ABOUT DAVID REYNOLDS

“I have been waterproofing and preserving homes and buildings in Cornwall for over 40 years, since 1983, but I now work primarily on a consultancy basis sharing this acquired knowledge and experience impartially with my clients.”

“Whilst there had always been the opportunity to develop into a larger business as a contractor and installer, I felt this would detract from what has made it successful and different.”

With over 40 years experience directly within the building preservation / waterproofing industry I began my career after leaving Sixth Form in 1983, working as a Treatments Technician for the local branch of a large and established building preservation company. I then subsequently worked for a couple of other building preservation companies including the UKs market leader at that time.

With very much a hands-on working background in damp-proofing and renovation work for the first part of my career I developed a genuine interest in older buildings and a particular fondness for Listed and Historic properties, and as my experience and technical knowledge increased through time and formal training, the surveying of buildings was the natural next step in my career. The structural waterproofing which is now the main part of my work was originally a very small part of the work we did, however this has increased very significantly over the past 20 years, and I very much enjoy its technical challenges.

I originally founded David Reynolds Building Preservation in 1996, specifically offering a friendly and flexible service, and just by word of mouth and local reputation it quickly developed into a strongly established Contractor firm, at one time employing several full-time technicians and tradesmen.

In recent years I have curtailed my activities as a Contractor in order to focus on the consultancy element of my own personal work, and sharing my own knowledge and experience impartially through paid services including specialist Damp & Timber surveys, general advisory work, and also structural waterproofing design and warranty services for basements and cellars etc.

PHILOSOPHY

I recognise that most old buildings will have defects and imperfections, which to some extent may form part of their appeal, charm and character. However, dampness, timber decay and structural movement are, in their various forms, the three most significant threats to any building.

With regards to damp problems, I firmly believe that an accurate diagnosis is the correct place to start, and from this I will work with my client to agree a proportionate response in terms of any essential remedial work. In many cases I will look at Damp Management strategies rather than conventional damp-proofing remedial work.

I believe that one of my primary skills is establishing a proportionate context and perspective, and proposing the most appropriate set of priorities for any property or client, thereby avoiding works which may be costly and unnecessary.

I endeavour, as far as possible, to adopt and encourage methods and materials which are traditional and sympathetic to any particular building, whilst accepting that in many cases a combination of modern and traditional methods is often necessary to achieve the desired result for modern-day living.

Above all, whilst I can offer qualified advice and opinions, I will always respect a client’s own views, opinions and individual requirements, and in many cases can provide solutions to clients working on a limited budget.

DAVID REYNOLDS – CSRT CSSW

Surveyor and Principal Director

MY BACKGROUND….

I have over 40 years’ experience in surveying, treating and repairing literally thousands of Cornish buildings of many types, including many Listed buildings.

Born in 1965, I grew up in the fishing village of Flushing, where my father ran the local boat yard in the 1970s. I attended the local Primary, Secondary and Sixth-Form schools, and in 1983 gained my first permanent job, with the Truro branch of a well-known and large building preservation company where I developed (or discovered) a keen interest in old buildings. I subsequently progressed my career through 2 other firms including the UKs market leader at that time. However, I became disillusioned by their increasingly sales- and target-orientated direction and in 1996 I set up business on my own to provide the personal and flexible service I feel my clients need.

Despite the demands of the business I ensure that I still make time for my family and social life, and occasionally to indulge in my hobbies, which include sea fishing and mountain-biking.

TRADE MEMBERSHIPS

Knowledge and quality are at the heart of our business. David Reynolds Building Preservation is a member of the following trade organisations:

Property Care Association

The PCA is a highly respected and very proactive independent body set up to help educate and regulate the sector of the building industry involved with timber preservation, damp-proofing, structural waterproofing and structural maintenance. As a PCA member I am regularly audited to ensure I continue to maintain the highest levels of professionalism in all aspects of our work and service.

British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association

The BWPDA has for many years been the the UK’s foremost authority on damp-proofing and timber preservation, and is now incorporated within the Property Care Association.

Trustmark

This is an award-winning scheme supported by the government, the building industry and consumer groups, set up to help the general public avoid rogue traders by identifying reliable and trustworthy companies.

British Structural Waterproofing Association

I originally became a member of this organisation many years ago, mainly because several of the firms I respect are also members and I thought the logo would look good on my stationery and website. Honestly however I have never received any kind of communication or information or offer of training, and I don’t see the BSWA as a credible part of the waterproofing industry. I presently maintain my membership each year only because its cheaper than having all my stationery re-printed without the logo.