Speech-to-Text in Surveying Right Now and Where It Still Falls Short

Speech to text is becoming part of everyday working life for surveyors.

Most people have tried it.  Some are using it regularly.  In many cases, it is already built into the tools they are using.

On the surface, it feels like a step forward.  You speak, the words appear and a report starts to take shape much more quickly than typing from scratch.

And to be fair, that part is true.

But what we are seeing more and more is this:

The report gets started quickly.  It just does not get finished as quickly as expected.

Where Speech-to-Text Works Well

Speech-to-text is genuinely useful for getting words down.

It works particularly well for:

  • First drafts
  • Site notes
  • Rough report content
  • Emails and internal communication

It removes the blank page problem.  You can talk through what you have seen on site and get it down immediately while it is still fresh.

For a lot of surveyors, that alone is a big improvement.

Where the Time Starts to Go

The part that tends to get underestimated is what happens next.

A speech-to-text report is rarely ready to send.

It usually needs:

  • Structuring
  • Formatting
  • Headings applied
  • Templates followed
  • Spacing corrected
  • Sections moved around
  • Errors picked up and corrected

Individually, none of these things feel like a big job.

Together, they add up.  If you have ever wondered how much time this actually takes, it is worth reading Fee Earner or Typist? to see how quickly it adds up.

We often hear the same thing:

“It was quick to dictate, but then I spent ages sorting it out.”

Templates Are Where It Gets Slower

Most surveying firms do not work from a blank document.

They have:

  • Set report templates
  • Branded layouts
  • Specific structures
  • Required wording in certain sections

Speech-to-text does not handle that particularly well.  This is where working with a specialist transcription servicemakes a noticeable difference, particularly when it comes to formatting structured property reports.

It gives you text but it does not place that text neatly into your template.  It does not structure a dilapidations schedule or a building survey in the way you need it.

So the job becomes:

Copy
Paste
Adjust
Reformat
Check

This is often where more time is lost than expected.

This Is Where We Tend to Come In

What we are seeing now is not a move away from transcription.

It is a shift in how it is used.

A lot of clients are doing exactly this:

  • Using speech-to-text to get a first draft down
  • Sending that draft to us
  • Having it turned into a properly formatted, ready-to-send document

If you want to see how this works in practice, take a look at What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors.

It works well that way.

They still get the speed of dictation, but without the time spent formatting and fixing everything afterwards.

It Is Not Just About Typing

There is a difference between having words on a page and having a finished document.

A finished document is:

  • Structured correctly
  • In your template
  • Consistent with your other reports
  • Clear and easy to read
  • Ready to send to a client

That last part matters.

Most surveyors are not short on content.  They are short on time to turn that content into something presentable.

A Practical Way to Use Both

For most people, the best approach is not one or the other.

It is using both in a way that makes sense.

Speech-to-text for:

  • Getting content down quickly
  • Capturing thoughts on site

Professional transcription for:

  • Formatting
  • Structuring
  • Finalising documents
  • Making everything client-ready

That way, you are not doubling up your time.

Final Thought

Speech-to-text is improving and it will continue to improve.  It is a useful tool, especially for getting started.

But reports are not just about getting words down.  They are about producing something accurate, structured and professional.

That final step is usually the part that takes longer than expected.

If that is the bit that keeps getting pushed to the end of the day, or into the evening, it might be the part worth handing over.

If you want a straightforward way to dictate and have your reports come back ready to send, you can record on your phone and send it directly to us using our dictation app.  We will take care of the formatting, structure and final document so you can focus on your work.

Call us on 020 7096 1663 or email us here.

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations. 

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

Why More Surveyors are Switching to Mobile Dictation Apps

The way surveyors work has changed quite a bit over the years.

 

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations. 

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

 

 

Spring Clean Your Admin: How to Reset Your Business Processes for a More Productive Year

Spring is often seen as a time for fresh starts - clearing out the old and making space for something better.

While most people think about spring cleaning at home, it’s just as important for your business and one area that often gets overlooked?

Your admin.

Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Reset

The first few months of the year can be hectic.  New projects, ongoing work and the pressure of the tax year often mean admin tasks get pushed aside.

By April, many businesses are left with:

Spring offers the perfect opportunity to step back, review what’s working and make improvements before the year gets any busier.

The Hidden Impact of Disorganised Admin

Admin doesn’t just sit quietly in the background, it has a direct impact on how your business runs.

When things start to build up, it can lead to:

Over time, small inefficiencies can turn into bigger problems.

