Why Choose a member of the Property Care Association?……

Why Choose a member of the Property Care Association?……

If you’re looking for a gas inspection you’ll be checking you’re contractors registered with Gas Safe, likewise if you’re looking for an electrician you’ll be checking they’re registered with the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting), so when looking for a damp or timber survey why would you not be looking for a PCA (Property Care Association) Approved Contractor.

The Property Care Association is the Uk’s leading industry body for professionals involved in the care and maintenance of building, specialising in structural waterproofing, flood control, wood preservation, damp proofing and structural repair.

The Property Care Association was formed as a standard setting association to promote high standards, training and education to building professionals. Over the years the Property Care Association has developed a series of training courses and examinations specifically designed for professionals involved within the preservation industry. These courses are delivered by experienced and knowledgeable industry experts and are available to any building professional. It should however be mentioned undertaking courses however does not automatically achieve membership into the association.

Membership criteria for the PCA is high as you would expect, and is designed to highlight professionalism of those working within the property care and building maintenance sector. Membership into the Property Care Association requires extensive knowledge and expertise not only in the practical aspect of repairing and preserving buildings but also in the identification and diagnosis of building defects. All members of the Property Care Association undergo regular audits to ensure their high standards, record keeping and practices are maintained in line with the PCA criteria. Before membership companies must prove financial stability to provide consumer confidence and have a minimum of two years trading history. Failure to comply with PCA policies and guidelines can result in membership being revoked.

The reputation of the Property Care Accredited professionals is industry recognised and in most scenarios will be the minimum requirement for any mortgage lenders, insurers and property management companies requiring building surveys, reports and repair.

How do you choose a contractor?

When looking for a damp or timber survey or repair how do you choose a contractor, how do you know the survey you instructed for the property you have always wanted has not been undertaken by a former postman? Choose a company with the biggest fanciest adverts? the company that has the best website? the company that advertises in the telegraph or the company that has lots of stamps and logos, none of which relate to the service you’re looking for?

To some people all these industry badges and logos can be quite confusing, but it doesn’t have to be (read here for more about logos and accreditations). If you’re looking for a professional, reliable, trustworthy and honest report or repair then you need to be looking for a member of the Property Care Association. A company that’s stable, has proven knowledge and expertise and a company that works to industry standard codes of practice and regulations. PCA members are the only contractors working within the preservation industry who are regulated to comply to this criteria and are regularly audited to maintain their high standards.  Furthermore using a PCA accredited member ensures your survey and report is undertaken by an experienced and qualified surveyor who will provide you with honest and accurate advice.

So if you’re a buyer looking to purchase, a home owner, landlord, estate agent or property management company looking for accurate, reliable, trustworthy advice, choose a contractor that has industry accreditation and recognition, choose a member of the property Care Association.

To find out more about the Property Care Association or find a local contractor in your area visit their website http://www.property-care.org/index.asp

When in need of expert advice for damp diagnosis and repair don’t hesitate to ask, call “Yorkshires Leading Damp & Timber Specialists” Dryfix Preservation Ltd, full members of the Property Care Association.

Russell Rafton
C.S.R.T / I.S.S.E

Dryfix Preservation – Senior Surveyor