A UK specialist trade body has developed a new website to give home-owners the inside track on how to tackle a range of property protection issues - from dry rot, through to waterproofing basement conversions. 

The Property Care Association (PCA), has developed www.property-care.org to bring together a fact-filled point of reference for damp proofing and timber treatment, as well as structural waterproofing and structural maintenance. 

For homeowners - or potential homeowners - the website also offers advice on property surveys and contractor insurance. The information is supported by a short online video available, as well as case studies, to give an all round picture of the Association and its work.

There is also a comprehensive search facility to enable people to find a reputable contractor, surveyor or product manufacturer in their local area.

Yasmin Chopin, chief executive of the PCA, formerly the British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association (BWPDA), said: "For home-owners, finding out more about the type of work can be quite complex, but this new website tackles the subject in an accessible and informative way.

"The areas in which our members work are highly specialised and technical and it is important that consumers receive the right information on property protection issues from a reputable source, because poor quality advice and workmanship can create serious problems to a property in the long run, and cause financial hardship.

"By choosing a PCA member, customers will benefit from the fact that their problem will be correctly diagnosed, the work will be done by skilled and experienced operatives and that a guarantee is in place that, if anything goes wrong, it will be put right."

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

Its UK-wide list of contractor members are all carefully vetted before being awarded membership - and are then subject to rigorous auditing procedures once admitted to the Association.

As well as delivering a trusted repair procedure, PCA members are able to carry out specialist surveys as part of the house-buying procedure  to identify potential problems - as well as a range of other services  designed to preserve and protect homes and buildings across the UK.

To find a PCA member across the UK, homeowners can log onto the Association's website www.property-care.org and select the ‘Find A Member' service.

The Property Care Association
Telephone 0870 1216737

ENDS

Notes To Editors

The Property Care Association has been in existence for five years as part of the British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association (BWPDA) but in 2006 officially became an independent trade body, along with the Wood Protection Association.

Although a relatively new trade body, the Property Care Association has inherited the stability and professional strengths of the BWPDA and its 75 year history."

Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR Limited, 01538 308685

Mobile 07985 129315