So… What Do Building Inspectors Actually Do? Artwork

This is Surveying

🎧 This Is Surveying

Because surveying matters, and so do the people behind it.

This Is Surveying lifts the lid on the real world of surveying, the highs, the hurdles, the geeky details (yes, even AI and emerging tech), and the humans driving it all.

We go beyond the stereotypes to explore how surveyors shape both the built and natural environment. You’ll hear honest, down-to-earth conversations about work, business, and life, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out, plus fresh perspectives from guests outside the profession who bring valuable insight into leadership, innovation, and change.

Powered by Surveyors UK, the independent platform connecting and promoting the profession, and The Surveying Room, its free online community bringing surveyors together, breaking down silos, and making surveying visible.

If you’re a surveyor, a future surveyor, or simply curious about this brilliant and often overlooked profession, you’re in the right place.

Hosted by Nina Young, Founder of Surveyors UK. Visit www.surveyors-uk.com
to join The Surveying Room and learn more.

We are also on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@SurveyorsUK

All Episodes

This is Surveying

So… What Do Building Inspectors Actually Do?

January 20, 2026 • Nina Young - Surveyors UK • Season 1 • Episode 7

0:00 | 32:59

In this episode, I’m joined by registered building inspector and building control surveyor, Jack Calveley. Jack talks through his journey from SAVA residential surveying into LABC’s trainee programme, gaining his Level 4 and 5 qualifications, and moving from local authority into private sector building control.

We unpack what building control actually is, what a registered building inspector does all week, why the role is now a protected title, and how the profession is changing with new competency and registration requirements. We also cover training, CPD, career progression, and Jack’s own podcast, Behind the Regs, which shines a light on the building control community.

What We Cover

Jack’s background – SAVA residential surveying, joining professional bodies and discovering building control
How the LABC trainee programme works, and what Level 4 and 5 training looks like in practice
The day to day role of a building control surveyor – design stage checks, site inspections and completion sign off
Independence and impartiality – why inspectors cannot design the solution or tell builders exactly what to do
Registration, protected titles and how to look up a registered building inspector on the GOV.UK register
The shortage of building control surveyors, and why older surveyors left when competency proof was required
Advice for trainees and career changers – how to approach the legislation, Approved Documents and CPD
Salary bands and progression from trainee to Class 2 inspector and beyond in public and private sectors
Behind the Regs – why Jack started a dedicated building control podcast and LinkedIn group
What homeowners need to know about building regulations, re-roofs, knock throughs and social media myths

Guest Links

Jack Calveley on LinkedIn
Behind the Regs podcast LinkedIn group

Useful Links

Building Control group - The Surveying Room - join here
LABC – Building control careers and trainee programmes
Total Training and Development – Building control qualifications (Level 4, 5, 6)
CABE – Chartered Association of Building Engineers

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn