Terms of business and conditions of survey : The genesis activity for teaching building surveying

Based upon many years of teaching under-graduate building surveying learners, the author has devised a starting methodology for teaching practical surveying and professionalism. The teaching starts from the principle of creating terms of business, conditions of survey and confirmation of instruction. The principle is to forge an understanding of why the learners are doing the survey, what the consequences are, that this activity at every level, even theirs, is a professional act. This is before any training on the mechanics of surveying, use of the equipment, recording methodology and report writing is undertaken. Learners understand that what you do not say is as important professionally as what you do, and that surveying is a client focused business with client expectations to meet and manage. This provides a sound platform to differentiate between the professional chartered surveyor and the property inspector. This effectively makes terms of business the genesis for teaching practical building surveying methodology.