Roughcast - The No-Nonsense Building Surveying & Damp Podcast

In this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by experienced thatcher Chris Dodson to explore the practical realities of inspecting and maintaining thatched roofs.This episode is essential listening for surveyors, property professionals, and homeowners dealing with period properties, offering clear guidance on what can realistically be assessed during a non-invasive inspection and when specialist input is needed.We cover so much!This was the first guest that neither host had met prior to recording, and Chris immediately stood out as a polite, honest, and down-to-earth professional with a genuine passion for his craft.

In this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by retrofit coordinator Lee Brace to talk about what really happens when energy efficiency targets meet real buildings.We get into the reality behind PAS 2035, the role of a retrofit coordinator, and why a “whole house approach” isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds, especially when dealing with older, traditional properties.The conversation quickly turns to the stuff surveyors actually care about: damp, condensation, ventilation, and the unintended consequences of retrofit works. We discuss how improving airtightness can increase moisture risk, where insulation can go wrong, and why poor understanding of building fabric continues to cause issues on site.Lee shares his experience of managing retrofit projects, the challenges of balancing compliance with real-world conditions, and where he sees the biggest gaps in knowledge across the industry.This one went fast so fast we’re already planning a Part 2.If you’re a surveyor, contractor, or anyone involved in property and construction, this episode is packed with practical insight you won’t get from a textbook.

In this episode of Roughcast, it’s just Adam and Daniel back on the mics putting the surveying world to rights.No guests, no filter… just honest chat about damp diagnosis, common site issues, and the kind of “expert opinions” you see online that make you question everything. Expect real-world experiences, a few industry rants, and plenty of laughs along the way.If you’re a building surveyor, property professional, or just interested in how buildings actually behave (not how people think they behave), this one’s for you.Plus, we tee up next week’s guest, Chartered Building Surveyor and Retrofit Coordinator Lee Brace, where we’ll be diving into retrofit, defects, and decades of industry experience.

Mortgage underwriter and newly qualified residential surveyor Alex Harvey joins the Roughcast Podcast to discuss breaking into the property industry, completing the SAVA Level 6 Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, and the reality of transitioning from finance into surveying. We explore the differences between underwriting and surveying, qualifications vs real-world experience, and what new surveyors need to know. A must-listen for anyone interested in property, surveying, and the UK housing market.

In this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by Stephen Boniface, co-founder of BEST Training and a leading voice in building conservation, heritage buildings, and listed property surveying.With decades of experience in building surveying, Stephen shares how he got into the industry and how his career evolved from modern property into working with older and historic buildings.We dive into:The key differences between modern construction and traditional buildingsCommon mistakes surveyors make when dealing with damp, defects, and older structuresHow to transition into heritage and conservation workThe role of mentoring in developing real surveying expertiseThis episode is packed with practical insight for building surveyors, damp and timber specialists, retrofit professionals, and anyone working with listed buildings or traditional construction.If you're looking to move into conservation, improve your understanding of older properties, or sharpen your surveying skills, this is one to listen to.As always, expect honest conversation, real-world experience, and a few laughs along the way.Listen now and take your knowledge of historic buildings, damp, and building pathology to the next level.

In this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by Dave Smith of Smith Heritage Surveyors to talk all things heritage buildings.Dave shares his experience working on heritage properties, the importance of understanding how buildings were originally designed to perform, and how poor interventions can create long-term issues.We also touch on industry standards, honest reporting, and the challenges surveyors face when dealing with clients, contractors, and expectations around older housing stock.As always with Roughcast, it’s a straight-talking conversation, no scripts, no fluff, just practical insight (and a few laughs along the way).If you work in surveying, property, or just want to better understand how older buildings behave, this one’s well worth a listen.

Are we getting old buildingscompletely wrong?In this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by engineer,conservation specialist, and founder of Expertible, Rich Alesbury , and this one goes deeper than most.Because the reality is that too many buildings are being“repaired” using the wrong methods, the wrong materials, and sometimes by people who don’t fully understand how traditional buildings actually work.And the consequences?Trapped moisture. Ongoing damp issues. Unnecessary treatments. And in some cases, long-term damage that couldhave been avoided. Or can we use modern materials?In this conversation, we strip it all back and talkhonestly about:Why do historic buildings behave differently from modernbuildings?The common mistakes being made across the industryWhy quick fixes and standardapproaches often failWhat real expertise actually looks like in practiceThe importance of understanding materials, moisture movement, and building performanceAnd how can we all raise standards when it comes to diagnosing and solving defects?This isn’t about theory, it’s about what’s actuallyhappening on site, every day.If you’re a surveyor, contractor, consultant, or work with buildings in any capacity, this episode will challenge the way you think......... in a good way.And if you’ve ever looked at a job and thought, “thatdoesn’t feel right”… this one’s for you.No fluff. No scripts. Just a proper conversation aboutbuildings, defects, and doing things the right way.

Damp Q&A + Level 2 vs Level 3 Surveys ExplainedIn this episode of Roughcast, it’s just Adam and Daniel answering your questions on damp, surveying and common building issues.We cover the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, how damp is often misinterpreted, and what to actually look for when diagnosing problems.A more relaxed episode with plenty of honest insights and a few laughs along the way.

Is Rising Damp Over Diagnosed? – With Neil MarsdenDescription:In this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by Neil Marsden to talk about rising damp and whether it’s one of the most misdiagnosed issues in buildings.We cover:Rising damp vs other moisture sourcesDamp proof courses and when they’re neededCommon surveying mistakesBuilding pathology in older propertiesWe also discuss why damp treatments are often specified incorrectly.If you work in surveying or construction, this episode will challenge how you think about damp.

Surveying Industry Changes & Real Experience – With GeorgeIn this episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by George to discuss his experience in the surveying industry and how things are changing.We cover how surveying has evolved, challenges faced in the industry, and how approaches to building defects and damp diagnosis are shifting.An honest conversation about real-world surveying and the direction the industry is heading.

The State of the Surveying Industry – With JoeIn the first episode of Roughcast, we’re joined by Joe to talk about the surveying industry as a whole.We cover how the industry is evolving, common issues in surveying, and where things are going wrong when it comes to diagnosing building defects.A great starting point for anyone in surveying or construction, with honest opinions, real experiences and a look at the challenges facing the industry today.