Spotlight On : Inspector Gary

Name: Gary Cassidy
Qualifications: Advanced Trade Certificate, LBP (Licensed Building Practitioner)
Years in the building industry: 38 years and counting
Area Serviced: North Canterbury / Marlborough

What led you to become a building inspector, and what do you enjoy most about the job?
After working in the trade for years, you start to feel the wear and tear. My body had done enough heavy lifting, and I was ready for something a bit less physical. That’s what got me into building inspections. Plus, I still love meeting new people, and this role gives me the perfect opportunity to do that.

How do you build trust with clients during an inspection, especially when they might be anxious about potential issues?
It’s all about having a good natter. I explain things clearly and make sure they know what I’m doing as I go along. It’s about being open and friendly, no smoke and mirrors—just straight-up talk. People appreciate that.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career, and how has it shaped the way you conduct inspections today?
The biggest lesson? Be straight up. No one likes a runaround, especially when they’re buying a house. I’ve learned to give the facts as they are, plain and simple. If there’s a problem, I’ll tell you. If it’s minor, I’ll let you know. That approach has served me well over the years.

What does a typical day look like for you in your role? Are there any routine tasks or surprising elements you encounter regularly?
I like to start my day early. I’ll get up and finish off any reports from the previous day while I’m still fresh. First inspection is usually around 10 a.m. Nothing too surprising about the job itself, but you do come across the odd strange situation. Like the time I walked in on a bloke who was stark naked... we both got a bit of a fright!

Are there any common misconceptions about building inspections or the role of a building inspector that you’d like to address?
Yeah, a big one is that people think we can see through walls or that we know absolutely everything just by looking at a house. We can’t do magic! We see exactly what everyone else sees, but we know what to look for and how to interpret it.

How do you balance the technical and interpersonal aspects of your job?
You’ve got to keep things simple. I make sure I’m not waffling on about technical stuff that no one understands. Dumb it down a bit, so it’s clear to everyone. At the end of the day, if the client doesn’t get what you’re saying, it’s a waste of time.

How do you envision the future of building inspections evolving, and what excites you about it?
If the industry gets regulated, that’ll be a game changer. It’ll help weed out the cowboys who are scaring people with half-baked reports. The good ones, like us at Red LBP, will stand out even more.

What skills or traits do you think are essential for someone in your role?
You need an eye for detail and the ability to stand back and think, "Right, what’s actually going on here?" It’s not just about knowing how to build things, but how everything works together.

What do you hope to achieve in your role that will have a lasting impact?
If I can help a few people find their perfect home without getting stung by hidden issues, then I’ve done my job.

Can you share an interesting or memorable experience you’ve had on the job?
Yeah, that naked guy I mentioned earlier—that’s one I won’t forget in a hurry!

How do you handle stressful situations or unexpected issues that arise during inspections?
You’ve got to take a deep breath, step back, and figure out what’s going on. Panicking never helps, so just keep calm and crack on.

What aspect of your job do you find most fulfilling?
Helping people find a nice home and making sure they’re not walking into a money pit.

How would you describe the team culture at Red LBP?
We’ve got a great crew. Everyone’s more than happy to lend a hand if you need help. Plus, we don’t mind a beer or two after work. Looking forward to some axe-throwing soon too!

What is it about Red LBP that you think makes it stand out amongst its competitors?
It’s the crew and the support, hands down. We’ve also got a slick online booking system, which makes things easier for clients.

Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your career, and what did you learn from them?
Dan and Trev—they’ve always got solid advice on how to handle tricky situations. Learned a lot from them.

How do you balance your professional life with your personal life?
Family, fishing, brewing, and trying to get on the golf course more often. It’s all about finding time for the things you enjoy.

Do you have any favourite local spots or activities you enjoy in your downtime?
The Marlborough Sounds—best spot for fishing.

How do you like to unwind or relax after a busy day at work?
You can’t beat chilling on the couch with your feet up.

What’s one thing about you that might surprise people who only know you through your professional role?
No big surprises here—I’m a pretty straightforward bloke.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you feel complement your professional skills?
I love a good chat, so socialising is probably my main hobby. Keeps those communication skills sharp!

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you recently enjoyed and would recommend?
I’m watching The Last Kingdom on Netflix—brilliant show. Also reading The Emperor series. Well worth a look.

What are your future aspirations or personal goals, both inside and outside of work?
Keep the business ticking over and hopefully get a bit more travelling done.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone selling their home?
Get a building report—no brainer.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to people buying a home?
Same again—get a building report! You don’t want any nasty surprises.