Specialist Building Surveyor

SPECIALIST BUILDING SURVEYOR 

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority 

Job Purpose 

To deliver a high-quality, customer-focused repairs surveying service, carrying out property inspections, diagnosing building defects, and ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective repairs. The post holder will act as a technical specialist, supporting contractors, internal teams, and residents while ensuring works are delivered to required standards, legislative requirements, and organisational policies.

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct 3–4 property inspections per day, including urgent and emergency visits where required.
• Diagnose building defects, including structural, damp, mould, and other complex issues, using moisture meters and technical tools.
• Ensure inspections and follow-up actions comply with statutory and internal timescales.
• Prepare and issue detailed survey reports, repair recommendations, and schedules of works to contractors.
• Follow up on ongoing works, monitor progress, and carry out post-inspection sign-offs and validations.
• Review contractor requests, variations, quotations, and ensure value for money and compliance with specifications.
• Liaise professionally with contractors, residents, internal departments, and external partners to coordinate repairs.
• Support residents by explaining required works, managing expectations, and resolving queries or disputes.
• Escalate safeguarding or vulnerability concerns in line with organisational policies.
• Review structural reports, engineering assessments, and complex building pathology documentation as required.
• Produce technical specifications for repair works in line with building regulations, best practice, and compliance standards.
• Manage damp and mould cases, ensuring accurate diagnosis, appropriate remedial actions, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Maintain awareness of current legislation, including housing standards, building safety, asbestos regulations, and emerging regulatory changes affecting the housing sector.
• Manage technical elements of disrepair cases, including accurate report writing, inspections, and providing professional advice.
• Interpret and respond to Scott Schedules, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and robust evidence to support defence or settlement strategies.
• Provide technical guidance to the housing team, contractors, and partners on day-to-day building issues and repairs.
• Maintain accurate records using internal reporting trackers, IT systems, and case management tools.
• Represent the organisation professionally at all times, ensuring a customer-centred approach.

Requirements 

• Experience in residential repairs surveying or building pathology.
• Strong knowledge of building construction, defect diagnosis, damp and mould management, and repair methodologies.
• Ability to produce clear, detailed technical reports and specifications.
• Experience liaising with contractors, residents, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Understanding of disrepair processes, legal frameworks, and Scott schedules.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including Building Regulations, HHSRS, health & safety, and asbestos awareness.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently across a borough area.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., RICS, CIOB) or working towards membership.
• Experience within a social housing or local authority environment.
• Knowledge of contract management and procurement frameworks.