Where to Start Your “Admin Spring Clean”

You don’t need a full overhaul to make a difference. Start with a few key areas:

1. Clear your backlog

If you’ve got notes, recordings, or documents waiting to be typed - deal with them first. Clearing this backlog gives you a clean slate.

2. Review your processes

Are you spending too much time on repetitive tasks? Could anything be streamlined or delegated?

3. Improve turnaround times

Delays in admin often slow everything else down. Faster processing means smoother operations overall.

A Smarter Way to Stay on Top of Admin

For many businesses, the biggest challenge isn’t knowing what needs to be done - it’s finding the time to do it.

That’s where outsourcing can make a real difference.

Instead of admin tasks piling up, you can have them handled quickly and professionally in the background, freeing up your time for higher-value work.

At BackupTyping, we support businesses every day by taking care of:

So you can stay focused on what matters most.

Set Yourself Up for a Stronger Year

Spring is a natural reset point and a small amount of effort now can make the rest of the year run far more smoothly.

If your admin is starting to feel overwhelming, it might be time to rethink how it’s handled.

Start fresh this spring - send us your backlog and let us take care of it.

Or try our service with a free sample and see how much time you could save.

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations. 

 

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

 

Related Articles:

What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors?

Fee Earner or Typist? | Why Outsourcing Typing Works

 

“Mixed Results”: What One Surveyor Told Us About Speech to Text

We recently spoke to a long-standing client - a chartered surveyor working within a large organisation.

Like many companies, they’ve been encouraged to use speech to text technology wherever possible.

The goal is simple:
Improve efficiency
Reduce reliance on outsourced services
Speed up document production

But when we asked how it was going, his response was:

“Mixed results.”

Where Speech to Text Works Well

To be fair, speech to text does have its place.

For this particular surveyor, it works reasonably well for:

When formatting isn’t important and accuracy doesn’t need to be perfect, it can be a useful tool.

Where It Starts to Fall Down

However, the challenges quickly appear when the work becomes more complex.

He explained that issues arise with:

And, most importantly:

Consistency

Even small errors can:

The Reality: Time Isn’t Always Saved

While speech to text is intended to save time, the reality can be different.

Instead of simply dictating and sending, the process often becomes:

  1. Dictate
  2. Review
  3. Correct errors
  4. Reformat text

The result? More time spent than expected.

A Hybrid Approach Is Emerging

What we’re increasingly seeing is a blended workflow:

This allows surveyors to:

Why Professional Transcription Still Matters

For anything client-facing or detailed, accuracy and presentation are critical.

That’s where professional transcription makes the difference.

At BackupTyping, we:

So you don’t have to spend time fixing mistakes

Quick Summary

Speech to text can be useful for simple tasks, but many professionals experience “mixed results” when using it for detailed or technical documents. A hybrid approach often delivers the best balance of speed and accuracy.

If you’re finding speech to text isn’t quite delivering the results you expected BackupTyping is here to support you.

 

 

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations. 

Call:  020 7096 1663 or Email us.

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

 

Related Articles:

What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors?

Fee Earner or Typist? | Why Outsourcing Typing Works

April Fools: When AI Transcription Really Gets It Wrong … Or Does It?

It’s April Fools’ Day - so we thought we’d share a few “jokes” from the world of transcription.

Except… they’re not actually jokes.

When AI Gets Creative

As a transcription company, we like to keep an eye on the latest speech-to-text tools.

And while they’re improving, they can still produce some interesting results.

Here are a few favourites:

Not quite what you’d want in a professional report.

April Fools … or Everyday Reality?

It might sound like an April Fools joke - but these kinds of errors happen more often than you’d think.

Speech-to-text tools:

And when you’re producing professional documents, those mistakes matter.

The Real Joke: Time “Saved”

AI transcription is often marketed as a time-saving tool.

But in reality:

The “time saved” quickly disappears.

The Human Difference

An experienced transcriptionist:

No April Fools required.

Quick Summary

AI transcription mistakes are common, especially with technical language. While tools are improving, they still require significant correction, making human transcription a more reliable and efficient option.

Final Thought

So today’s question is:

Are AI transcription errors an April Fools joke …
Or just part of everyday life?

If you’d rather avoid any “April Fools” moments in your reports Call:  020 7096 1663 or Email us.

 

 

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations. 

 

 

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

 

Related Articles:

What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors?

Fee Earner or Typist? | Why Outsourcing Typing Works

What Does It Cost to Hire Admin Support vs Outsourcing in the UK?

