What made you decide to become a surveyor?
I love the various types and styles of properties and the fact that some have been around for hundreds of years with many different guardians/owners who have had an input in changing them. Finding out their history and studying the different building methods over the years is also really interesting, particularly in and around Oxfordshire.
When did you become a surveyor?
I became a fully qualified Chartered Building Surveyor in 2001, but previously worked for 6 years as a Building Control Surveyor for a Local Authority.
What do you think is the most challenging part of being a building surveyor?
Having any spare time to spend with my family!
What do you think are the challenges affecting the surveying industry over the next few years?
Residential surveying offers an interesting and varied career and as the majority of properties will at some point need some form of survey, surveyors will always be in demand. However, the average age of a valuation surveyor is 57 and so it is a little worrying that there aren’t enough younger surveyors coming through. We are always looking for surveyors who could also be our future directors.
What do you find is the most interesting aspect of surveying?
Basically, it’s just seeing some fantastic houses which gives me great ideas for my own home!
What do you like least about surveying?
Doing a survey in the rain! However, lofts can also be horrible with things like cobwebs, vermin and bats. Wasps and their nests are the worst to come across.
What is the most unusual thing you have come across when surveying?
I once found a ‘life like’ mannequin in a loft of an old house, which gave me a bit of a shock! Recently, I also found an old hand grenade which luckily wasn’t live.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m an assistant manager for my local under 11’s football team. I also like to play golf and Five-a-side football when I’m not tending to my vegetable plot or carrying out DIY to my house.