Lunchtime CPD Series- Client-Focused Building Survey Reports - 27th February
Location: This CPD is online. Cost: £20 + VAT

New and Revised Content for 2025..! 🙂
This online CPD session is now available for booking on the following dates..:
12:30pm 27th February
Objectives
Put the client first..! They are paying you for advice about a SPECIFIC property. They don’t want a generic standard report.
I get to see lots of survey reports – usually when complaints are made and I’m asked to do Expert Witness work and need to critically review what has been said. There are many common mistakes made, which can be easily avoided.
Complaints are rarely because a surveyor missed something. They are more often about what was said, or not said, and will very often come down to the small details.
When looking at a complaint, the whole service provided by the surveyor is considered. A surveyor should have the confidence to express a professional opinion. That is what they are being paid for. Defensive reporting, heavily caveated, will be of less value to the client and will not be viewed well in a negligence claim.
The output of any building inspection or building survey is a written report. Every surveyor will be judged by the quality of the report produced. You might be the best surveyor ever, but if you can’t write a good report then you are at risk of complaints from your client and open yourself up to potential negligence claims. The report itself has no real value. It is the information within the report where the value to the client is found. If that information is weak then the report is largely a wasted opportunity and, it could be argued by a client, that it was a waste of money and not worth doing at all.
You will be within a safe and nurtured group of like-minded people. Use the opportunity to ask any questions that arise. There is no such thing a silly question.
By the end of this CPD session you will be more aware of the following..:
- Understand the different types of reports that tend to be most commonly used
- When to use a pre-formatted template report vs. a bespoke report
- Be aware of the factors required when making a diagnosis and recommendations
- Legal requirements related to Listed Buildings
- Making recommendations for further inspections
- Have better confidence in yourself
- Understand about writing a confident and well presented report for your client
Content
This CPD session is flexible to suit the needs of the group but might typically include topics such as..:
- RICS complaints, public perception and professional standards
- JPS 2022 – Investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings
- The relevance of the RICS Home Survey Standard 2019
- Are you competent to do the survey at all?
- What does the client really need to know?
- How to write a report
- Using photos effectively
- Giving advice to your client
Suitability
This training is suitable for everyone, regardless of background or experience. No prior knowledge or qualifications is required. It is taught in English, so you must have a good use of the English language.
The training is intended to be of most value to RICS surveyors but it will also be useful to surveyors who are members of other professional groups, students, post-grad students, apprentices and those who might be seeking a career change later in life.
More Training Available In-Person
This online CPD webinar will provide the basic information to help you write confident and competent building survey reports.
We also have in-person training dates which you might find of interest. We firmly believe that the very best way to learn is through practical experience.
Format
This CPD training will be delivered online. There are no handouts or course material.
This training will be delivered live on Zoom. You will be allowed to ask questions..
This training qualifies for 1 hour formal CPD.
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