A day in the life of a Projects and Defects Surveyor (Clerk of Works)

What does your job involve day to day?

No two days are the same and is a very varied role. I meet with Clients to discuss the project, checking specifications and drawings to ascertain what is required. I can be both office based and working on site. Going to site to meet the site teams to discuss any issues that have arisen and check the specification is being followed, complies with statutory bodies requirements and the quality of work. Reports are then written and issued to the client informing them of progress, quality issues and what is required to rectify. Other aspects are to produce specifications for the client so that they can be issued at tender stage.

How did you become a Project & Defects Surveyor?

I have always been interested in quality of work and how buildings are put together since working on the tools after leaving school. Passing my NHC in Construction and the Built Environment, it has been a natural progression from similar roles, working on numerous residential projects over the years, including new build, independent living schemes, refurbishments, as well as full surveys to ascertain Capital Works programmes for upgrades of existing housing stock. This led to joining Oxbury in April 2023 as Clerk of Works (Projects and Defects Surveyors)

What’s the best part of the job?

There are a number! I particularly enjoy building relationships with the Client and site teams, building a rapport which makes the role enjoyable. I also like looking for new technology and materials to incorporate in clients’ specifications as well as seeing the finished product being handed over to clients and affordable housing residents.

What skills do you need?

The most important thing is to have a broad knowledge of the construction industry covering materials, trades, building methods, and legal requirements. Also to have excellent observational skills and to be able to pay attention to detail. Plus good organisational and project management skills to deal with people from all different sectors of the industry in what can be a very pressured environment.