In this episode of SurveyBooker Sessions, host Matt Nally explores the critical issues surrounding flooding, featuring expert insights from Mary Long- Dhonau from Flood Mary and Kelly Ostler-Coyle, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at FloodRe. Both Mark and Kelly are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about flooding, it's impacts and solutions.

The episode delves into real-life experiences, insurance, flood risk, recovery processes, and preventative measures. With a focus on helping individuals and businesses better understand and prepare for flooding, this episode offers invaluable advice and resources.

Key Points:

Understanding Flood Risk: Insights into current flood risks and their impact on communities, including surface water flooding and climate change factors.

Flood Recovery Process: Detailed explanations of the recovery stages post-flood, insurance implications, and personal anecdotes on handling the aftermath.

Preventative Measures and Resilience: Discussion on "Build Back Better," flood defences, and practical steps homeowners can take to protect their property.

In this episode of Survey Booker Sessions, host Matt Nally interviews Steve Hodgson from Steve Hodgson Building Consulting. They dive into the intricacies of spray foam insulation, exploring common misconceptions, installation challenges, and the future of polyurethane foam in the construction industry. The episode provides valuable insights for surveyors, homeowners, and industry professionals about the pros and cons of spray foam insulation and its impact on property valuations and mortgage approvals.

Key Points

Introduction to Steve Hodgson: Steve introduces himself and his extensive experience in the damp control and building consulting industry.

Discussion on Spray Foam: The episode covers the history, benefits, and potential pitfalls of spray foam insulation in buildings.

Challenges in the Market: Steve highlights the challenges surveyors face when dealing with properties with spray foam, including market misconceptions and lender hesitations.

Future of Polyurethane Foam: A discussion on the evolving role of polyurethane foam in new builds and its potential for sustainable construction.

Industry Training and Courses: Steve talks about available training courses for surveyors to better understand and evaluate spray foam installations.

In this episode of Survey Booker Sessions, host Matt Nally, founder and director of Survey Booker, sits down with Nik Carle from Browne Jacobson LLP to discuss the evolving trends in negligence claims within the surveying industry. They revisit some critical points from their previous discussion and dive deep into various 'flashpoints' or areas where surveyors are most vulnerable to claims.

Nik Carle draws on his extensive experience as a litigation solicitor to offer practical advice, including the importance of adhering to home survey standards, carrying out pre-inspection research, and the growing role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in handling claims. This episode is a must-watch for surveyors who want to stay ahead, minimise risks, and enhance their professional practice.

00:08 Guest Introduction: Nik Carle from Browne Jacobson

00:41 Focus of Today's Episode: Negligence Claims in Surveying 01:05 Nick Carl's Background and Experience

02:50 Discussion on Home Survey Standards

09:53 Importance of Surveyor's Qualifications and Experience

16:20 Pre-Inspection Research and Its Significance

30:04 Further Investigations: Balancing Professional Judgment and Liability

34:54 Building Professional Confidence 35:20 Understanding Negligence vs. Mistakes

37:30 Inspection Standards and Legal Flashpoints

42:14 Trends in Litigation and Valuation Cases

47:57 Case Study: The Green vs. Windy Dispute

4:29 The Rise of ADR in Legal Disputes

01:05:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this final part of the episode featuring Vignesh, the focus is on decarbonizing the built environment through new materials and venture funding.

Recap of the challenges and support available for bringing new materials to market are discussed, as well as the role of entrepreneurs and PhD researchers in driving innovation.

The conversation delves into the partnership between academia and industry, funding challenges, and the future of VC investments in this sector. Highlights include the importance of commercial traction, the role of public grants, and promising regions for innovation.

00:00 Introduction to Decarbonizing the Built Environment

00:05 Challenges and Opportunities for New Materials

00:26 The Role of Entrepreneurs and PhD Researchers

00:58 Commercializing Innovations in Construction Tech

03:35 Funding and Venture Capital in Construction Tech

04:01 Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Startup

09:03 The Importance of Grants and Public Funding

12:37 The Role of VCs and Investment Strategies

17:05 Geographical Trends in Innovation and Investment

19:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

In part 2 of this episode, we discuss the challenges and drivers in adopting new building materials with Vignesh.

