Team Spotlight on….. Gareth Richards, Senior Surveyor
This month we are continuing our staff blog series by swinging the spotlight onto our Senior Surveyor, Gareth Richards.
Hi Gareth. You have been with Jones Battye for over 10 years now. What do you like most about your job?
“The truth is that I am a bit of a building “anorak”! I like buildings and particularly building pathology – working out the what, how and why when things have gone wrong. Finding the reasons for defects and working out a practical solution for clients is extremely satisfying. The trouble is, it’s difficult to switch off.”
What do you mean?
“Wherever I go I find myself scanning the buildings around me for defects! On a recent holiday to Spain, instead of enjoying the view I suddenly realised I was thinking about how the balcony was constructed. Very annoying!”
Is there a style or era of architecture that you particularly like?
“I grew up in an 18th century house and I think that had a big influence on me, but I have also lived in a Victorian terrace, a 1960’s semi and a new build and I have enjoyed them all. I do love the proportions of Victorian and Georgian properties though, with the high ceilings and ornate plasterwork details.”
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone selling their home?
“Get everything in order before you put your house on the market. It’s just common sense and I know that it’s easy to get used to your own surroundings and not to notice or mind about the problems. Time and again however, when we do a survey, all the little things that could have easily been fixed mount up and it’s very off putting for the purchaser. Sales fall through this way all the time, so if you know your chimney leaks, get it sorted before you try to sell!”
You are an Aberdare boy. What’s your favourite restaurant?
“We recently celebrated a birthday at the Grape and Olive in Swansea. That was great! Good food and an amazing view from the top of the Meridian Tower (Wales’ tallest building!), looking out over Swansea Bay. I would recommend that.”
Any top tips for a good family day out?
“We always head for the beach. Oxwich Beach, Gower has reasonably safe swimming and good parking and toilet facilities for kids. Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot with it’s splash pool area is also great for younger children. Plenty of places to get chips or ice creams and if it rains you can take the kids to swim in the indoor pool instead.”
If you didn’t live in Aberdare, where would you like to live?
“I think New Zealand would be good. The climate is quite similar to Wales, I believe and unlike Australia there are no snakes to bother about! Or the South of France, although my French isn’t that good. All things considered, I think I’d better stay here!
Any plans for 2018?
“I’ve recently qualified as AssocRICS, something which I have been working towards for a long time. This has opened up new opportunities for me and I shall be taking the lead in providing RICS Home Surveys to our clients. I’m looking forward to a busy year. ”
To find out more about Gareth, please see his staff profile.
