must provide guidance and advice on setting up a project.
- He must define the project with perfect clarification.
- The consultant not only must develop the project design but also co-ordinate the design.
- He collects and prepares the product information and the documents for tender.
- The client carries out the contract administration.
- He must inspect and correct the works of the contractors.
In short, civil engineering consultants are functioned to perform an extensive analysis of the structure under consideration. They also analyze the environmental factors so that the structure finally constructed is durable, sustainable, functional and safe buildings.
The consultant chooses the best and economical materials and construction method to perform the project. They give priority to the client's consideration and views.
Civil engineering construction companies provides the following services:
- Civil and environmental services
- Structural design
- Environmental Safe construction
- Energy saving methods
- Energy saving equipment
- Surveying
- Site development
Based on the project, the consultant is chosen by the client among the above-mentioned specialities or a group for different specialities are provided for a project.
For instance, the work involving the design of reservoirs, river and coastal maintenance is carried out by consultants specialized in hydraulics civil. A structural engineer, on the other hand, builds buildings that safely perform the functions throughout all types of weather.
Read More : Roles and Responsibilities of Structural Engineer
Features
Doing a consultancy in construction demands a graduation degree in civil engineering with sufficient knowledge in maths, physics, project management, structural design, etc. Efficient knowledge of software packages and developing structural drawings are an added advantage for an easy working career.
The job of doing consultancy in a specialized area would last for around 7 years. With experience and learning, the area of specialization can be expanded. Different construction companies strongly demand experienced consultants.
Benefits of Doing Consultancy in Construction
Civil engineers working as consultants earn high income annually compared to the ones working in government agencies and other industries. The annual income ranges from £17K to £25K. With more experience, the salary can go as high as £55000.
Well-established construction firms conduct frequent training and courses which make the consultants more updated with the latest construction materials, software and design methods. All these help to develop a successful career in the field of civil engineering.
Once a sufficient amount of experience is gained, one can start freelance consulting and be an entrepreneur in the consulting field.
Read More: Roles and Responsibilities of Consulting Civil Engineer