Andrew Banister | Earl Kendrick | Surveyors, Block Managers and Where Things Go Wrong

In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, I’m joined by Andrew Banister, Regional Director North at Earl Kendrick. Andrew is a Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS) with an Associate membership of the Institute of Fire Engineers (AIFireE), and he brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what it really takes to look after residential buildings properly.We talk about the reality behind major works, why block managers so often carry the blame for issues outside their control, and how surveyors and managing agents can work better together — especially when leaseholders are frustrated, budgets are tight, and compliance is non-negotiable.Andrew also shares his experience working on complex and historic buildings, how fire safety responsibilities have evolved in recent years, and what he believes still isn’t well understood across the leasehold sector. This is a practical, grounded conversation for anyone dealing with residential blocks — from managing agents and RMC directors to surveyors and consultants.In this episode, we cover:How Andrew’s career in building surveying developed and what led him to set up Earl Kendrick’s northern officeThe most common issues surveyors see when they first step into a residential blockWhy major works go wrong — and how better planning can prevent conflictWhat managing agents get blamed for unfairlyThe realities of reserve funds and long-term maintenance planningFire safety responsibilities and common misconceptionsWorking with historic and architecturally significant buildingsDifferences between northern and southern residential blocksAdvice for new property managers navigating technical and compliance pressuresWhat needs to change in the leasehold sector to make building management better for everyoneWhy this episode matters:Looking after buildings isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about communication, foresight, trust, and understanding how decisions made today affect residents for years to come. This episode pulls back the curtain on what’s happening behind inspections, reports and major works programmes — and why collaboration between professionals is more important than ever.🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and share if this episode resonated with youhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-banister-mrics?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_iosThank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.ukIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.Please follow me at:https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-four-walls-the-podcast-with-jodie-fraser/https://www.instagram.com/beyond_four_walls_the_podcast_?igsh=MWQ1MDU4dG5pdmFhbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrhttps://www.instagram.com/the_jodie_fraser?igsh=aWZ5czFtdHBndXln&utm_source=qr...