Trade Body Urges Caution With Flood Repairs

Nov. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Householders caught up in the recent flooding are at risk from a double blow due to poor quality repairs, according to a national trade body.

The Property Care Association (http://www.property-care.org/) (PCA) says caution needs to be taken when selecting a contractor, to ensure the works are carried out to the correct standard.  

Steve Hodgson, Chief Executive Officer of the PCA, said: “In our experience, problems with repairs relating to flooding (http://www.property-care.org/general-information/flood-restoration) are common - but may only surface months or years after the property is repaired.

“In areas such as Hull, which suffered catastrophic flooding in 2007, we have seen some householders suffer because contractors with little or no understanding of the effects of water in buildings carried out remedial work.  

“Homes were repaired and then around six months later householders were dealt a double blow because the property became blighted by damp and they have to leave their home again for more repairs to be carried out.”

“Members of the PCA’s Flood Remediation Group (http://www.property-care.org/general-information/flood-re...) can offer professional advice on repairs.

“Their expertise will greatly reduce the possibility of future problems.

“They may also be possible to use products and techniques that will allow a building to be repaired and reoccupied before the fabric of the building is completely dry, without compromising the repair or living conditions.

Flood campaigner Mary Dhonau OBE, the chair of The Flood Protection Association is also urging people to take care when selecting a contractor for the recovery stage. Mary said: “Being flooded is an appalling experience, but often the reality is that for those victims of flooding, the recovery stage can be worse than being flooded.

“Often people have said that they fear having builders in their homes more than they fear being flooded again.

“Sadly, some people have also had to move out again after initial flood repairs were carried out, to have poor workmanship redone correctly, and this only compounds the trauma.

“Householders affected by flooding are often anxious to return home and back to normality as soon as possible, so when a seemingly friendly builder knocks at the door promising to 'fix it quick and cheap,’ the traumatised home owner will often grab at the 'ray of light' offered.

“Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors are likely to come out of the woodwork and target those affected, with so many properties affected by water damage recently.

“But flooded houses need restoring by sympathetic builders who can go that extra mile to support people who, after all, have not chosen to have a builder in their homes but their situation has forced the situation on to them.

“Professional contractors will also realise that they are dealing with people who are traumatised, who have often lost everything dear to them including their homes, as well as their sanctity and everyday normal pattern of life.

“So I would urge those affected by floods to ensure  they have a suitably qualified builder, who will restore the property correctly, not cut any corners and enable the homeowner to move back as soon as possible, knowing that a good job has been done.

“Those affected should use a trusted, quality contractor and look for a one carrying a recognised sign of competency, such as a member of the trade body The Property Care Association.”

The PCA has drawn up a practical Code of Practice that sets out the principles of flood recovery.

The Association is a member of TrustMark, the scheme supported by government to help property owners find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make home improvements.

To find out more log onto the PCA’s website www.property-care.org or call 0844 375 4301

ENDS

Notes To Editors

Noted for its training and technical expertise, The Property Care Association (PCA) incorporates the BWPDA and has been in existence for more than 80 years.

The PCA is the trade body for the structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp proofing, flood recovery, structural maintenance and invasive weed control sectors in the UK.

More details can be found at www.property-care.org

Press release issued by Jane Shepherd of Shepherd PR Limited, 01538 308685, mobile 07985 129315.