A defect is often the most visible part of a building problem. However, what we can see is not necessarily the reason the problem has occurred. This is where Root Cause Analysis (RCA) becomes an important part of building pathology. RCA is a structured investigative approach used to identify the fundamental cause of a defect, failure or recurring problem, rather than simply treating its visible symptoms. For building surveyors and other property professionals, this means movi

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 has been at the heart of commercial landlord and tenant relationships in England and Wales for more than 70 years. For many surveyors, it is the legislation that underpins lease renewals, security of tenure, asset management and investment decisions. Having led a commercial property team in local government, I came to appreciate the practical significance of the Act very quickly. Rather than learning it from a textbook, I learned it through pr

Property measurement is one of the most fundamental skills of a surveyor. Whether undertaking a valuation, preparing sales particulars, carrying out a development appraisal or measuring accommodation for lease purposes, accurate and consistent measurement underpins professional advice. However, one area that often causes confusion—particularly amongst APC and AssocRICS candidates—is the difference between the RICS Code of Measuring Practice and the International Property Meas

One of the biggest challenges faced by APC and AssocRICS candidates is knowing what to read. Many candidates rely heavily on their day-to-day experience. Whilst practical experience is essential, RICS expects candidates to demonstrate an understanding of the professional standards, legislation and guidance that underpin their advice and decision-making. A well-prepared reading and reference list provides a structured approach to learning. It helps candidates identify the key

When it comes to load testing, safety, accuracy and efficiency are critical. Traditionally, solid weights such as concrete blocks or steel loads have been used to test structures and lifting equipment. However, water bags have become an increasingly popular alternative—and for good reason. Easier to Transport and Handle One of the biggest advantages of water bags is their portability. When empty, they are lightweight, compact and easy to transport, significantly reducing logi

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 represents one of the most significant legislative changes affecting the property industry in recent years. While much of the Act focuses on devolving powers from central government to local and regional authorities, it also introduces important reforms that will have a direct impact on commercial property, planning, and community assets. As an APC candidate, understanding these changes is essential, as they are likely

For many professionals in the built environment sector, achieving AssocRICS or MRICS status is a significant career milestone. It demonstrates competence, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards. However, the journey to qualification can often feel challenging, particularly when balancing assessment requirements alongside a demanding workload. The RICS assessment process requires candidates to demonstrate not only technical knowledge bu

One of the most common areas of questioning during an APC assessment is Contract Practice and Contract Administration. Assessors are not simply testing whether a candidate can name a contract; they are assessing whether the candidate understands how contracts allocate risk, administer projects, and protect client interests. A question frequently asked is: "Why did you choose that particular JCT contract?" Many candidates answer by stating that it was the client's preferred co

Over the years, I have supported and assessed a large number of APC candidates. One thing has become very clear: no two APC journeys are ever the same. Some candidates are graduates at the beginning of their careers. Others have decades of experience and are seeking professional recognition later in their working lives. Some work for large global consultancies, while others operate within small practices or specialist organisations. Each candidate brings a unique set of exper

Within the surveying and construction industry, one of the most common misunderstandings is the difference between AssocRICS and MRICS. Many people assume it is simply a case of “junior versus senior.” In reality, the distinction is far more professional and competency-based than that. The key difference lies in the depth of technical competence, professional judgement, and responsibility expected by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Understanding the RICS

This week’s post has been inspired by a candidate who recalled Ronan Point collapse, and the experiences of someone close to them who was involved in the investigation following the partial collapse. When most people hear the term forensic engineering, they imagine collapsed buildings, disaster sites, and investigators working through debris. It is a discipline strongly associated with failure. But that view is incomplete. In reality, forensic structural engineering is not on

When working towards your MRICS, your Summary of Experience (SOE) is more than just a record of what you’ve done—it’s how you demonstrate your competence in a way that assessors can clearly understand and evaluate. A common issue is not lack of experience, but how that experience is communicated. The difference between a pass and a referral often comes down to structure, clarity, and the language used across the three competency levels defined by the Royal Institution of Char

The MRICS final assessment is a significant milestone in any surveying professional’s career. One of the most important components is the 10-minute presentation delivered to the assessment panel. While it may sound straightforward, this short window is your opportunity to clearly demonstrate your competence, professionalism, and readiness to achieve chartered status. We are pleased to confirm that we can support candidates in preparing effectively—helping you approach the pre

For candidates working towards chartership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the MRICS Final Assessment represents a significant professional milestone. It’s the final step in demonstrating that you have the competencies, judgement, and ethical grounding expected of a chartered surveyor. While the process can feel daunting, understanding the structure of the interview is key to approaching it with confidence. What is the MRICS Final Assessment? The MRICS Fina

Receiving a referral following your Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors assessment can be tough. After months of preparation, the result can feel discouraging—especially when accompanied by detailed feedback on where you didn’t meet the required standard. Before anything else, it’s important to pause and consider your well-being. Put Your Wellbeing First A referral is not just a professional setback—it can feel personal. Reading a report that focuses on gaps or weaknesse

We are delighted to share that another one of our candidates has successfully achieved AssocRICS status. This latest success comes from a valuation candidate who has worked diligently through the process, demonstrating commitment and professionalism throughout their journey. At times, we work in partnership with other organisations to support candidates in reaching their professional goals. In this case, our partner shared some wonderful feedback about the experience, noting

The social housing sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Following the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and the lessons from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the UK Government has introduced the Competence and Conduct Standard (2025) , aimed at ensuring that housing management staff are not only qualified but also professional, accountable, and capable of delivering high-quality services to residents. What the Standard Requires The Competence and Conduct Standard

We are delighted to celebrate another AssocRICS success within our candidate community. Our latest achievement comes from a Residential Property Management pathway candidate who has successfully achieved AssocRICS with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors — and did so at the first attempt. Like all of our candidates, she committed fully to the process. Balancing professional responsibilities alongside structured preparation is never easy, yet she approached the journe

Understanding housing policy is essential for any surveying professional. From legislation, planning, and social housing reforms to modern regulatory frameworks, UK housing policy has evolved significantly over the last 100 years — shaping the way we practice today. At Surveyor Store Ltd, we’ve created a handy overview to help professionals and APC candidates understand this history and its implications for practice. Key Milestones in Housing Policy 1. Early 20th Century: Hea

In today’s fast-moving professional environment, technical ability alone is no longer enough. Whether you are leading a team, managing a project, or influencing stakeholders, understanding leadership theory gives you a strategic advantage. Leadership is not one single style. It is a combination of approaches applied depending on context, people, and objectives. The Evolution of Leadership Thinking Early thinking such as the Great Man Theory suggested that leaders are born wi