Get to know our Surveyors: meet Jody Davey | Tenant news

Jody Davey is Habinteg’s Senior Repairs Surveyor, West. Read on to find out how his neighbours would describe him, the nicest thing that’s happened to him on scheme and how many tenants he talks to in a day.

What area/region do you cover?
Cardiff across to Newbury from Newbury to Portsmouth from Portsmouth to Cornwall, a patch which has around 20 schemes altogether.

How would you explain your job in 30 words?
Fast paced, ever-changing, challenging. Switching from voids to planned renewals one minute and working on major incidents such as flooding the next, then back to day-to-day routine inspections.

Do you have to have experience as a plumber/electrician/carpenter etc to do your job?
Yes, I had 17 years building experience before becoming a surveyor. I’m also a qualified carpenter with additional skills in plumbing, wall and floor tiling and groundworks.

What does a good day at the office look like for you?
Being able to achieve what I set out to achieve that day.

How many tenants do you talk to in a day?
That would depend on whether this was an inspection day which can be from four to eight tenants or working from home when I could communicate with 10 or more via emails and phone calls.

What’s the nicest thing that’s happened to you on a scheme?
I was helping the Lettings team by doing a viewing and the lady was so pleased with the property she tried to hug me and started to cry telling me that her and her son could be safe there and call it home. I must admit, I had a tear in my eye. It’s what we do it for, to help people.

What’s the most unexpected thing that’s happened to you on a scheme?
One tenant offered to make me a cup of coffee when her flat had flooded – and she was dealing with a major illness. She just took it all in her stride, while being her sisters’ primary carer. She’s an inspiration.

If you were able to ask one thing of all Habinteg tenants to make your job easier, what would you ask?
Please be patient, we are working hard to get your repairs done as quickly as possible, and we're looking at future programmes to ensure that the right investment takes place

What’s your favourite Friday night takeaway?
Chinese.

Name an English Heritage property you’d most like to survey?
Woodchester Mansion, Gloucestershire.

You get a bonus holiday for being a great employee - how do you spend it?
Take my family out for the day - seaside if the weather is good or an aquarium if a wet day.

Which family-based TV show best sums up your household?
Modern Family.

Which TV personality would you most like to be your neighbour and why?
Del boy from Only Fools & Horses, his character was brilliant very funny, caring, and family first kind of guy.

What does the name Habinteg mean?
Everything. I love helping people and therefore Habinteg and me are a great fit, we both have the same goals.