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Chartered surveyor Stephen McCarron recounts a serious fall from a telescopic ladder during a solo property inspection, the injuries and recovery that followed, and the changes he is making to work more safely. Dan and Adam discuss practical lone-worker precautions, the mental and financial impact of injury, and the role of AI in survey reporting.

In this issue, we dive into the world of structural engineering with Philip Glowinski, a director at a family-run engineering firm in Croydon. With nearly two decades of experience, Philip offers invaluable insights into the complexities and misconceptions surrounding structural reports and engineering in residential and commercial properties. Philip shares his path into structural engineering, revealing that despite being a third-generation engineer, he initially pursued a physics degree. He explains, "I thought, sod that, I don't want to do that... then it turns out physics is really, really hard." His passion for problem-solving and physical structures ultimately led him back to the family business, where he found his calling.In our conversation, Philip emphasizes that structural engineers are often seen as specialists, but they are generalists at heart, tackling everything from kitchen extensions to multi-billionaire basements. He notes that structural engineering reports account for only a small portion of their work, with design being the primary focus. "If it’s a structure, we can design it; whether that be a bike, a piece of art, a building," he says.

In this episode, Dan, Adam, and Michael discuss the realities of self-employment, the impact of AI on surveying, and practical tips for property inspections and reports. They share insights on balancing work and family, leveraging technology, and maintaining mental well-being.Michael Barnett introduces himself as the owner of Barnett Surveyors, a firm based in the East Midlands. With a decade of experience in local authority roles, including managing facilities and contractors, he now balances the demands of running a business while raising a family.

In this episode, Dan welcomes Michiel Brouns, a paint expert known for his insights into historic building materials. With a rich background in historic building surveying, Michiel shares his journey from the Netherlands to the UK and how he became a leading figure in the paint industry.Michiel started his career in Maastricht, where he learned about the various influences on building styles due to the city's unique history. This exposure laid the foundation for his future work in historic conservation. He eventually moved to the UK, where he began working with a company specializing in retrofitting historic glass. However, he realized a significant gap in knowledge regarding paint in conservation practices, leading him to focus on manufacturing linseed paint.

Welcome back to another insightful episode of our podcast! This time, we dive deep into the fascinating world of historic surveying with expert Scott Enders from Heritage Consulting. Scott shares his journey in building surveying, which spans over fifteen years. He started with a degree in building surveying, working as a graduate before becoming self- employed. Now, he specializes in historic listed buildings, handling everything from listed building surveys to project management. His extensive experience offers a unique perspective on the nuances of older properties. Surveying older buildings is no small feat. Scott explains that each building presents its own set of challenges, often requiring several hours of detailed inspection. "I could be on a survey for about eight or nine hours on some jobs. There's so much to look at... every wall is a different thickness, there are different construction types, and numerous alterations over the years." — Scott Enders He contrasts this with newer constructions, which can feel like "apples and oranges" in comparison. The complexity of their history and construction demands a deep understanding of architectural features, which Scott emphasises is crucial for accurate surveying.

In a world where the details matter, Rosie Wills sheds light on her journey through the surveying landscape, emphasising the importance of practical experience and data- driven insights. From Social Housing to Private Surveying Rosie began her career in social housing maintenance and surveying, which she describes as both a challenging and rewarding path. This experience provided her with access to a wealth of data from 3,000 properties, allowing her to see firsthand what works in the field. "I think data is really important in housing and surveying. By working in social housing, I could access properties over time and see in real life what works and what doesn't... rather than take the theory and tell people it will probably work." Her transition to private surveying has been driven by her desire to offer a broader range of services, including project management and specialized damp and mould assessments, which are particularly pertinent in social housing contexts. The Value of Experience in Residential Surveys Dan highlights the difference in skill sets within the surveying profession, noting that many surveyors focus solely on residential surveys. In contrast, Rosie’s background gives her an edge in understanding practical implications and costs related to construction and maintenance. "One of the things I find really useful about coming through that route is that it allows me to provide insights based on practical experience, which is invaluable for clients." The conversation underscores a critical gap in knowledge for younger surveyors, who may lack hands-on experience in various trades, making it difficult to provide accurate assessments. Addressing Damp and Mould Issues Rosie shares her experiences with damp and mould surveys, emphasizing how the industry often complicates matters unnecessarily. She discusses the challenges faced

