Roughcast - The No-Nonsense Building Surveying & Damp Podcast

Episode 14 with Craig JL MacDonald FRICS and Ben Ihle from Beyond Condition

Learn how to enhance building survey efficiency with expert tips from Beyond Condition. Discover the advantages of modern solutions for surveyors. In the ever-evolving world of building surveys, the need for efficiency and accuracy is paramount. With traditional methods often proving cumbersome, many professionals are turning to innovative solutions. This episode will explore how the Beyond Condition platform helps streamline building surveys, making the process easier and more effective for surveyors and clients alike. Beyond Condition is a pioneering platform co-founded by Craig McDonald and Ben Ihle. With a unique blend of building consultancy and property technology, they have created a tool that transforms how building surveys are conducted. Craig, specialising in property, and Ben, an expert in technology, combined their strengths to develop a solution that addresses the shortcomings of traditional survey methods.

Episode 13 with Niall Hedderman

Discover the essential insights on navigating renovations with architect Neil Hederman. Learn why understanding older properties matters for homeowners and industry professionals alike. As homeowners and industry professionals, renovations can often feel overwhelming. Whether you're looking to update an older property or build from scratch, understanding the nuances of architectural renovations is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore valuable insights from Neil Hederman, a renowned architect with extensive experience in renovations, especially in older properties. Neil Hederman, originally from the West of Ireland, graduated from the University of Dundee in 2004. He started his career in Edinburgh, where he established his practice, Capital A Architecture, focusing on alterations, extensions, and renovations of older properties. With over 250 projects under his belt, Neil has become a sought-after expert in navigating the complexities of architectural renovations. Older properties come with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Neil emphasises these structures not only preserves their historical value but also minimises waste and resource use. Neil recommends that homeowners start with a comprehensive survey, preferably an RICS Level 3 survey, to assess the property's condition. This step is crucial to identify potential issues that could arise during renovations. Involving architects and surveyors early in the process can save time and money. Neil advises homeowners to seek professional advice before making any decisions, especially regarding planning permission and budget allocation. Understanding what can and cannot be done with the property based on local regulations is essential. Neil highlights the importance of feasibility studies to determine how best to utilise the space while complying with legal requirements. Renovation is a field where learning never stops. Neil shares that he continually seeks to expand his knowledge through professional development, which is vital for staying updated on best practices and industry standards. Neil’s journey into social media began as a way to share his insights and experiences. With growing platforms like YouTube and TikTok, he emphasises that while these channels can enhance visibility and client inquiries, they also present challenges in balancing content creation with client work. Navigating renovations, especially in older properties, requires careful planning, professional guidance, and a commitment to continuous learning. Neil Hederman’s insights provide a roadmap for homeowners and professionals alike to approach renovations with confidence. By understanding the unique challenges of older properties and taking proactive steps, you can ensure a successful renovation project. Want to learn more? Consider reaching out to a professional to discuss your renovation plans and start your journey with confidence. When considering an older property, it's essential to conduct a thorough survey to assess its condition and understand any potential challenges you may face during renovations. Hiring an architect can greatly benefit your renovation project, as they provide expertise in design, compliance with regulations, and help ensure your vision is realised effectively Yes, renovations can be budget-friendly with careful planning, prioritising essential improvements, and seeking professional advice early in the process.

Episode 12 with Geoff Hunt

This week on Roughcast, we sit down with Geoff Hunt for a genuinely insightful conversation about residential surveying, building pathology and what makes a good surveyor in the real world. Known by many surveyors for his mentoring, technical knowledge and straight-talking approach, Geoff shares his journey through the industry along with some brilliant advice for both experienced surveyors and those just starting out. The episode covers: • Building defects and pathology • Communicating risk to clients properly • Confidence in report writing • Mentoring the next generation of surveyors • Qualifications vs practical experience • The current state of the surveying industry • Common mistakes surveyors make when diagnosing defects This was one of those conversations that flew by. Honest, practical and packed with useful information for anyone involved in residential property. Whether you’re a surveyor, contractor, property professional or just someone interested in how buildings actually behave, there’s a huge amount to take away from this episode. A massive thank you again to Geoff for joining us. Absolute gentleman and someone clearly passionate about improving standards within the industry.

Episode 11 with Chris Dodson

In this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by experienced thatcher Chris Dodson to explore the practical realities of inspecting and maintaining thatched roofs. This episode is essential listening for surveyors, property professionals, and homeowners dealing with period properties, offering clear guidance on what can realistically be assessed during a non-invasive inspection and when specialist input is needed. We cover so much! This was the first guest that neither host had met prior to recording, and Chris immediately stood out as a polite, honest, and down-to-earth professional with a genuine passion for his craft.

Episode 10 with Lee Brace

In this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by retrofit coordinator Lee Brace to talk about what really happens when energy efficiency targets meet real buildings. We get into the reality behind PAS 2035, the role of a retrofit coordinator, and why a “whole house approach” isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds, especially when dealing with older, traditional properties. The conversation quickly turns to the stuff surveyors actually care about: damp, condensation, ventilation, and the unintended consequences of retrofit works. We discuss how improving airtightness can increase moisture risk, where insulation can go wrong, and why poor understanding of building fabric continues to cause issues on site. Lee shares his experience of managing retrofit projects, the challenges of balancing compliance with real-world conditions, and where he sees the biggest gaps in knowledge across the industry. This one went fast so fast we’re already planning a Part 2. If you’re a surveyor, contractor, or anyone involved in property and construction, this episode is packed with practical insight you won’t get from a textbook.