Repairs Inspector

Repairs Inspector
Salary : £45,330 + excellent benefits
Location of office : Wooburn Green, High Wycombe
Location of work : Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and surrounding counties
Hybrid working : Mix of office, mobile and home working when not carrying out inspections
Mobile role : Van and fuel card provided for business use; full valid driving licence required
Contract : Permanent
Hours : 37 per week

Lifestone Homes manages more than 30,000 homes across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding counties. Everything we do is focused on delivering excellent services, high quality homes and neighbourhoods we can be proud of. Following our merger, we are strengthening our repairs and property services functions to ensure our homes remain safe, well‑maintained and fully compliant.

About the role

We are looking for a Repairs Inspector to carry out a wide range of property inspections across occupied homes, void properties, communal areas and external assets. You will diagnose building defects, specify repairs, assess risks and ensure works are completed to the required quality, safety and compliance standards.

This is a predominantly mobile role, spending most of your time on site completing inspections. When not out inspecting, you will work from the office or from home to complete write‑ups, specifications and reports. A van and fuel card are provided for business use.

You will triage repair requests, determine priorities, produce clear repair specifications and support the service by raising and validating work orders. You will complete pre‑ and post‑inspections, monitor contractor and in‑house performance and ensure residents receive a responsive, customer‑focused service.

A key part of the role includes managing complex repairs, damp and mould cases, disrepair matters and property condition issues, ensuring compliance with Awaab’s Law, HHSRS requirements and wider health and safety obligations.

Key responsibilities

Property inspections and diagnostics

• Carry out pre‑inspections, post‑inspections, diagnostic visits and quality audits

• Diagnose building defects and identify root causes

• Assess building components including roofs, brickwork, windows, doors, drainage, kitchens, bathrooms and communal areas

• Raise, vary and validate repair orders aligned to priorities and service standards

• Identify repairs requiring specialist surveys or planned works

• Liaise with residents, contractors and internal teams to coordinate inspections and access

• Provide technical advice to scheduling, planning and operational teams

• Record inspection outcomes, specifications, photographs and risk assessments

HHSRS and Awaab’s Law

• Inspect damp, mould, condensation, leaks, water ingress and ventilation issues

• Support compliance with Awaab’s Law by investigating, specifying and escalating cases within required timescales

• Identify Category 1 and Category 2 hazards and ensure appropriate action

• Report safeguarding concerns, structural defects and health and safety risks

• Work collaboratively with housing, compliance and repairs teams to resolve damp and mould cases

• Maintain accurate records to support compliance and audit requirements

Quality and assurance

• Complete post‑inspections and quality audits on completed repairs

• Monitor contractor and in‑house performance, identifying defects and recurring issues

• Ensure corrective actions are implemented where standards are not met

• Support performance improvement plans and service enhancement initiatives

• Contribute to reducing repeat repairs and improving first‑time fix performance

• Ensure residents are kept informed and expectations managed

Customer and stakeholder management

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external contractors

• Act on customer feedback and ensure clear communication

• Coordinate repair and maintenance works to achieve high levels of satisfaction

• Use phone, email and IT systems effectively to support service operations

Conditions of service

• Work across the organisation’s geographical area as required

• Undertake any duties commensurate with the role

• Travel regularly to complete inspections

• Van and fuel card provided for business use

What success looks like

• Repairs completed right first time and within agreed timescales

• KPI targets consistently met or exceeded

• High levels of customer satisfaction and reduced complaints

• Accurate inspection records and regulatory compliance

• Full compliance with health and safety and Awaab’s Law

• Positive contribution to service performance and value for money

About you

Experience

• Experience in social housing, local authority, property maintenance or construction

• Experience carrying out property inspections, defect diagnosis and repair specification

• Experience identifying building defects and determining repair solutions

• Experience completing pre‑ and post‑inspections and quality audits

• Experience investigating damp, mould, condensation, water ingress and disrepair

• Experience managing customer expectations and resolving complex repairs

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of residential building construction and maintenance

• Knowledge of repairs diagnosis, specifications and schedules of rates

• Understanding of Awaab’s Law, HHSRS, Decent Homes and regulatory standards

• Knowledge of health and safety legislation and contractor management

• Understanding of cost control and value for money principles

• Awareness of customer service standards and complaint handling

• Knowledge of repairs systems, scheduling tools and mobile technology

Skills

• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads in a demanding environment

• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong IT skills including repairs systems and Microsoft applications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team

Other

• IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH qualification (or equivalent)

• City and Guilds or NVQ qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent experience

• Full valid UK driving licence (essential), clean preferred.

Benefits

At Lifestone Homes, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• Annual salary: £45,330 per annum

• 25 days holiday,  increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options

• Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice

• Family-friendly leave : Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

• Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)

• Life cover and income protection

• Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:

• Mental Health First Aiders available to support

• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)

• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships

• 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities

• Peer-recognition rewards platform

• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Working Hours

• 37 hours per week

• 09:00 - 17:30 Monday - Thursday.
  09:00 - 17:00 Friday.

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: 13.10.2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.