Introduction
According to the Building Research Establishment, dampness is the most common cause of problems in housing. The physical damage and health risks associated with moisture related defects are often at the heart of property based legal disputes whether the dwelling is owned or rented. Not only is this upsetting for those involved, it is a waste of national resources.

When surveyors identify dampness defects, they commonly refer their clients to ‘specialists’ who investigate and attempt to solve the problem. Although many remedial treatment organisations do provide effective services, the industry is plagued with opportunists offering ‘quack’ remedies often supported by worthless guarantees. This wastes money and allows dampness to return and the resulting dissatisfaction can put everyone in court.

Developing a professional response
These referrals to  the ‘specialists’ can help protect a surveyor’s liability but the problem can no longer be  disowned. Faced with reoccurring dampness problems, homeowners and tenants are just as likely to blame the person who recommended the specialist in the first place . When asked whether they have faith in the damp proofing industry, our experience shows most surveyors reply with a responding ‘No’. Yet pick up any condition report on older housing and you will be able find a specialist referral in most of them. So why do we do it?

Seminar objectives
This one-day seminar will challenge this dominate culture, this established paradigm. It aims to be a  provocative and challenging day that will help surveyors break out of this wasteful, vicious cycle. At the end of the seminar, delegates will be able to:
Describe the true nature of dampness in residential properties ;

• Understand how dampness problems can be properly diagnosed;
• Evaluate different ways of mitigating moisture related defects;
• Apply this knowledge to a number of illustrated problems in real properties.

Content
The structure of the day will be:

• Dampness in residential properties - a review of the current situation;
• Introduction to alternative methods of diagnosing and resolving dampness. As well as conventional equipment, newer technologies will be reviewed;
• How surveyors can provide reliable and effective ‘specialist’ services;
• Workshop session – working in small groups, delegates will tackle a number of different case studies providing a diagnosis of the most probable cause, and the type and scope of repair work required. The groups will use the unique and innovative ‘BlueBox dampness tool kit’, a collection of different techniques and strategies that can be used to solve dampness  defects in residential dwellings.

The day will end with a session that looks at how surveyors can extend their range of fee earning services by offering a specialist dampness diagnostic service.

What the day will include
We see our events as ‘packages’ rather than just a one-day seminar. This includes:

• Pre-course documents and information that will help you get the best out of the day;
• All material and information you will need for the workshop sessions;
• After the seminar, you will be able to download electronic versions of all the presentations used;
• Access to BlueBox partners ‘Technical Forum’, an online discussion page on our website. This allows you to carry on the discussions even after the seminar has finished.

More CPD for your money
Because this package includes option for both pre-course preparations and post course reflection, you will be able to claim more CPD hours than the time spent on the day. Depending on the learning activities you  undertake, we think you could double your CPD time.

Who this seminar is for
This seminar has been designed for experienced practitioners who have some understanding of dampness defects in residential properties. It will suit those who have a technical interest in assessing condition and want to broaden the services they can offer to their clients. It will be equally suitable for those who provide pre purchase surveys and/or manage properties both in the private and social sectors.

Try out the technology - bring your own laptop
To help with the diagnosis of condensation defects and other internal environmental problems, we use  electronic data loggers to record temperature and humidity conditions over time. The information can then be downloaded and manipulated in standard software packages. If you want to try out this technology, bring your laptop and we will connect you up!