When your business starts to grow, admin tasks tend to grow with it.

What begins as a few emails, notes, and reports can quickly turn into hours of work each week - and eventually, the question comes up:

Should you hire someone … or outsource it?

At first glance, hiring an in-house admin might seem like the obvious solution. But when you look a little closer, the true cost is often much higher than expected.

The Real Cost of Hiring Admin Staff in the UK

Hiring isn’t just about salary.

Once you bring someone on, you also need to consider:

Even a part-time admin role can quickly become a significant fixed cost - whether the workload is there or not.

And during quieter periods? You’re still paying for that time.

The Flexibility of Outsourcing

Outsourcing works differently.

Instead of committing to a fixed monthly cost, you only pay for the work you actually need - when you need it.

That means:

Whether you need a few hours of typing support or help clearing a large backlog, outsourcing gives you the flexibility to scale up or down instantly.

Where Businesses See the Biggest Savings

For many UK businesses, the biggest benefit isn’t just cost - it’s efficiency.

Outsourcing admin tasks like typing, transcription, and document formatting frees up valuable internal time. Your team can focus on higher-value work, rather than getting stuck in repetitive admin.

At BackupTyping, we often work with businesses who:

It’s Not Just About Cost - It’s About Control

Hiring can feel like a long-term commitment. Outsourcing gives you control.

You decide:

There’s no pressure to “find work” to justify a salary - just a service that fits around your business.

So, Which Is Right for You?

If your admin workload is consistent, predictable, and growing long-term, hiring might make sense.

But for many businesses - especially those dealing with fluctuating workloads, tight deadlines, or specialist typing needs - outsourcing is often the more practical and cost-effective choice.

A Smarter Way to Handle Admin

If you’re currently juggling admin tasks or considering hiring, it’s worth exploring what outsourcing could save you - not just in cost, but in time and stress.

Send us a task today and we’ll show you how quickly we can turn it around.

 

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations.  Contact - Call:  020 7096 1663 or Email us.

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

 

Related Articles:

What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors?

Fee Earner or Typist? | Why Outsourcing Typing Works

AI vs Human Transcription in 2026: Need to Know

We're all hearing more and more about AI at the moment and transcription is no exception.  From instant voice-to-text apps to automated meeting notes, it’s never been easier to convert speech into written words.  On paper, it looks like the obvious choice - fast, cheap and convenient, but is it actually good enough?

The Appeal of AI Transcription

There are some clear benefits to AI:

For quick notes or internal use, it can be incredibly useful but when accuracy really matters, the cracks start to show.

Where AI Falls Short

AI struggles with things that humans handle naturally, such as:

This often leads to transcripts that need heavy editing or worse documents that contain errors you don’t immediately spot.  When those documents are client facing, legal or business critical, mistakes can be costly.

Why Human Transcription Still Matters

Human transcription offers something AI still struggles with: understanding.  A real person can interpret meaning, pick up on nuance and ensure the final document actually makes sense - not just word-for-word, but in context.

At BackupTyping, that means:

The Smarter Approach for Businesses

For many UK businesses, the best approach isn’t choosing one over the other - it’s knowing when to use each.  AI can be useful for speed but when formatting, accuracy and professionalism matter, human transcription is still the better choice.

Don’t Let Accuracy Slip

It’s tempting to prioritise speed over everything else but when it comes to your business documents, accuracy isn’t something you want to compromise.

If you’ve tried AI transcription and found yourself spending more time correcting it than expected, you’re not alone.

Let us handle your transcription properly - so you get it right the first time.
Try our service for free and see the difference.

 

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations.  Contact - Call:  020 7096 1663 or Email us.

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

 

Related Articles:

What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors?

Fee Earner or Typist? | Why Outsourcing Typing Works

Rushing Before the Tax Year Ends? Here’s How to Clear Your Admin Backlog Fast

As the end of the UK tax year approaches, many businesses find themselves in a familiar situation - racing against the clock to get everything in order before the April deadline.

Receipts need organising. Reports need typing. Notes from meetings, dictations and handwritten documents suddenly become urgent. What started as “I’ll get to that later” quickly turns into a growing pile of admin that just won’t go away.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Why the Pressure Builds at This Time of Year

March is when everything seems to come together at once. Teams are already busy, and suddenly there’s an added layer of urgency. The problem isn’t just the workload - it’s the time it takes to process everything.

