what do these building certificates mean?

Grumpysally

Trying to find a reputable timber / damproof specialist. Thought it a good idea to go with one with accreditation , but what do the diifferent logo's / initials stand for? A lot of them are printed so small that I can't even make them out.
Thank's

windym_2

Can you make any of them out? Some may be associations others may be to do with Building Regulations.

waster_2

Are you sure you need a specialist, especially for damp proofing?

In most instances rhe damp is not casused by a problem with the damp course but by some other problem - condensation due to poor ventilation,too high ground level, blocked air bricks/vents, leaking down pipes, leaking water pipes, etc.

One of these “specialists” will come in with a meter and show you that your walls are damp. Howver, that is just a sympton and often the disease is not the dpc but something else. However, they will convice you that you need a new chemical or similar dpc and replastering (usually up to about 1.50m on the external walls affected. Nice little earner. They will often belong to trade associations that offer about as much protection as wearing a wolly hat on a fast motorbike. Guarantees will be offered, often 30 years. But often they are not worth the paper they are written on. The company disappears or goes bust. If they are backed by an insurance company make sure you check out the company and the level and type of cover offered. Is the premium paid up and your contract for a remedy direct to the insurer and not through the installer.

I would say get some sound impartial independant advice by spending a few ££ on a Chartered Building Surveyor. They will also advise on repuatable companies for whatever work will be required, if any. In the long term it will save you £££££.

FilthyLuka

windym wrote:

Can you make any of them out? Some may be associations others may be to do with Building Regulations.

sorry but i'm 99.9% sure that none of them will be to do with the building regulations.

often the trade associations like FMB are just there to look good for the customer but if things go wrong the trade association are toothless to do anything to the company to make things right.

Good advice on getting a Chartered Surveyor involved - damp proof companies and their associated surveyors tend to be biased towards suggesting that work is required - cos hat what they sell!

When looking for a Chartered Surveyor look for RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) check their site https://www.rics.org.uk to find local surveyors. This organisation does have teeth and its virtually essential for surveyors to remain as members and not get booted out

windym_2

FilthyLuka wrote:

sorry but I'm 99.9% sure that none of them will be to do with the building regulations.

I'm thinking more like, an electrician etc who is qualified to sign off without separate Building Regs approval, didn't mean it to sound like they were from building control

Grumpysally

Thanks folks, now arranged for someone to come out.
Opted for someone who charges for the assessment rather than someone who doesn't (but then tells you you need work doing that you don't.)
Hopefully it's just a condensation problem. ( as one 'expert' told me over the phone with no intention of coming to have a look, don't know how he keeps a business going)