Damp Surveyor

An experienced Damp Surveyor is sought to join the Property Services team of a well-established housing association in Kent. Reporting to the Senior Surveyor, this is a permanent position for a technically strong candidate with a solid grounding in building pathology; damp and mould diagnosis; and property defects. Experience within housing; whether private or local authority; is highly desirable.

The Role

• To deliver surveying, maintenance and planned works across the organisation's property portfolio. This includes all aspects of property maintenance, major works, responsive repairs, planned works, refurbishment, fire management, servicing, voids, cyclical redecorations, estate improvements, environmental, energy, newbuild and regeneration.
• To monitor the performance of contractors and ensure all projects are completed to compliance standards, specification, schedule and cost keeping detailed digital records of various aspects of the work, based upon frequent site visits and ensure the asset management database is updated.
• To deliver a continual plan of Stock Condition Surveys, new build pre-occupation fire inspections and all building related technical and/or advisory services.

Accountabilities

• Providing technical support to the organisation and its customers, conduct property surveys, diagnose defects.
• Designing and specifying works, obtain estimates, oversee delivery, monitor project expenditure and complete sign-off.
• Acting as contract administrator or other role as appropriate and use standard forms of contract to administer the works.
• Overseeing quality control and supervision for each contract, ensuring adequate provision is made on site for building legislation and health & safety requirements.
• Undertaking inspections and audits of the partnering contractors, servicing maintenance contract and defects within new homes by visiting site.
• Reviewing completed work against the schedule/contractors' invoices and resolving issues as necessary.
• Completing fire risk assessments and audit FRA's of others.
• Validate works needed and signing off fire remedial works.
• Completing stock condition surveys and asbestos condition surveys, ensuring that all records are maintained appropriately.
• Providing management reports and schedules of defects when necessary and certify rectification of snagging items.
• Working closely with the Building Safety Managers ensuring all relevant legislation is being adhered to.
• Ensure safety, quality control and productivity assessments are carried out so that all work complies with current codes of practice, standards and legislation, particularly Health and Safety.
• Ensuring all Section 20 & tender processes are completed in a timely way.
• Ensuring data integrity ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations.
• Investigate and resolve any CRM tasks, enquiries or complaints raised by customers relating to projects or services provided by the organisation.
• Providing out of hours telephone cover on a rota basis, as required.
• Complaints Lead Officer: Responsible for managing complaints in line with our policy and the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code. This will include appropriate and proportionate resolutions and accurate record keeping.
• Keeping accurate records and manage all data in accordance with our Data Governance Framework, relevant legislation, and best practice.

Requirements

• A strong understanding of building pathology and construction techniques is essential, alongside knowledge of budgeting processes and standing orders.
• Candidates should be familiar with the processes involved in conducting stock condition surveys, fire risk assessments and asbestos reinspection, as well as a good working knowledge of landlord and tenant legislation; including leases and resident consultation requirements.
• Experience managing and inspecting all aspects of major works; responsive repairs; planned improvements; and service and cyclical contracts is required, together with knowledge of forms of contract and contractor management.
• A working knowledge of residential property and housing legislation is expected; including experience of working in occupied buildings, building regulations (with particular reference to parts A, L, M and P), conservation consent and TPO management.
• Candidates should bring experience of liaising with customers and occupants across projects of varying scale and complexity, alongside knowledge of party wall regulations, disrepair legal protocol and stock and asset management principles backed by practical experience.
• A current understanding of health and safety legislation as it applies to property maintenance, construction, repairs and refurbishment is essential.
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office; particularly Excel and Word; is required.
• Candidates must also have appropriate means of transport and the flexibility to undertake work-related activities outside of core hours.

Proficient Requirements

• A higher, further or professional education qualification in a building/construction related discipline or similar.
• A sound knowledge of building construction technology, contract administration, statutory authorities and legal requirements.
• A sound knowledge of building regulations, parts A, M, P and L.
• An understanding of the RRO 2005 and in conducting Fire Risk Assessments.
• Expertise in a building construction, surveying or planned maintenance projects environment.
• Ability to produce good accurate written reports and communicate with customers and other lay persons in addition to building professions.
• Ability to understand and work with contract drawings, specifications, tender documentation and legislative documents.
• A good understanding of the section 20 process.
• A good understanding of budgeting processes and standing order - Responsible for budget control.

If this sounds like your next move; it's well worth a confidential conversation with our team. Get in touch to find out more or apply now.