Typing up documents, formatting reports and making sure everything is accurate can eat into hours of your day. Hours that could be better spent focusing on clients, revenue, or actually running your business.

The Hidden Cost of “Doing It Yourself”

A lot of businesses try to push through and handle everything internally. But this often leads to:

It’s not just stressful - it’s inefficient.

A Faster Way to Clear Your Backlog

This is where outsourcing can make a real difference.

Instead of trying to squeeze admin into an already packed schedule, you can hand it over to a dedicated typing team who can turn it around quickly and accurately.

At BackupTyping, we regularly support businesses during peak periods like this - helping clear backlogs fast, without the need to hire extra staff or stretch your team further.

Whether it’s:

…we take care of it, so you don’t have to.

Speed Without Compromising Accuracy

When deadlines are tight, speed matters - but accuracy matters more.

That’s why human-typed documents still make such a difference. Every file is handled with care, properly formatted and checked before it comes back to you.

No guesswork. No awkward errors. Just work that’s ready to use.

Take Control Before the Deadline Hits

The closer we get to the tax year deadline, the harder it becomes to catch up. The sooner you get support, the easier it is to stay in control.

If you’re sitting on a backlog right now, there’s no reason to tackle it alone.

Send us your files today and see how quickly we can help you get back on track. Or start with a free trial to experience the difference for yourself.

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations.  Contact - Call:  020 7096 1663 or Email us.

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

 

Related Articles:

What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors?

Fee Earner or Typist? | Why Outsourcing Typing Works

Why Human Transcription Beats Speech to Text for Surveyors

Do you know your ‘cornicing’ from your ‘corner sink’? Speech to text AI doesn’t

At BackupTyping, we regularly review the latest speech to text technology - and while it has improved, it still doesn’t meet the standards required for professional surveying reports.

We tested multiple AI tools.

The results included:

For example:

These are not minor issues - they can affect the clarity and professionalism of your reports.

The Hidden Cost of Speech to Text

AI transcription may seem like a cost-saving tool, but in reality:

By the time everything is corrected, the “saving” is often gone.

The Human Advantage

With BackupTyping, you get:

Most importantly you can focus on fee-earning work instead of typing.

Simple, Flexible Workflow

You can send your dictation in the way that suits you:

We take care of the rest.

Conclusion

Speech to text has its place - but for professional surveying documents, human transcription remains the most reliable and efficient solution.

If you are a chartered surveyor and need accurate, professionally structured documents quickly, BackupTyping is here to help.

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations.  Contact - Call:  020 7096 1663 or Email us.

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!

 

Related Articles:

What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors?

Fee Earner or Typist? | Why Outsourcing Typing Works

Struggling to Format Photographic Schedules of Condition?

Photographic schedules of condition are essential in building surveying but producing them can be time-consuming and repetitive.

Formatting images, maintaining consistency and handling revisions can quickly take up valuable time that could be better spent on surveying work.

The Challenge with Creating Photo Schedules

Many professionals still create schedules manually using Word or PowerPoint, which often leads to:

This becomes even more challenging when dealing with large schedules containing hundreds of images.

Why Word Is Better - But Still Time-Consuming

While Word is the preferred tool for creating photographic schedules, it still requires:

Even with the right tools, producing a high-quality schedule can take far longer than expected.

Let BackupTyping Handle It for You

At BackupTyping, we take the pressure off by producing fully formatted photographic schedules of condition for you.

We work with:

Our service helps you:

What Makes Our Service Different?

We understand exactly what surveyors need - and we deliver it efficiently and reliably.

Ready to Save Time?

If you regularly produce photographic schedules of condition, outsourcing could significantly improve your workflow.

Send us your images and notes - we’ll take care of the rest.

Final Thought

Instead of spending hours formatting documents, let us handle the process for you - so you can focus on what matters most.

 

If you'd like to understand the difference between Word and PowerPoint in more detail read our full guide here.

At BackupTyping we have completed hundreds of photo schedules in many different formats and styles and would be happy to chat through which format would suit your needs most.  Let us input your photos and text and here's a good reason why.

BackupTyping is a chartered surveying specialist audio transcription and document production company working with a variety of clients from large corporations to small niche companies, all receiving the same high quality and fast service from a team of audio typists who worked at senior levels in chartered surveying organisations.  Contact - Call:  020 7096 1663 or Email us.

Try us instantly with our FREE dictation app!

BackupTyping Dictation App built for clients of our specialist property transcription service to use at no charge or licence. Just dictate and send to us at the touch of a button!