A building estimator or cost estimator is an individual that quantifies the materials, labor, and equipment needed to complete a construction project. Building cost estimating can concern diverse forms of construction from residential properties to hi-rise and civil works. Quantity surveyors differ from building cost estimators in that a quantity surveyor is a formally trained and accredited professional (Bachelor's degree or higher) in the cost estimating field.
Representative professional bodies which regulate property professionals:
Entry to membership of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors is via four main routes: academic, graduate, technical, and senior professional and has links with a number of universities worldwide, with whom they have accredited approved courses.
The American Society of Professional Estimators (http://www.aspenational.org) - a non profit association which promotes construction estimating as a professional field of endeavor. Professional estimators use Construction Estimating Software.
The Consulting Estimator FORUM (http://consultingestimatorforum.org/) is a non profit group which promotes professional construction bidding and estimating practices. Professional estimators use Construction Estimating Software.
