Is Your Surveyor Up To Scratch: What PCA Accreditation Means To You

If your property is experiencing problems with rot or damp, getting an accredited surveyor from the start is critical.

Here’s a simple question: would you hire a doctor without medical training? Or a plumber who isn’t Gas Safe registered? In specialist industries, qualifications and accreditation matter. They protect consumers and ensure work is aligned with current law and regulations.

In an industry where cowboy builders and unqualified tradespeople are, unfortunately, all too common, choosing a Property Care Association (PCA) accredited company is more important than ever. As property owners, we naturally place trust in professionals to act with skill and integrity – but that trust isn’t always rewarded. When things go wrong, it’s often homeowners who end up paying the price.

However, by choosing a PCA accredited company from the outset, you’re already setting yourself up for success.

Why PCA Accreditation Matters

For us at Biocraft South West, PCA accreditation is fundamental to how we operate. PCA accredited companies are required to demonstrate high standards and adherence to industry regulations. For us, this means employing surveyors who hold the appropriate qualifications – such as CSRT and CSSW – and then ensuring this training remains up-to-date.

These qualifications ensure that the professionals working on your property are fully trained to assess and provide solutions for issues such as dry rot and penetrating damp. Being PCA accreditation gives you confidence that the company you’re working with has both the knowledge and the accountability to do the job properly.

But what do these qualifications mean? And how does PCA oversight protect your building? Let’s take a closer look.

Rigorous and Industry Recognised

CSRT stands for Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatment, while CSSW means Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing. Both qualifications are provided by the Property Care Association (PCA). They are a government-endorsed trade association representing the structural repair and remediation industry.

While the PCA is not a government body, it is officially recognised and supported due to its role in establishing, monitoring, and enforcing standards across the sector. PCA accreditation is a clear marker that a company is operating responsibly, ethically, and to an agreed industry benchmark.

The CSRT qualification focuses on damp, timber decay, and associated remedial treatments. Having this certification ensures surveyors can accurately diagnose problems and offer appropriate solutions. Similarly the CSSW qualification authorises surveyors to assess waterproofing requirements and design compliant systems – which is especially important for work such as basement conversions.

These qualifications are the gold standard within the industry. Any company undertaking work related to damp, timber decay, or water ingress should have these, alongside PCA accreditation – No exceptions.

The Best Choice for Your Property

Let’s be clear, however holding CSRT or CSSW qualifications – and being PCA accredited – is not a legal requirement. However, choosing a company without these credentials carries significant risk.

Surveyors working outside PCA standards may lack essential knowledge of health and safety regulations or fail to follow industry-approved methods. This results in work that is not fit for purpose, leading to costly remedial works, project delays, and unnecessary stress. Additionally, companies without the correct qualifications are often unable to secure appropriate insurance. This means that if something goes wrong, you won’t be protected.

Furthermore, mortgage brokers may require a PCA accredited surveyor as part of their agreement to provide finances. If you need surveying work and do not check the PCA accreditation of your surveyor, you could be in breach of contract – leading to potential legal difficulties.

The Biocraft South West Guarantee

At Biocraft South West, we’re proud to be a PCA accredited company with a fully qualified and experienced surveying team. Our damp surveying specialists are backed not only by CSRT and CSSW qualifications, but by a rich history in this industry, alongside PCA oversight.

If you’d like to find out more about our PCA-accredited surveying services, get in touch with us today.