How to choose a damp surveyor

It can be difficult to find a reputable damp specialist. If you’re not familiar with the damp industry, you may not be aware of what factors you should consider when choosing a damp surveyor.

It is important you take the necessary precautions in order to reduce the risk of hiring a “rogue trader”.

Here’s some top tips to help you decide how to pick a damp surveyor for your property.

Qualifications

It is important to check that a damp surveyor possesses the qualifications necessary to conduct damp services in your property. Most damp surveyors are either CSRT/CSTDB or CSSW qualified. CSRT, now renamed CSTDB, is the qualification ‘Certificated Surveyor of Timber & Dampness in Buildings’ and is recognised in the property preservation industry nationwide.

“Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing” (CSSW) is specifically for waterproofing below ground and should be used when converting a basement.

Accreditations

One of the most important steps to take when choosing a damp surveyor is to research their accreditations. If they have been accredited by the leading independent trading bodies, then this will give you peace of mind that the damp surveyor you are dealing with meets industry standards. Here’s some of the accreditations you should look out for below:

Property Care Association

In order to become a Property Care Association member, damp surveyors must meet the highest of standards. All members are audited every two years to ensure high standards are maintained. They must demonstrate they have the necessary training to carry the PCA badge. Surveyors must also demonstrate they are up to date with the latest industry developments. The benefit of choosing a PCA member is that the PCA offers a mediation service between customers and members. This gives you peace of mind that should any problems arise, an independent body exists to achieve a resolution.

Which? Trusted Traders

Which? Trusted Traders is an endorsement scheme that helps consumers find reputable traders. Damp surveyors must go through a rigorous application process in order to be endorsed by Which? Trusted Traders. It involves being assessed by Which? trading standards both prior to being endorsed and throughout the endorsement process. This is to ensure that the highest professional standards are being met.

CHAS

The most important thing in any industry is the health and safety of both the contractors and its clients. Chas provides compliant and risk management services and is recognised nationwide. Working with a CHAS accredited damp surveyor means that they have demonstrated compliance with the most stringent health and safety regulations.

SafeContractor

SafeContractor is another valuable accreditation in the damp industry. Damp surveyors accredited by SafeContractor have demonstrated that they meet the necessary requirements around health and safety, environmental, workplace wellbeing and financial stability.

Guarantees

All credible damp surveyors should offer long term guarantees for their work. Guarantees from an established and experienced surveyor give you assurance that the guarantee is indeed credible and something that will be honoured. It is important that you have peace of mind that you are covered should any problems arise.

Reviews

Reading reviews left by previous customers will give you an indication of the standard of work they have undertaken. It is important to note that surveyors can pick and choose which reviews they allow to appear on their website and social media platforms. That’s why we’d recommend using an independent review platform such as Trustpilot. This is because businesses cannot delete negative reviews and therefore platforms such as this will give you a more accurate indication of their level of service.

Contact our damp surveyors

Signs of damp should never be ignored as the sooner they’re treated, the easier and more cost effective the treatment process will be. If you have a damp problem in your property, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our damp surveyors for expert advice and solutions. Call us on 0808 271 9065 or alternatively fill out our brief contact form and one of our damp specialists will be in touch