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!

What Is Audio Transcription for Chartered Surveyors?

Audio transcription for surveyors is the process of converting spoken dictation into structured written reports. It allows surveyors to record site notes and observations and have them professionally typed into accurate, formatted documents.

This helps surveyors save time, improve accuracy and focus on inspections rather than report writing.

What is audio transcription for surveyors?

Audio transcription plays an essential role in how many chartered surveyors produce their reports - but today, it’s faster and easier than ever to use.

At its simplest, audio transcription is the process of converting spoken dictation into written text. For surveyors, this typically means recording site notes, observations, knowledge and report content, which are then transcribed into a structured document.

A Modern Approach to Dictation 

Traditionally, dictation required a device and a return to the office to upload files. That’s no longer necessary.

With our free mobile phone dictation app, surveyors can:

This allows reports to start being processed almost immediately, saving valuable time.

Flexible Ways to Send Work

We understand that different teams work in different ways. As well as mobile dictation, work can also be submitted:

All submissions feed into our bespoke job management system, ensuring everything is tracked, organised, and delivered efficiently.

The Benefits of Professional Transcription

While automated tools are becoming more common, professional audio transcription still offers clear advantages:

Accuracy with technical terminology

Survey reports often include specialist language and detailed observations that require careful handling.

Structured, readable documents

We don’t just type - we format and structure reports so they are clear and professional.

Consistency across reports

Particularly important for larger firms with multiple surveyors.

Time savings

By removing the need to type and format reports, surveyors can focus on inspections and client work.

Working Alongside AI

Many surveying firms are now exploring AI transcription tools. We are happy to work alongside these - helping refine, correct and format content so it meets professional standards.

Conclusion

Audio transcription is no longer just about typing - it’s about creating an efficient workflow.

With mobile dictation, flexible submission options, and professional document production, surveyors can produce accurate, polished reports with minimal admin time.

 

BackupTyping has a team of property industry expert audio typists ready to get your documents typed and with our clients when you need them.  We work to your timescale, not you to ours.  From 2 hours to 24 hours - what do YOU need?

Simple, easy, cost effective solution - let us make your working life easy.

Photographic Schedules of Condition: Word vs PowerPoint

Photographic schedules of condition are a key part of building surveying and property documentation, providing a clear visual record of a property at a specific point in time.

When creating these schedules, professionals typically choose between Word and PowerPoint - but which is best for producing a high-quality, professional photographic report?

Word vs PowerPoint for Photographic Schedules

Both Word and PowerPoint can be used to create photographic schedules, but they offer very different levels of control and efficiency.

Why PowerPoint Is Less Suitable

PowerPoint is designed primarily for presentations, not structured reports.

While it allows you to insert images quickly using slide layouts, it has several limitations when used for photographic schedules:

For large schedules, this can become extremely time-consuming and inefficient.

Why Word Is the Preferred Option

Word is far better suited for creating structured photographic schedules of condition.

It allows you to:

Most importantly, Word handles changes far more effectively. If a photo is removed, the document can adjust automatically - saving significant time during revisions.

Key Considerations When Choosing Your Format

Before creating your schedule, it’s important to plan your template carefully:

A well-structured Word template can significantly reduce formatting time and improve overall document quality.

Quick Summary 

Word is generally the better option for photographic schedules of condition because it offers:

PowerPoint is more suitable for presentations but is less efficient for structured report production.

How BackupTyping Can Help

At BackupTyping, we specialise in producing professional photographic schedules of condition for surveyors and property professionals.

Our team can help you:

 

If you'd like help producing photographic schedules, our team can take care of the entire process for you.

 

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!

It's just typing right?!

NO … a specialist audio typing service is so much more than that!

An expert audio typist has been trained how to produce fast and accurate documents from dictation, resulting in a flowing movement over the keyboard and foot pedal - compare it to a talented pianist; fingers flowing smoothly over the keys and a foot rhythmically working the pedal - to produce documents in the most efficient way.

Not only is good practice required but also the ability to interpret what is being said and including adding correct grammar where appropriate without wasting valuable time stopping and starting.

