Christopher Moran, Director and Surveyor at Christopher Moran Residential Surveying, has become a leading figure in the residential surveying industry. His unique career path, commitment to excellence, and drive to promote diversity have earned him recognition, including the prestigious RICS Matrics Residential Surveyor of the Year award. In this interview, Christopher shares insights into his journey, the importance of high-quality service, and how using GoReport has enhanced his business efficiency.
Unlike many people who enter their profession straight from university, Christopher took a different route. After earning a business degree, he pursued an adventurous career as a mountaineering and climbing instructor before transitioning into the police force. Spending 13 years in law enforcement, including a Detective role in CID, honed his investigative and communication skills – attributes that have proved invaluable in his surveying career.
“I’ve always been interested in property and had experience renovating houses – some down to the brickwork,” Chris explains. “When I decided to leave the police, I realised that my investigative skills, building knowledge, and love for property made surveying the perfect fit.”
This client-focused perspective, developed outside traditional surveying training, has shaped the way Chris approaches his work.
“I look at surveying through the client’s eyes rather than just following industry norms. I try to understand what clients need and deliver it in a clear, professional way and this has been a major factor in my success.”
Building a Reputation for Excellence
Chris’s dedication to high standards is reflected in the 280+ five-star Google reviews his business has earned – a significant achievement in the residential surveying sector. His strong technical expertise, meticulous reporting, and outstanding client care have set him apart. While many businesses focus on volume, Chris prioritises quality, ensuring his clients receive comprehensive, insightful reports tailored to their needs.
“I work on a low-volume, high-quality model, and my percentage of clients leaving five-star reviews is very high,” he notes. “That level of client trust and satisfaction is something I take great pride in.”
Beyond client feedback, Chris is also recognised for his mentorship within the industry. He has built a significant following among surveying students, offering them guidance and support through online resources, mock exams, and career advice. His approachability and willingness to share his expertise have made him a valuable resource for aspiring surveyors.
Beyond his business success, Chris is a passionate advocate for improving diversity within the surveying profession. Recognising a lack of representation, he founded an initiative (The Moran-Amaral Foundation) aimed at supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who may face barriers entering the field.
“When I first attended industry events, I was struck by the lack of diversity. It was eye-opening,” he recalls. “I wanted to do something to help change that.”
His foundation offers mentoring, training, and career-building support to aspiring surveyors, equipping them with both technical knowledge and the confidence to succeed in the industry. Through structured courses and shadowing opportunities, Chris provides essential insight into the field, helping to break down barriers for those who might otherwise struggle to gain entry.
“I’ve had incredible conversations with people who have felt like they didn’t belong in this industry, and I want to change that,” he adds. “It’s about making the profession more inclusive and accessible to everyone.”
Embracing Technology: How GoReport Enhances Efficiency
As an award-winning surveyor, Chris understands the importance of both quality and efficiency in delivering reports. To streamline his workflow while maintaining meticulous standards, he turned to GoReport.
“I initially had reservations, but I kept hearing positive things about GoReport in the industry,” Chris says. “After taking another look, I realised how much it could help my business in terms of efficiency and report quality.”
One of the biggest benefits Chris has found is GoReport’s ability to eliminate double typing, allowing him to maintain high-quality reports while working more efficiently.
“Surveyors spend a lot of time repeating the same details in different sections. GoReport removes that inefficiency while ensuring record-keeping and site notes remain at the highest standard.”
His favourite feature? The predefined phrases tool, which speeds up report writing for straightforward observations.
“I don’t need to spend time carefully wording a note about a faulty door handle,” he explains. “GoReport allows me to document simple issues quickly so I can focus my attention where it really matters.”
Beyond predefined phrases, Chris also values GoReport’s seamless data collection capabilities. “The ability to capture photos, notes, and observations in real-time while on-site ensures nothing is missed. It streamlines the entire process, making reporting accurate and comprehensive.”
Chris also highlights the benefit of consistency across reports. “GoReport helps me to maintain a high level of consistency in my reporting. This means my clients always receive clear, professional, and well-structured reports, no matter the complexity of the job.”
With GoReport enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and workflow management, Chris can dedicate more time to high-value tasks, ensuring both client satisfaction and business growth.
Advice for Aspiring Surveyors
For those considering a career in residential surveying, Chris’s advice is simple: make sure it’s the right fit for you before committing.
“This is a career that requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in buildings and structures,” he explains. “You’re going to spend a large portion of your life in this field, so it’s important to ensure it’s something you’ll genuinely enjoy.”
His top recommendation? Shadow experienced surveyors before pursuing formal qualifications.
“Email local surveyors and ask if you can go out with them for a day. Keep your approach casual – don’t overwhelm them with a request for mentorship right away. Just say you’re considering the profession and would love to get a real-world feel for it.”
Chris also advises against relying solely on online sources.
“There are some great courses out there, but also some that don’t paint a full picture of the industry, so it’s important to approach their information with a critical eye. Surveying can be a rewarding career, but it’s not for everyone, and it’s vital to experience it firsthand before making a commitment.”
Chris also warns against entering the industry with unrealistic expectations. “Some roles within surveying can be repetitive, demanding, and high-pressure. While it’s a great career for the right person, it’s not always as glamorous. Lifting drainage chamber lids in the depth of winter isn’t for everyone! Doing thorough research and experiencing the role firsthand will give you the best foundation to decide whether it’s the right path for you.”
Looking Ahead: Maintaining Success and Industry Impact
For Chris, the future is about maintaining the momentum he has built. While some business owners focus on aggressive growth, he prioritises stability and quality.
“My main goal is to continue providing excellent service and supporting my family,” he says. “Expansion is always an option, but I want to ensure that whatever I do, it maintains the high standards my clients expect.”
He also remains committed to his mission of supporting the next generation of surveyors, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Through his foundation, he plans to expand mentoring programs and create additional training opportunities to make the profession more accessible. “I want to make a real, lasting impact on this industry, not just through my own work but by helping others break into the field,” he says.
With his commitment to excellence, dedication to supporting the next generation, and leveraging cutting-edge tools like GoReport, Christopher Moran is not only shaping his own successful career but also making a lasting impact on the industry.