When you want, or find you need, work carried out at your home, or you are looking for a subcontractor to work with your company on a construction project, it is important that you feel confident that you are going to get the results you want without unnecessary disruption. You don’t want to pay inflated prices or worry about quality of workmanship. So, how can you make sure that the waterproofing company you employ is reputable?
1. Are they members of any trade associations? Many companies specialising in waterproofing are Property Care Association (PCA) members and this means they are regularly audited to ensure that they adhere to the high standards the PCA set. They are expected to follow the PCA code of conduct and in the event of any complaints they will be expected to cooperate with the PCA to resolve the issue. This also means that any deposits paid for domestic work are protected under the PCA promise and they will be able to offer insurance backed guarantees.
2. Are they members of The Basement Waterproofing Association? The UKBWA is the trade representative organisation for registered contractors / manufacturers and suppliers of tanking products, such as Cavity Drain Membranes for protection of basement and cellar structures against water from the ground. Amongst their objectives they promote and encourage a high standard of workmanship, conduct and practice amongst the membership.
3. Are the staff qualified? Surveyors, plasterers and technicians should all have the necessary qualifications to carry out their work. Are the surveyors Certificated Surveyors in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) and Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) qualified? With regards to waterproofing it is also really positive for surveyors to be members of the Waterproof Design Register – check this with the PCA. Similarly, anyone carrying out waterproofing work should have had appropriate training and experience to install a waterproofing system.
4. Is the company a member of CHAS, Constructionline or SafeContractor? In order to be accredited by CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor companies have to submit significant amounts of information regarding training, health and safety and how the company is run. The fact that the company has been able to provide that information and passed the necessary accreditation process is a good indicator that they are reputable, will deliver to the standards and provide consistency, in terms of quality all the way through from the moment you contact them.
5. How long has the company been in business? Although there are great new companies springing up all of the time, older companies do have the advantage of being able to evidence their work over a number of years and are able to build up expertise, along with a strong client base, through their experience. There is logic to the argument that if they remain in business they must be doing something right.
6. Does the company have a website which is kept up-to-date and topical? By looking at the company’s website you can build up a picture of what you can expect. Do they have case studies and positive feedback? Is it easy to contact them? Do they have logos for the accreditations they say they have?
If you are interested in learning more about the services we offer or booking a Damp or Timber Survey please contact us at:
Tel: 01276 66466
Email: ptl@preservationtreatments.co.uk
Website: www.preservationtreatments.co.uk
Preservation Treatments provide Damp Proofing, Structural Waterproofing, Timber Treatments, Condensation Solutions and Structural Repairs throughout London, Hampshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Berkshire and Sussex.
Contact us now to discuss our services further or to arrange a survey.