Then better still are the industry expert audio typists.  These typists know and, more importantly, understand what you are saying - not just taking a stab in the dark.

And even better for all property professionals are property industry expert audio typists!  These typists know what dilapidations are and why they are done.  These typists know all about arbitrations and the formal layout required.  These typists can correctly hear and spell building terminology.

Property industry expert audio typists

So we disagree, it is not just a bit of a typing.  A great audio typist just makes it look easy!

Here's another reason to use the services of an experienced audio typist - We Tried Speech to Text - Backup Typing

 

BackupTyping has a team of property industry expert audio typists ready to get your documents typed and with our clients when you need them.  We work to your timescale, not you to ours.  From 2 hours to 24 hours – what do YOU need?

Simple, easy, cost effective solution – let us make your working life easy.

Speech to Text vs Human Transcription: Why AI Misses the Mark for Surveyors

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

As transcription technology continues to evolve, many surveying professionals are exploring speech to text alternatives. On the surface, AI-driven dictation tools seem like a quick and cost-effective solution.

However, when it comes to property-specific terminology, context matters - and this is where AI often falls short.

We tested several speech to text systems ourselves.

The results were … interesting.

Words like:

In more serious cases, entire phrases or paragraphs were missed entirely.

Why Speech to Text Struggles in Surveying

Speech recognition tools are built to process general language, not specialist surveying terminology.

They often:

Even simple instructions like “full stop paragraph” are often typed exactly as spoken - something no experienced typist would do.

The Problem with “DIY” AI Transcription

While speech to text can be useful in controlled environments, survey reports are rarely simple.

By the time you:

Any time saved is often lost.

Why Human Transcription Still Wins

A professional transcription service understands:

More importantly, they allow you to:

Focus on your work - not the mechanics of typing.

Conclusion

Speech to text technology is improving - but it still has limitations, especially for chartered surveyors producing professional reports.

When accuracy, structure and reliability matter, human transcription remains the superior choice.

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

Recommendation creates opportunity for BackupTyping’s property report transcription services

Backup Typing has been providing property report transcription services for Tuffin Ferraby Taylor for two years. The business needed a robust solution to assist them with peaks in demand for secretarial cover.

The audio typing cover BackupTyping provide was required for a number of reasons – some of the secretarial staff were part-time, cover for normal busier peaks in workload, holiday cover, and, at month-end, the secretarial staff were needed for other duties such as invoicing, which invariably takes them away from typing property reports for a couple of days.

Therefore, flexible support was needed to supplement their secretarial staff with professional transcription services that could be called upon confidentially, quickly and efficiently by all involved in the process.

History of transcription services for Tuffin Ferraby Taylor

Our services to the company came about from a senior member of staff who had used BackupTyping at their previous employment to deal with the same peaks in demand for confidential, quality and rapid turnaround services.

The member of staff very kindly recommended us to Christine Keates-Lewis, the Creative HR & Operations Manager.

As this was a direct recommendation from a colleague Christine was happy to approach BackupTyping having discounted other outsource transcription service companies.

With the events of the last 12 months and a complete change in working environments that has prevailed for many businesses, TFT wanted to enhance their infrastructure knowing that they could rely on the services of BackupTyping for professional, knowledgeable and experienced audio typing requirements.

A changing market requires a fluid approach to property report transcription requirements

This is a very typical outcome of the current changes many businesses are having to make. The unpredictable market means that the sector is requiring a more fluid approach to generating property reports. BackupTyping are able to provide that support with an efficient and dynamic range of services to meet the continued demands of the industry and our clients.

Professional Transcription Service or DIY?

What is the difference between typing yourself and a ‘professional’?

 

Also known as 'should I use professional transcription service or Fanny Ann down the road?'

If you learnt to type (on a typewriter – let’s not mention age here) it was considered a real skill as it was a bespoke vocation and not everyone knew how to do this.

With the emergence of computers ‘touch typists’ were in demand, non-typists would look in awe as their fingers quickly passed over a keyboard producing accurate documents at speed.

