My journey onto the Dip R Surv & Val

With a background in Industrial Test Equipment, Philip Rushforth moved into self-employment in 2003. Though convinced in his decision, he knew even then that he would eventually need something extra to give him a competitive edge before hanging up his tools for good.

The Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation couldn't have come at a better time. As soon as he heard about the new qualification, he knew it would be an ideal way to add to his portfolio of residential property surveying services and reach a much broader audience than before. What's more, having previously studied with SAVA School of Surveying, he knew he could count on them to deliver the high quality training and support needed for him to succeed.

 "As with previous SAVA training courses that I have attended, the training staff provides good support, and there is a very good technical support team in case of hardware or software problems. If you want a new career and are ready to accept the mental challenge to get there, then SAVA will look after you – they want you to succeed and will help you to achieve that goal and to be successful."

"I want to remain self-employed and realise that I may not get as many opportunities to carry out valuations for lenders as if I was employed full time", explains Philip, "but there are many other reasons why properties need to be valued – probate, divorce, sharing, equity release etc."

With the qualification and AssocRICS membership, I can offer a wider range of property surveys."

And indeed, surveying is a diverse industry that includes a number of very diverse specialisms and activities. Even within the realm of residential property practice, the services on offer vary quite significantly and require professionals to be skilled in slightly different ways.

This diversity is reflected in the number of routes offered by SAVA School of Surveying, who have tailored the Diploma pogramme to meet the needs of:

• New Entrants
• Existing Domestic Energy Assessors
• Practising Home Inspectors
• Other Experienced Construction professionals

How it's going so far

"The residential surveying has opened a new and much larger market that I hope to be able to carry on doing for as many years as I either need or want to.

My Diploma training started in July this year and is so far progressing very well. The days are intense but with only 2 consecutive days each time and a variety of trainers (not the same person for 2 days), concentration and focus can be maintained. There is then a chance to reflect after the classroom time as the presentations are also given in printed format to take home. The home studies are set out carefully in a way that encourages one to read a number of sections of the books, or to carry out web based research. The next classroom session then builds on the home study work. Yes, I am enjoying it, and it is challenging."

If you are considering a career in Surveying and Valuation, then go along to SAVA School of Surveying's Open Day on 14th November.