Senior Building Surveyor Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Senior Building Surveyor job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Senior Building Surveyor question bank of 12 questions, written for UK employers at senior level.

Eight Senior Building Surveyor interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Talk me through the dilapidations process for a commercial lease, from the schedule to settlement.

Why they ask: Dilapidations is a major fee earner for senior building surveyors.

2. How would you approach a survey of external wall systems on a residential block, and what role does PAS 9980 play?

Why they ask: Building safety is the dominant technical issue in residential surveying.

3. How would you scope and carry out a stock condition survey for a large property portfolio, and what do clients use it for?

Why they ask: Portfolio surveys and planned maintenance are common senior instructions.

4. As contract administrator under a JCT contract, what are your key duties and how do you handle certification?

Why they ask: Senior surveyors often administer contracts, with personal liability for errors.

5. What would you include in a technical due diligence report for an acquisition of a commercial property?

Why they ask: Due diligence advice informs large financial decisions.

6. What makes a good senior building surveyor, and how do you develop the people you supervise?

Why they ask: They look for leadership, technical standards and mentoring ability.

7. During a survey of a school you find roof planks that appear to be RAAC. What actions do you take?

Why they ask: RAAC remains a significant live risk and tests your safety judgement.

8. Tell me about a complex project you led from instruction through to completion.

Why they ask: Seniors must show they can manage scope, clients and delivery.

A sample answer to question 1

Talk me through the dilapidations process for a commercial lease, from the schedule to settlement.

The lease comes first, so I would read its repairing, decorating and reinstatement covenants, then inspect the property alongside any schedule of condition or earlier records. I would prepare a Schedule of Dilapidations in line with the RICS Dilapidations guidance and the Dilapidations Protocol, listing each breach, the clause, remedy, cost and any supervision fees, with a quantified claim. If the landlord intends to claim, I must consider section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927, which caps damages at the loss in the reversion's value, and the Leasehold Property (Repairs) Act 1938 where relevant. For a tenant, I would review the landlord's schedule, produce a Scott Schedule recording each item, and challenge unsupportable ones, for example where the landlord plans to redevelop. I would negotiate towards a settlement before the lease end, with a without prejudice approach, and document it properly. Throughout, I would manage the client's expectations about cost and risk.

Common mistake to avoid: Ignoring the lease wording; Missing the diminution in value cap

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the Senior Building Surveyor interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.