Spotlight On : Inspector Glenn

Name: Glenn Watson
Qualifications: (See below)
Years in the building industry: (See below)
Area Serviced: Auckland East

Please list all of your relevant qualifications:
45 years of house building under my belt. Real-world experience has been my best qualification.

How long have you been in the building trade for?
45 years – been in the game for a long time now.

What led you to become a building inspector, and what do you enjoy most about the job?
After years on the tools, my body started telling me it was time to ease off a bit. The physical side of building gets tough after a while. But I still love the industry, so I made the switch to inspections. What I enjoy most now is still being involved in construction without breaking my back. Plus, it’s satisfying helping people navigate what can be a pretty stressful time for them.

How do you build trust with clients during an inspection, especially when they might be anxious about potential issues?
I reckon the key is to be straight-up and keep things calm. You’ve got to give people honest, no-nonsense answers without making a drama out of things. If there’s an issue, I just explain what it is and how it can be sorted. No need for scare tactics.

What does a typical day look like for you in your role? Are there any routine tasks or surprising elements you encounter regularly?
My day kicks off by making sure all my gear’s charged and ready to go – moisture meters, thermal cameras, you name it. Then it’s off to inspect homes, from old cottages to brand-new builds. The surprising bit is how many people spend thousands on flashy kitchen renovations but forget to check if their roof’s about to give in. Always makes me wonder!

What skills or traits do you think are essential for someone in your role?
You’ve got to know your stuff when it comes to building – that’s a given. But just as important is being able to talk to people in plain English. No one likes being bombarded with technical jargon. I keep it simple so everyone knows exactly what’s going on.

How do you handle stressful situations or unexpected issues that arise during inspections?
I’ve been around long enough to know stress doesn’t help anyone. If something tricky comes up, I just take a step back, breathe, and then tackle it head-on. There’s always a solution, so no point getting worked up.

What aspect of your job do you find most fulfilling?
I love helping people find a good home. Whether they’re buying or selling, knowing I’ve helped them avoid problems or make an informed decision feels pretty rewarding. Repeat clients are always a good sign I’m doing something right too.

How would you describe the team culture at Red LBP?
We’ve got a solid crew at Red LBP. Everyone’s supportive and always willing to help each other out. There’s a good mix of skills and experience, and it shows in how we work together.

Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your career, and what did you learn from them?
My first boss was a big influence. He taught me the ropes, not just in the trade but in life as well. I learnt a lot from him about how to deal with customers and how to stay sharp on the tools.

Do you have any favourite local spots or activities you enjoy in your downtime?
I’m a big fan of tramping. Getting out in the bush, away from the hustle – nothing beats it for clearing the head after a busy week.

How do you like to unwind or relax after a busy day at work?
I’m a simple bloke – after a long day, I like to kick back in my favourite chair with my feet up. Doesn’t take much to make me happy!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you feel complement your professional skills?
Fishing’s my thing. It’s all about patience and persistence, which actually ties in pretty well with what I do for work. You’ve got to wait things out and handle whatever comes your way.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone who is selling their home?
Get an inspection done before you list it! It’ll save you a heap of headaches down the line. You’ll know exactly what shape the place is in, so there won’t be any nasty surprises when buyers come knocking.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to people buying a home?
Same deal – get an inspection. You don’t want to fork out a pile of cash for a house only to find out it’s got issues later on. A good inspection report will give you peace of mind and could save you a fortune.