Three Steps to Becoming a Great Party Wall Surveyor — Alistair Redler

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Episode Notes

Alistair Redler, a partner at Delva Patman Redler with a career spanning over 30 years, outlines three steps to becoming a great party wall surveyor — combining technical knowledge, professional qualifications and strong interpersonal skills.

Getting Started

Alistair's accidental path into surveying through a structural engineer cousin's recommendation
Transitioning from general surveying into party wall specialisation after joining Delva Patman in 1992
Gaining chartered status through RICS as the essential first step

Building a Reputation

Emphasising quality work, lectures and published articles over active marketing
Why rivals speaking favourably about your work builds far more credibility than self-promotion
Gaining diverse experience before specialising in party wall work

Skills and Professional Development

Technical knowledge combined with strong interpersonal skills as the winning combination
Understanding the broader project context: client timelines, cost implications and the building owner's supporting role
Networking through the Pyramus & Thisbe Club and engaging with peers at similar experience levels
Using spreadsheets and mobile devices for project tracking — and when better software tools make a difference

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