Spotlight On : Inspector Brennan

Name: Brennan Rapira
Years in the building industry: 38
Area Serviced: Tauranga North

Please list all of your relevant qualifications:
LBP - Carpentry

What led you to become a building inspector, and what do you enjoy most about the job?

My body needed a break! The building trade is great when you're young but after 38 years on the tools, you really do need a change.

How do you build trust with clients during an inspection, especially when they might be anxious about potential issues?

Just talking through the issues (if any), explaining who can help to rectify. Talking in plain language is really important and taking time with them.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career, and how has it shaped the way you conduct inspections today?

Our clients are generally NOT tradies so never take for granted that they have the skills and knowledge to fix something, explain in general layperson terms.

What does a typical day look like for you in your role? Are there any routine tasks or surprising elements you encounter regularly?

A typical day is generally 2 reports, each day in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. If the owners are home, their hospitality sometimes surprises me, a lovely cuppa is always welcome and a friendly pup following me around is just fine too.

Are there any common misconceptions about building inspections or the role of a building inspector that you’d like to address?

We're there to inspect the house, we're not there to "be on someone's side". We need our space to get the job done, without questions and distractions if at all possible.

How do you balance the technical and interpersonal aspects of your job?

Luckily I'm a pretty chilled guy, I take my time with people and speak their language as much as possible, finding out their knowledge base first.

How do you envision the future of building inspections evolving, and what excites you about it?

We use a lot of tools and technology, that can only get better!

What skills or traits do you think are essential for someone in your role?

A wide variety of building experience, the ability to be a solution provider and want to help people.

How do you handle stressful situations or unexpected issues that arise during inspections?

Take a deep breath and think through the steps ahead of me.

What aspect of your job do you find most fulfilling?

Talking to our clients after the inspection, being able to help them understand what I've seen.

How would you describe the team culture at Red LBP?

Fun, forward thinking, always thinking about how to do things better and very professional.

What is it about Red LBP that you think makes it stand out amongst it's competitors?

We care about our customers, it's not all about the money and we will take time to get things right.

Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your career, and what did you learn from them?

My Grandfathers on both sides of my family, both very handy men so I grew up watching and learning from them.

How do you balance your professional life with your personal life?

We go to Fiji every year during winter, which we love, my partner makes sure that I'm booked for some downtime and we book in family time etc...

Do you have any favourite local spots or activities you enjoy in your downtime?

We live in Paradise and our property keeps us busy. But in summer you'll find me floating in our pool, catching some Vitamin D.

What’s one thing about you that might surprise people who only know you through your professional role?

I love to sing! In the shower, in the kitchen and I just randomly break out in song.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you feel complement your professional skills?

Building! Having a property that needs renovating, means that I can't not swing a hammer from time to time.

What are your future aspirations or personal goals, both inside and outside of work?

To finish our renovation so that Tui has her new kitchen to create the beautiful food that I love.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone who is selling their home?

Get a building report and make sure that the maintenance is up to date.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to people buying a home?

Get a building report to make sure you know what you're buying.