A day in the life of a Project Surveyor

What does your job involve day to day?

My typical day would include a visit to one of the thirteen developments I am providing Employer’s Agent services for. I generally meet with a representative from the Client, the Developer and the site team to discuss progress of the build and any issues that have arisen. An inspection of the units in build is undertaken and from there I can prepare our Report to the Client, as well as minutes of the meeting which document the discussions held. If a valuation of the works is carried out, I would check the sums provided by the Developer and prepare a Notification confirming that the figures advised are correct and can be paid by the Client.

How did you become a Project Surveyor?

I joined Oxbury in 1994 as Secretary to the then Partners, Nick Oxbury and Sue Howes. I have fulfilled several roles during my time with Oxbury, including Shared Ownership Co-ordinator, Client Services Manager and Quality Assurance Manager. In 2015 Oxbury sponsored me to complete a five-year part-time Quantity Surveying degree at Anglia Ruskin University which led to my current role as Project Surveyor.

What’s the best part of the job?

There’s a few! I particularly enjoy building relationships with the Client and various site teams which, once established, make the job extremely enjoyable. I also take immense pleasure from the positive reactions of the affordable housing residents when they view their new homes – this makes the hours of inspections worthwhile. Having spent a large part of my career being wholly office based, I now appreciate being out and about, although the A140 has become my second home!

What skills do you need?

I think the most important skill is being able to deal with people from all different sectors of the industry in what can be a very pressured environment. Also, being able to take a step back and consider a potentially contentious issue before offering advice and finding a solution which diffuses it.