Survey Booker Sessions

In part two of this episode, Gavin O'Neill, a digital transformation specialist and former CEO of GoReport, joins us to discuss how to choose the right software supplier as part of your digital transformation journey. Here are the key takeaways:

Cost vs. ROI: The importance of weighing costs against the potential return on investment to ensure value.

Scalability: Why it's crucial to choose software that can grow with your organization and adapt to future needs.

Integration and Interoperability: How well the software integrates with other systems is vital for seamless operations.

Security Considerations: The importance of prioritising cybersecurity and understanding the credentials and protocols of potential suppliers.

Ownership and Focus: Evaluating who owns the software company and whether their primary focus aligns with your business needs.

 🔥 Join our founder Matt Nally, and Gavin O'Neill, a digital transformation specialist and former CEO of GoReport, as we explore the transformative power of digital solutions for surveyors in our latest episode.   

Whether you're an SME or a larger enterprise, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways:  

✅ What digital transformation truly means 

✅ Identifying the best time for tech implementation 

✅ Dealing with resistance to change 

✅ Finding the balance between automation and personal touch

✅ Overcoming common misconceptions

In this final part of episode 31 with Tim Kenny, we discuss what type of added detail is required in a Level 3 report to comply with the Home Survey Standard. 

Key Points:

• Understanding Further Investigations: When and how to recommend further investigations in Level 3 survey reports and avoiding caveat-based recommendations.
  
• Complying with Standards: Importance of adhering to home survey standards and distinguishing between different scenarios that necessitate further investigations.
  
• Dealing with Defects: Identifying and addressing defects properly, especially in traditional buildings, while ensuring compliance and protection against liability.
  
• Knowledge Gaps and Training: Recognizing knowledge gaps in assessing defects and further investigations, and the value of continuous learning to fill these gaps.
  
• Energy Efficiency and Climate Change: Differentiating the levels of reporting with respect to energy efficiency and climate change risk, and providing comprehensive energy-related recommendations at Level 3.

In part 2 of this episode, we continue our conversation with Tim Kenny focusing on the intricacies of Level 3 surveys. We delve into essential competencies, reporting requirements, and the challenges faced by new surveyors. 

Key Points:  

Competency and Knowledge Dependency: Importance of having the right technical competencies for Level 3 surveys, particularly in understanding building pathology and defect identification.  

Reporting Requirements: Detailed insights into how Level 3 reporting should reflect the thoroughness of the inspection, including using photographs, diagrams, and annotated notes.  

Inspection Similarities and Differences: A discussion on how Level 2 and Level 3 inspections are similar yet have distinct reporting and inspection expectations, especially concerning complex properties.  

Practical Tools and Equipment: The role of advanced tools like hygrometers and thermometers in identifying moisture problems and how these can be considered in both Level 2 and Level 3 surveys.  

Client-centric Reporting: Tailoring the survey report to meet client needs while maintaining rigorous inspection standards to ensure the client understands essential actions despite their initial intentions.

In part 1 of this episode, we sit down with Tim Kenny from Tim Kenny Surveying to discuss everything from entry routes in surveying to the intricacies of survey levels. This is a must-listen for anyone in the surveying industry!

🔑 Key Highlights:

• Tim's unconventional path to becoming a surveyor
• The importance of comprehensive training
• Understanding the real differences between survey levels
• Client needs vs. property requirements for survey levels
• Real-life case studies and regulatory insights
• Enhancing client satisfaction and minimizing risks
• Tune in now to elevate your surveying knowledge!

#Surveying #Surveyors #SurveyingIndustry #Podcast #ProfessionalDevelopment #SurveyBooker

In this episode, Steve Lees from RICS, discusses the importance of retrofitting existing homes to meet future energy standards. We cover the new RICS retrofit standard and the opportunities and challenges faced by surveyors in this evolving field.  

Key Points 

Understanding Retrofit: The concept of retrofitting existing housing stock to achieve energy efficiency and meet current and future requirements.  

Government Targets: Discussion on emission targets set for 2050 in the UK and earlier in Scotland, and the role residential properties play in achieving these targets.  

RICS Retrofit Standard: Introduction of the new retrofit standard by RICS, effective from October, aimed at helping surveyors advise on energy-efficient measures.  

Training and CPD: Highlighting the continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities available for surveyors to upskill and stay updated with new technologies in retrofit.  

Evaluating Risks: Addressing the potential risks with new materials and technologies and the importance of competency and continuous learning to ensure safe and efficient retrofitting.

In part two of this episode, Steve Lees from RICS provides valuable insights into the future of the residential market. Here are five key takeaways:

• Potential Shift to Scottish Model: The discussion explores the possibility of adopting Scotland's statutory home report model to improve transparency and reduce issues in the home-buying process.
• Legislative Changes Required: Emphasis on the need for legislation to mandate pre-condition surveys, as voluntary uptake remains low despite their benefits.
• Technological Advancements: Examination of how emerging technologies like AI, drones, and modern construction methods could revolutionize home surveys and property assessments.
• Market Education: The need to educate consumers that mortgage valuations are not comprehensive surveys, and the importance of getting detailed home surveys to protect their interests.
• Impact of Climate Change: The role of residential properties in achieving net-zero goals

In this episode of Survey Booker Sessions, host Matt Nally interviews Steve Lees from the RICS. They delve into various aspects of the surveying profession, focusing on both practical advice and broader trends in the industry.

Key Points:

Home Survey Standard Requirements: Steve discusses the home service standard requirements, their evolution, and the importance of adhering to these standards to ensure quality and consistency in survey reports.

- Navigating home service standard requirements

- Transitioning careers within the surveyor industry

- Using standard phrases effectively

- Importance of having thorough terms of engagement

- Insights on the upcoming review of home survey standards

In part 3 of this week's episode with Dan Drogman we're discussing what is the future of buildings, both commercial and residential? 

Dan Drogman is a software development entrepreneur and CEO of Smart Spaces. He provides leading owners and developers of real estate with smart building solutions.

Smart Spaces enables building owners to add an extra dimension to their services via its internet of things cloud-based platform, smartphone app and digital twin, giving clients 360-degree engagement with and control of their office environment. From a secure automated entry system with Apple Wallet functionalities, to control of lighting and heating, and connecting with the office concierge, the technology is revolutionising the role of the traditional building owner and occupier.

In part 3, we cover: 

🏦 Smart building technology and its impact on property valuations

🧑‍🎓 WiredScore or SmartScore accreditation to get an advantage with peers 

🌍 Smart building technology and its adoption in different countries

🔐 Smart building security and IoT vulnerabilities 

📺 Technology and obsolescence - is it an issue in buildings? 

In part two, with Dan Drogman from Smart Spaces, we're discussing the benefits of smart buildings and how they differ for each building stakeholder?  

Dan Drogman is a software development entrepreneur and CEO of Smart Spaces. He provides leading owners and developers of real estate with smart building solutions.

Smart Spaces enables building owners to add an extra dimension to their services via its internet of things cloud-based platform, smartphone app and digital twin, giving clients 360-degree engagement with and control of their office environment. From a secure automated entry system with Apple Wallet functionalities, to control of lighting and heating, and connecting with the office concierge, the technology is revolutionising the role of the traditional building owner and occupier.

In part 2, we cover:   

📀 Digitalising office buildings for improved efficiency and engagement

🔒 Using technology to improve building access and security

🚫 Common mistakes in smart building implementation

💻 Technology adoption and commitment

👩‍💻 Embracing technology in surveying and its benefits