A Path to Building Surveying Sean's introduction to building surveying was quite serendipitous. "I had never heard of building surveying...It was only really when I was studying for [a BTEC in construction] that one of the modules was building surveying," he explains. This revelation during his A-level studies ignited a passion that would shape his career. Graduating from Ulster University in 2015, Sean became chartered in 2020, showcasing a traditional yet effective route into the profession. He reflects, "I suppose it was quite a linear traditional route into the profession." Taking the plunge to work for himself was daunting. Sean started part-time, working evenings and weekends while still employed. "I suppose my goal was to slowly but steadily build it up to where I thought I could comfortably take it on full time," he shares. By August 2024, he made the leap into self-employment and has found great satisfaction in his work. "I absolutely love it...I'm probably working a lot more hours now than I would have been in the employed role, but it doesn't actually feel like that," he admits, highlighting the fulfilment that comes from pursuing a passion. Sean emphasises the value of delivering quality over quantity in his surveys. "I only do a maximum of three surveys a week...I leave time over to have a conversation with a client, get to know them, get to know what their concerns are," he explains. This approach not only enhances client relationships but ensures thorough work. In a world where speed is often prioritized, Sean's philosophy stands out: "There's a lot of satisfaction in doing a good job...You can take the time required to do the thing properly." The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining a professional presence on social media, particularly LinkedIn. Sean notes, "I've started to see a lot of negativity...I don’t think you can put anything on LinkedIn at the moment without someone jumping on it and starting an argument." Dan adds, "I think AI's slop has ruined LinkedIn," pointing to the prevalence of AI-generated content that lacks authenticity. Sean agrees, expressing concern that too often, inexperienced professionals face undue criticism rather than constructive feedback. Sean's journey into surveying is a testament to following one’s passion and the importance of quality in professional practice. As he continues to grow his business, his insights serve as a reminder that success is not solely measured by quantity but by the value we bring to our clients. For more insights and to hear the full conversation with Sean McGoldrick, tune into the episode. The Leap to Independence The Importance of Quality Work Navigating Social Media as Professionals Conclusion

In this episode, we explore traditional building materials, retrofit strategies, moisture management, and the latest research in sustainable construction with expert Rosanne Walker. Discover practical insights for surveyors, builders, and homeowners interested in preserving and improving historic buildings.

Dan Knowles of Websters Surveyors joins me to talk about where the surveying profession is heading, and what it takes to build a business around quality rather than volume. We get into AI and professional judgement, seller surveys, low-fee high-volume surveying, training and retaining good surveyors, referral fees, business growth, and why the profession needs to get much better at explaining its value.

Welcome back! This week, we dive into an intriguing conversation with Jason Harker, our first returning guest, who sheds light on the unexpected intersection of ecology and real estate — specifically, bats. One of the key topics Jason discusses is the importance of preliminary roost assessments (PRAs). These assessments are crucial when planning construction work that might disturb bat habitats. "If your little finger can get in there, a bat can get in there," Jason emphasises, highlighting how even the smallest openings can be potential roosting sites for these fascinating creatures. He breaks down the different categories of roosts, explaining that most properties fall into low or moderate-risk categories for bat presence. Yet, surprises can happen, like the time he discovered seven bats emerging from a seemingly well-sealed London home.

When it comes to surveying, safety should always be a top priority. In this episode, we’ll explore key insights on how to mitigate risks associated with common tasks in the field, especially when physical demands can lead to injuries. We’ll share personal stories and practical advice to help surveyors navigate their work safely, ensuring that they can continue to perform their roles effectively for years to come. This is a chilled episode

In this episode, we dive deep with James Warren, the ‘Sultan of Sewage’ and the mastermind behind Off Main Solutions. He shares his journey from construction engineering to becoming a leading expert in private drainage. James reflects on the importance of transparency in the drainage sector, the need for compliance, and how LinkedIn has transformed his business. He passionately believes in protecting clients and enhancing the industry standards. It’s crucial we talk about these topics to raise awareness and ensure everyone is informed. What’s your take on the importance of specialised knowledge in niche industries? Listen to the full episode for more insights! #SewageSolutions #DrainageExpert #LinkedInConnection #BusinessInsights #IndustryAwareness

Renovating your home can be a daunting task, often filled with unexpected challenges and stress. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of managing a renovation project, you're not alone. In this podcast, we’ll explore how Toby's project management app can transform your renovation experience, making it smoother and more efficient.

In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves at a crossroads regarding their careers, especially in the wake of significant global events like COVID-19. Max, a residential surveyor, shares his unique journey from the hospitality sector to the world of property surveying, illustrating the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. This is just a really honest Roughcast chat

Welcome back to our podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Dr. Samantha Organ, a remarkable expert in building sustainability and surveying. With a rich background that spans academia and practical consultancy, Dr. Organ offers invaluable insights into navigating a career in surveying and the educational pathways that can lead you there. Dr. Samantha Organ is not just a name; she represents a wealth of experience in building surveying and sustainability. With a career that includes working in both the UK and America, she has transitioned from a research assistant to an associate professor and now runs her own consultancy firm. Dr. Organ’s background combines academia with hands-on experience, making her a trusted advisor in her field.