What does a building surveyor do (I review my Chartered Building Surveyor career)

[@mikeking2855]

Thanks for the video, I am 64 and have run my own construction business for over 20 years, prior to this I ran a mechanical engineering company for many years too. I love the work, but I am finding it hard work as I get older. I have been looking into residential surveying and valuation and believe I qualify for the qualified route to apc as I have been a qualified electrician and plumber for many years. I would definitely start my own business and, at least initially run it alongside my existing business. I have carried out full refurbishment on houses over 200 years old and modern too, many extensions etc and conversion of shops, offices and large houses into apartments. I have a couple of issues that have prevented me starting, first how do I go about finding a counsellor? The other is I tend to get bored with the paperwork side, I have looked at several surveys from where friends have purchased properties and find they are often poorly produced and inadequate. I am certain I have the experience, how much time do you spend in the office? Appreciate your advice. Mike.

[@mikkibubble4711]

So, what does a building surveyor actually do? - I came across your channel to find out whether I need a builder or a surveyor or both to opine on the cause of the damage (including costs for repair) to parts of my house walls i.e. whether it has any link to my immediate next-door neighbours’ chronic problems with rainwater drainage.

[@Kilowhiskey-g9t]

This was a great video, after 18 years drawing building plans I made the jump into surveying, as you stated not all surveying roles will give you a wider understanding of building surveying (my role is specialising in repairs and maintenance in the social housing sector). I would like to become chartered at some point but not sure the experience in my role would expose me to enough of the APC criteria to become chartered, would an AssocRICS be easier to obtain? If not I have been looking at a distance learning MSC but worried it may be too much work 😩

[@Upwardsonly]

Hello - good question. I replied to you in my latest video. Hope it is helpful.

[@akbp8088]

Hello!!! Great video! After 15 years in residential estate agency, I've taken the decision to move from a management position into a traineeship as a commercial surveyor for a large surveyors firm that cover Northern England and Scotland. I'm slightly daunted by the shift into commercial, and the challenge of the APC (this low pass rate is frequently commented upon!), but excited for the new challenge and think my 'soft skills' as you put it, will come to good use! Do you have any words of wisdom!?

[@Upwardsonly]

@@akbp8088 Hello, thank you. Sounds great, you may be able to do the senior profession route - might be best to ask the RICS direct though. RE APC, on the one hand it’s frustrating it’s hard and has such a low pass rate, but on the other hand, if it was too easy it wouldn’t be as respected. There are a few easy wins for the APC, it’s all about justifying advice. I can do a video on this if you like?

[@akbp8088]

That would be really helpful thank you. I'm doing the professional route! You're right, it wouldn't hold so much weight if it was easier to achieve.

[@SSR12-e4z]

Hey Dude, great video! I’m looking at doing a conversion course MSc. Would be great to connect to find out more :)

[@Upwardsonly]

@@SSR12-e4z let’s do it

[@stusherwood1274]

Hi Dave. Great video. I'm a QS with an RICS accredited MSc completed c. 7 years ago. I'm not chartered though have been APC enrolled for some time (kicking the can down the road - QS and Construction pathway). In the last few year's I've become burnt out with working as a PQS but have always found the technical side of property and construction far more interesting. I'm currently taking a short career break and considering my options. I'm considering "transferring" (if even possible) to become a Building Surveyor. Could you give your opinion of if this sounds feasible and if so, where would you recommend I start?

[@Upwardsonly]

@@stusherwood1274 hey mate, thanks for commenting. Firstly, I suppose I should caveat that there may be better people to give you a more experienced answer but nonetheless I have the following thoughts. Going from QS to BS, would be a massive strength as you could blend the expertise. This is something (including myself) that most BS’ers do not have. You can swap pathways so no problems on that one. Many of the core competencies cross over. I’d recommend starting in the new role and really trying it out. There is a shortage of Building Surveyors so that should be no problem. Then, if you decide it is for you, it would be good find a good mentor and to get stuck into the APC as soon as possible. I imagine you could leverage your seven years experience for many of the competencies so you may be able to apply in a relatively short period of time. Regarding career options down the line, the most successful chartered surveyors I know are the ones who have done 5-10 years as chartered surveyors and then side stepped into other industries. You could also blend experience with other professions, for instance, ‘being an expert in the built environment with ESG, or marketing, etc’. Loads of options. Happy to talk further if you like?

[@goffharr6345]

Hi David really appreciate for you to share your experience! I am 30, have an accounting degree and been doing business intelligence analysis since university. I am thinking to have a career break. What would you recommend if I take a master on building surveying, or apply a trainee role and study part-time? Many thanks.

[@Upwardsonly]

Hmm well the first thing i suppose is building surveying should be easy for you!;). Also, it was a long answer so I made another video responding to your question. Hope it helps.

[@goffharr6345]

@@Upwardsonly Thanks for answering my queries. Great video!

[@nicholaslyon8783]

Hello mate great video! I’m thinking about doing the masters conversion degree but I’m slightly worried about my employability after the degree given that I won’t have any practical experience and the job advertisements I’ve seen ask for 1 year minimum experience. What was your experience with getting your first job after complete your masters?

[@Upwardsonly]

Yo, I just made another video replying to your comment. Hope it helps.

[@stretching7841]

Hello, thank you so much for this sharing!! Im considering doing a master in BS ,hopefully could become a Chartered one like you! But after the Master I gonna turn to 30 that I arouse my concerns ( salary, time etc. ). Is it too late to start this career at the age of 30? Would like to hear your opinion. Appreciate your time and help mate!!Great Wishes!

[@Upwardsonly]

Go for it, honestly 30 is the new 20. I just made a video replying to this. Hope it helps.

[@rtfooty6458]

Hi, I’m a first year accounting and finance student and I’m looking to do my MSc conversion course in quantity surveying after the 3 years. If I’m looking to do this, is there any point taking a placement year in an accounting firm during my BSc as that year of experience will be somewhat not relevant. Hope to year from you soon!

[@Upwardsonly]

I replied to you in another video. Hope it is useful.

[@MuckyD.]

Hi David. The 2 years experience to start the process for being chartered, is that only post graduate experience? From what I have read there is a shortage of building surveyors, and to me it makes sense to skip a placement year to get into the work force sooner. Do you think this is possible? Thanks.

[@GiovanniCiechanovicz]

Hello. My name is Giovanni I am a TCK which means I move around a lot I was born in Italy came to the UK when I was 6 left half way through year 11. Lived two years in brazil and now I'm back in England I haven't actually finished any schooling I am currently in the process of finishing home school and getting an American diploma I want to be a charted quantity surveyor but I don't know where to start. do you know of any tips that might help me.

[@GiovanniCiechanovicz]

if its possible to get into contact i would really appreciate it

[@Upwardsonly]

Hello, this is a tricky one for me to answer. I think the best way to understand if you can progress on this route is to find out if your American Diploma is acceptable by any Universities in the UK (or where ever you plan to apply). It may also be worth talking directly to the RICS to understand if your diploma could be accepted to get onto the apprenticeship programme they offer.

[@GiovanniCiechanovicz]

@@Upwardsonly ok thank you vey much