We are celebrating! Our Milton Keynes building surveyor, Alex Lawson AssocRICS, has successfully achieved chartered membership of CABE. This is fantastic, well-deserved recognition of Alex’s technical compentencies and hard work.
Developing surveyor expertise
Having built up over six years of experience in residential building surveying, Alex wanted to challenge himself to further develop his understanding of buildings, which would support his role in Level 2 and Level 3 building surveying. Gaining membership of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) would also show clients the level of knowledge behind the advice in Alex’s reports, providing reassurance and confidence in his survey findings.
To become a chartered CABE member, Alex had to demonstrate competence in technical building knowledge, problem-solving, communication and ethics. He had to prepare a thorough survey report submission, complete a detailed application document and then pass a professional interview with senior chartered building engineers. While there was no doubt that the process was challenging, Alex told us that he also found it rewarding, giving him an opportunity to reflect on the experience he had gained in his career. Alex also appreciated the chance to plan for further development over the coming years.
Highlights of Alex’s application included a case study of a Level 3 Building Survey of a complex Grade II listed Georgian house including annexes, cellar and extensive grounds. This allowed him to demonstrate:
- knowledge of complex building structures built using multiple construction types, methods and materials
- understanding of how the introduction of modern materials affects the function of the original building fabric
- recognition of the need to adopt a holistic approach to repair, particularly where multiple factors are contributing to a defect
- the ability to apply professional judgement in cases where direct inspection or clear diagnosis may not be possible
- understanding the importance of clear, proportionate, risk-based advice, ensuring that defects are neither overstated nor dismissed
- knowledge of legal and regulatory matters that are relevant to buildings and construction.
Alex’s application showed that he possesses the competencies required to achieve MCABE, and following a rigorous professional interview we are delighted that he is now official a chartered member.
Alex Lawson MCABE, AssocRICS
“The surveying approach at Allcott Associates is notably more detailed than typical market offerings, with a strong emphasis on thorough inspection, clear explanation of risks, and practical advice.
My work reflects this ethos, with reports tailored to the specific construction, age, and condition of each property, supported by detailed photographic evidence and clear, client-focused commentary.
This role has significantly strengthened my technical competence, professional judgement, and confidence in delivering high-quality building surveying services aligned with MCABE competencies.
I’m proud to have achieved MCABE status and grateful to Allcott Associates for the guidance and encouragement provided whilst working towards this.”
What is CABE?
CABE is a professional body supporting recognition and development of building experts. RICS surveyors often co-qualify as building engineers, because of their in-depth technical knowledge of construction methods and materials, building defects and their causes and the interactions between different building elements, and between those elements and their users and environment.
To meet the requirements of chartered membership of CABE, surveyors also need to demonstrate their ability to advise on and solve building engineering problems, manage complex projects, and effectively communicate technical information to clients.
Crucially, as with our the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), CABE members must also demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles and exercising a duty of care to others.
Allcott Associates and CABE
Several of our RICS surveyors also hold CABE memberships, Chartered Building Engineer status and CABE fellowships. In addition, Allcott Associates is proud to be a CABE Company Partner. It shows our commitment to abiding by the high standards and excellent levels of professional capability and conduct that define CABE as an Association.
By supporting and encouraging building engineering competencies within the team, we are able to deliver an exceptional level of professional advice within our building survey reports. Our clients often comment on their level of detail and how comprehensive our reports are. Wherever possible, we will provide thorough professional and technical advice on any defects we find, rather than referring clients to a third party for further inspection. This means that clients get additional value from their survey report, and avoids delays in the house-buying process.
Our surveyors have a level of experience that allows them to properly advise clients regarding the risk associated with any issues we find. Often, defects are proportionate to the age of the property and shouldn’t be a barrier to purchase, and this reassurance can be invaluable during what is often a stressful time. With meticulous detail within the report and the option to speak to the surveyor afterwards to ensure a thorough understanding of the survey findings, our clients leave us fully informed and confident with their purchasing decisions.