But with the advancement of technology, everyone now knows their QWERTY from their DVORAK and can find their way around a keyboard at varying speeds, even a two-finger user can probably produce fast words (teenagers these days are probably faster typists on mobile phones than a trained typist).

However, using a keyboard and typing are two different things.

Producing words at a fast speed is completely different from producing a well-formatted document.

Professional Documents

If you just need to type an email then formatting is not an issue but if you need even just a short report (let’s not even think about complex reports – well not just yet) the first thing an audio typist will think of is formatting, it’s better to put in place at the beginning than need to format later.

Setting up your document with ‘headings’ which can then be linked to a table of contents should it be needed can save time whilst taking no extra time.

Ensuring headers and footers are linked or unlinked, depending on the document, are all things that can be done with a click of a button whilst typing and are bread and butter for any professional typist.

After all, it is easier to amend a well-formatted document than to start formatting plain text.

Complex Reports

Now as promised, what about complex reports?

So, just dealing with Word because it is more commonly used.

If a mix and match of formatting styles have been used – single line space, one and a half, windows, orphans – the terminology in itself can make your head spin.

But if you know what you’re doing from the outset, you know what to look for it’s easy (like Sunday morning – and at BackupTyping we do work weekends), does the document have inbuilt styles?

If it does this makes all professionals do a little fist pump knowing they just need to follow the set styles.

But for the untrained eye rather than choosing a ‘section heading’, they will just bold the title.

If the inbuilt formatting styles haven’t been followed it could end up taking hours to format something which could be done at the press of a button (well maybe two or three).

 

Here at BackupTyping, we are not ‘just’ audio typists but experts in Word (and PowerPoint and Excel too).  Add to that our deep understanding and experience of the property industry and its unique terminology, then the answer to the question becomes clear.

For tips on good dictation that your typist will thank you for, check out How to dictate well – your typist will thank you!

 

 

BackupTyping provides a fast, accurate and experienced transcription for property professionals – saving you time and money. Call us on 020 7096 1663 to find out how we can help you.

Is Using a Transcription Service Confidential? What You Need to Know

Confidentiality is one of the first concerns businesses have when considering outsourcing transcription.  If you are dictating reports with valuations, client correspondence or sensitive internal information, you need to be confident that your data is handled securely.

The short answer is yes.  A professional transcription service should be fully confidential.  The important part is understanding how that confidentiality is maintained.

Is Transcription Confidential?

A reputable transcription service will treat all client data as strictly confidential.

This applies to:

  • Client reports
  • Survey documentation
  • Legal or HR material
  • Internal business communications

At BackupTyping, confidentiality is a fundamental part of how we operate, not an afterthought.

How Confidentiality Is Maintained

Confidentiality Agreements

All professional transcriptionists should be bound by confidentiality agreements.

At BackupTyping:

  • Every typist signs a confidentiality agreement from day one
  • Confidentiality forms part of our standard working practice
  • Data protection is taken seriously across the entire team

This ensures that all work handled is protected at an individual level.

NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements)

Many clients require additional reassurance.  A professional transcription company should be happy to:

  • Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
  • Work within your company’s confidentiality policies
  • Provide clear terms around data handling

This is particularly important for:

  • Corporate clients
  • HR departments
  • Sensitive or high-value projects

GDPR and Data Protection

In the UK, transcription services must comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

This means:

  • Personal data must be handled securely
  • Information must only be used for its intended purpose
  • Data should not be retained longer than necessary
  • Appropriate security measures must be in place

At BackupTyping, we operate in line with GDPR requirements to ensure all client data is processed responsibly and securely.

Is Outsourcing More or Less Secure Than In-House?

Many assume keeping work in-house is safer.  In reality, outsourcing can often be just as secure, if not more so.

With a professional transcription service:

  • Access to documents is controlled
  • Fewer people handle the data
  • Processes are structured and consistent

In contrast, internal handling can sometimes involve:

  • Multiple staff members
  • Shared systems
  • Less formalised processes

The key is choosing a provider you trust.

What About Sensitive Documents?