Key points include:

1. The impact of COVID-19 on increasing awareness about sustainability.

2. Government regulations such as the Paris Agreement and net zero targets.

3. The role of financial incentives and shareholder requirements in pushing sustainability.

4. The importance of testing and proving new materials' effectiveness and longevity.

5. Geographical and logistical challenges in material adoption and innovation scaling.

00:00 Introduction to Challenges in Adopting New Materials

00:28 Impact of COVID-19 on Material Adoption

00:53 Key Drivers for New Material Implementation

01:27 Financial Incentives and Sustainability

03:21 Technological Advancements and Testing

09:20 Role of Universities and Accelerated Testing

12:27 Geographical and Logistical Challenges

17:28 Future of Material Adoption and Sustainability

17:39 Conclusion and Next Topic Preview

In this week's episode of SurveyBooker Sessions, host Matt Nally is joined by Vignesh Daas to delve into the world of building materials and the efforts to decarbonize the construction industry.

The conversation covers a broad range of topics including the need for new materials, the challenges of adopting such innovations, and current efforts in venture building to promote sustainability.

Key points discussed include:

1. The importance of finding sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials to handle future growth and infrastructure needs.

2. The concept of self-healing concrete and other innovative materials aiming to reduce carbon emissions.

3. The role of waste valorization and the use of by-products from other industries in construction.

4. The impact of energy efficiency on construction-related carbon emissions.

5. The significance of retrofitting existing production plants with carbon capture technology.

00:00 Introduction to SurveyBooker Sessions

00:15 Guest Introduction: Vignesh Daas on Decarbonising Property

01:02 Key Topics Overview

01:35 The Need for New Building Materials

03:01 Innovations in Concrete and Other Materials

04:57 Challenges in Adoption and Industry Resistance

13:32 The Role of Safety and Practical Implementation

16:06 Exploring Specific New Materials

16:44 Waste Valorization and By-Products

20:32 Bio-Based Technologies and Nature-Based Designs

22:25 Carbon Capture and Storage

24:36 Top Materials to Watch

26:23 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In the final part of our episode with Zoe and Joe, we delve into invaluable tips for applying for the RICS Matrics Awards. Both Zoe and Joe share their unique experiences and strategies that helped them stand out in their successful applications. They discuss the hardest parts of the application process, the importance of providing evidence for different categories, and practical advice on time management and seeking feedback.

They also emphasise the significance of testimonials, creativity, and past work experience, even if it's not directly related to surveying. The episode concludes with final tips for enjoying the awards night, whether attending as nominees or guests. Join us for an insightful discussion that will surely inspire and guide your own award submission journey.

00:00 Introduction to RICS Matrics Awards Tips

00:21 Joe's Insights on Application Challenges

01:34 Zoe's Approach to a Successful Application

03:26 Balancing Technicality and Creativity

05:27 Importance of Testimonials and Evidence

06:57 Early Career Applications and Experience

09:49 Final Tips and Encouragement

In part two of this week's episode, Zoe and Joe share their experiences of life after winning the prestigious RICS Matrics Awards. Zoe recounts the overwhelming shock and opportunities that came her way post-award, including speaking engagements that pushed her out of her comfort zone.

Joe reflects on the confidence boost and professional advancements the award brought him, like joining the RICS professional group panel. Both emphasise the importance of seizing opportunities and staying motivated beyond the accolade itself. They also dispense valuable advice for those considering applying for such awards.

00:00 Introduction to Life After Winning the Award

00:23 Zoe's Experience: Overcoming Shock and Embracing Opportunities

04:01 Joe's Perspective: Confidence Boost and Professional Growth

08:51 The Impact of Winning: Motivation and Future Goals

11:51 Conclusion and Next Steps