“Building surveying is boring”…?

A stark realisation or common misconception?
By Ben Anderson BSc (Hons) MRICS

I recently came across an online article and blog discussion based on professional construction and real estate roles. The discussions outlined the typical work undertaken, salary expectations etc. with the intention of advising undergraduates on a career path. I was surprised to read that a career in building surveying is commonly considered boring.

This got me thinking, is this true? Or, is the role of a building surveyor misunderstood and hence leading the next generation into other construction/real estate professions that are perceivably more exciting, such as project management or as somebody interestingly suggested, quantity surveying?!

So what does a building surveyor do? The dreaded question… Having studied building surveying at university and being in the profession for a decade, I have still not perfected my elevator pitch.

The public generally perceive building surveyors to be encountered when purchasing a residential property and often at the inconvenience of the vendor and purchaser. Whilst some companies specialise in this field, for the majority of surveyors this is a very small part of the workload.

The typical role of a building surveyor is extremely broad and diverse and covers both the commercial and residential sectors including:

•  Project management

•  Dilapidations

•  Building inspection (Technical due diligence)

•  Planned maintenance reporting

•  Contract administration

•  Party wall advice (Under Party Wall etc. Act 1996)

I often find that given the huge variety of duties performed by a building surveyor, industry professionals often find it difficult to comprehend exactly what we do, let alone the wider property community.

In my opinion building surveying is far from being a boring profession. A career in this field will enable a diverse range of work meaning no two days are the same. Additionally, you have the choice to specialise in a service line if that is your preference.

Trained chartered building surveyors can be found working in all corners of the globe albeit under different titles. I have been given the opportunity to inspect and work on a range of buildings both in Europe and across Oceania and Asia. The role often requires our team to be out on site inspections, frequently entering parts of buildings that the public will never see. The profession can offer extensive opportunities and be a fulfilling and exciting career choice for the practically minded person.

Shared here, is a snapshot of my (admittedly more exciting) experiences working as a building surveyor and highlights the work you could be involved with.

Technical Due Diligence (Commercial Building Survey)

In 2016, I was approached by a potential purchaser to inspect and report on three Hotels in Wellington and Queenstown, New Zealand. This involved a thorough inspection of all the buildings and assessing the condition of the building fabric. The evenings and weekend spent white water rafting and skiing weren’t part of the inspection but a perk of the job!

In 2017, I was engaged by a potential purchaser to inspect a 5* Luxury Island Resort in the Maldives. This involved a comprehensive inspection of all the buildings and services on the island which meant five days staying at the luxurious resort. As several of the buildings were built into the sea bed, it also included diving underwater to assess the condition of the structural timber posts.

Project Management / Contract Administration

In 2013, I was involved with a feasibility study, full design and project management role on a significant historical Town Hall building in Sussex, England. The works included installing glazed pavement lights above the steps to highlight an area of the building where 17 Protestant women were martyred in the 14th century. The stakes for delivering this job on time and within budget were therefore even more crucial.

From 2017-2019, I have been involved with the specification and project management of the external repair works to arguably three of London’s most significant and well-known historic buildings across the city and west end. These projects have involved liaison with specialist consultants and engaging with the local government and historical officers.

   

From 2012-2015, I was involved with large external repair and maintenance projects at the Brighton Marina, England. Who wouldn’t enjoy completing an inspection by the seaside? In the summer at least…

Dilapidations (Landlord & Tenant)

In 2016, I provided strategic dilapidation advice and negotiation for the Queensland Government, Australia. Several premises were consolidated to one large purpose built building. This yielded significant multimillion dollar savings for the Government and tax payer.

In 2017, I advised one of the globe’s largest nutrition and hygiene brands on their potential dilapidation options and liability for relocating their London HQ to elsewhere in Europe.

Forward Planned Maintenance

In 2014, I undertook a maintenance plan for a police building which transpired to be the police riot training facility for the London Olympics in 2012, deep beneath the ground in the Sussex countryside.

In 2015, I undertook a planned preventative maintenance report on a government building in the Northern Territory, Australia. This provided an exciting new experience visiting the area and surrounding national parks – one I would never have achieved otherwise.

If the above experiences sound interesting, and you think you could see yourself as a ‘boring’ building surveyor but would like some more information about the role, then feel free to get in touch.

About Crossley Anderson Ltd

Crossley Anderson is a privately owned and professionally led property development and building consultancy, with its senior management team’s experience behind some of the most acclaimed residential and commercial assets in London and Sussex. Services include:

•  Project Management

•  Employers Agent / Contract Administration

•  Development Monitoring

•  Technical Due Diligence Surveys (commercial)

•  Dilapidations

•  Party Wall Services

•  Defect Advice

For more details visit www.crossleyanderson.com or contact grant@crossleyanderson.com | ben@crossleyanderson.com

Ben Anderson BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Crossley Anderson Ltd