At Multiskill, we are extremely proud of our team of dedicated specialists. As a longstanding, family-run company, we take great satisfaction in the high bar we set in a range of specialist property preservation treatments. Our hand picked team provides the highest standards of work and attention to detail, which has made us a leader in building preservation and property care, and the first choice for many homes and commercial buildings across Yorkshire.

Earlier this year we were delighted to welcome Nic Glover to our team, broadening our combined skillset and experience, and offering even more services to our clients. As a CSRT and CSSW accredited surveyor, Nic loves nothing more than “looking at old houses and solving problems,” and we thought we’d explain in more detail what it is he does, and how he can help you and your property.

What does CSRT mean?

Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments, or CSRT, is a recognised professional qualification for surveyors in the property preservation industry. The qualification is held with the Property Care Association (PCA) and is recognised across the UK in the damp and timber surveying industry. Holding a qualification with the PCA means it’s possible to access conferences and seminars to keep up with industry developments and to improve knowledge and understanding on an ongoing basis. 

Why is this qualification valuable to us?

Misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment of damp related issues can lead to spiralling costs for the property owner, and significant damage to the property itself. That’s why it’s of huge benefit for surveyors to increase their understanding of these issues. Gaining this qualification means undergoing considerable training, and to achieve CSTDB status, candidates are required to pass three modules: Legal and Health & Safety; The identification and remedial treatment of infested timber; The identification and remedial treatment of dampness.

The first module is designed to ensure the surveyor understands the legal aspects of the work, and knows how to remain compliant when undertaking remedial treatments. The Party Wall Act, for example, comes into many areas of our work, as does the Health and Safety at Work Act, the H&S Management Regulations, and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. The identification and remedial treatment of infested timber module covers insect damage as well as damage caused by fungi, whilst the final module focusses on the numerous causes of damp and the science behind them. This level of detail really helps surveyors to improve their diagnostic skills and accurately recommend the best treatments. 

What is CSSW?

Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing Training or CSSW Training, is another nationally recognised professional qualification held with the PCA. Designed for surveyors who diagnose issues with water ingress below ground level, and to help in the recommendation of waterproofing design solutions.

What is the value of this qualification?

Waterproofing design is a highly specialist area, and one that can affect an entire property if not carried out correctly. New Build Guarantee Schemes such as NHBC and Premier Guarantee now require that all new build basement waterproofing systems are designed by a CSSW Qualified Surveyor, which means that a large part of Nic’s work is consulting on projects such as renovating and remodelling period properties to current standards. With more people adding space to their properties by utilising their basement, we believe this is an important area of expertise to ensure we are on top of. You can read all about one of our recent basement conversions in this case study.

This qualification also includes a Legal and Health & Safety exam, as well as a 2.5 hour written exam, and 20 minute oral exam.The intensive course leading up to the exams and qualification covers the principals of structural waterproofing, waterproofing design, potential defects, and Type A, B and C systems in accordance with BS 8102:2009 – Code of Practice for the Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water from the Ground. Again, this level of detail is what helps surveyors to work on complex projects and provide the very best solutions.

With the addition of Nic to our team, we are confident that we can offer the very best service to our clients. Whether it’s preparing damp and timber reports on behalf of specifiers, structural engineers and building contractors, or surveying domestic, commercial and industrial properties, we can provide the very best in expertise so that you can trust your property in our hands.