Transcription services are often used for highly sensitive material, including:

  • HR documentation
  • Disciplinary records
  • Confidential reports
  • Legal or dispute-related content

A professional provider will have experience handling this type of work and will understand the importance of discretion.

Practical Reassurance for Clients

When choosing a transcription service, you should feel confident asking:

  • Do you have confidentiality agreements in place?
  • Can you sign an NDA?
  • How is data handled and stored?
  • Who has access to my files?

A reputable company will answer these clearly and without hesitation.

Confidentiality and Workflow

Confidentiality does not slow the process down.  A typical workflow remains simple and secure:

  1. Dictate your content
  2. Send your file securely
  3. Receive a completed document

All while maintaining strict data protection standards.  For a broader understanding of how transcription fits into your workflow, see audio transcription for chartered surveyors.

Why Trust Matters

Outsourcing transcription is not just about efficiency.  It is about trust.

You need to know that:

  • Your data is handled professionally
  • Your documents are secure
  • Your clients’ information is protected

At BackupTyping, we have worked with property professionals for over 20 years, handling confidential documents every day.

Conclusion

Yes, using a transcription service is confidential when you work with a professional provider.  With confidentiality agreements, NDAs and GDPR compliance in place, your data is handled securely at every stage.  Outsourcing transcription should give you confidence, not concern.

Send us your dictation with confidence.  We will take care of it securely and professionally.

BackupTyping provides a fast, accurate and experienced transcription for property professionals - saving you time and money. Call us on 020 7096 1663 to find out how we can help you.

What Is an Audio Typist? A Guide for Property Professionals

An audio typist is a specialist who converts spoken dictation into professionally formatted written documents.

While the role may sound straightforward, a skilled audio typist does far more than simply type what they hear.

For property professionals and chartered surveyors, an experienced audio typist plays a key role in producing accurate, structured and client-ready reports.

What Does an Audio Typist Do?

An audio typist listens to recorded dictation and types it into a clear, formatted document.

This typically includes:

The process involves listening through headphones while controlling audio playback using a foot pedal, allowing for continuous and efficient typing.

How Audio Typing Works

Professional audio typists use specialist transcription software and equipment.

The setup usually includes:

This allows the typist to maintain a steady flow of dictation while typing accurately and efficiently.  It is a skill that takes time to develop and refine.

Why Use a Professional Audio Typist?

Accuracy and Understanding

An experienced audio typist does not just type words.  They understand context, terminology and meaning.  This is particularly important in the property industry, where technical language must be accurate.

Speed and Efficiency

A professional audio typist can work significantly faster than someone typing their own documents.  This allows reports and documents to be produced quickly without compromising quality.

Professional Formatting

Audio typists ensure documents are:

This removes the need for additional formatting later.

Reduced Admin Workload

By outsourcing audio typing, professionals can focus on inspections, clients and fee-earning work instead of administrative tasks.  If you are currently typing your own reports, it is worth considering whether that time could be better spent.  See our article on fee earner or typist for a practical breakdown.

Audio Typist vs Speech-to-Text

Speech-to-text technology is often seen as an alternative, but it works differently.

Speech-to-text:

A professional audio typist:

For client-facing documents, accuracy and presentation are critical.

Why Industry Experience Matters

Not all audio typists are the same.

A typist with experience in the property sector will:

This reduces errors and improves turnaround time.

At BackupTyping, our team has extensive experience working within the property industry, allowing us to produce high-quality documents without the need for explanation or correction.

How Audio Typing Fits into Your Workflow

A typical workflow looks like this:

  1. Dictate your notes or report
  2. Send the audio file
  3. Receive a fully formatted document

This process removes the need for any property professional to type, format or rework documents.

For a broader overview of how this works, read our guide to audio transcription for chartered surveyors.

Conclusion

An audio typist is not just someone who types.

They are a skilled professional who:

For property professionals, this can significantly improve efficiency and reduce administrative workload.

We are a team who are always here – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – ready and waiting to provide you with the efficient service you need when you need it.

BackupTyping provides a fast, accurate and experienced transcription for property professionals - saving you time and money. Call us on 020 7096 1663 to find out how we can help you.