Cleo Vaughan

JOB Building surveyor
EMPLOYER DTZ
DEGREE BA Geography, GDip building surveying, University of the West of England

After university I started my career in financial administration before going back to re-train as a building surveyor. I began to apply for jobs in the first year of my diploma. However, as I had missed the application deadlines I rang my current employer to enquire about summer placements instead. I was told that there were still some permanent positions for building surveyors and was invited to send my application. I attended an interview and was offered a place on the training scheme.

My role

My job includes providing advice on the dilapidations (repairs needed) on buildings  following lease expiry, preparing contracts for refurbishment and maintenance works, detecting defects in a building, carrying out surveys and advising on party wall matters (building works which might affect adjoining properties). During a typical day tasks might include answering queries from clients and liaising with contractors and consultants. Some days I make site visits to undertake surveys and will then return to the office to write my reports.

I like…

… working on a variety of interesting buildings, the opportunity to travel and the range of people I work with.

The tough bit is…

… doing the paper work – filling in time sheets and the work for my APC, but it is definitely worth the effort.

Key tools

• Phone – to keep in touch with clients and the office when I’m out on site.
• Camera – to record notes on the buildings.
• Diary – to make sure I am organised throughout the week with site meetings.