Breaking Property News 25/6/26
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Detecting property moisture defects without invasive or damaging procedures
BEST Training, a specialist CPD provider for the built environment, has now launched Module 2 of its advanced course series: Investigating Moisture in Traditional Buildings. The module offers an end-to-end diagnostic curriculum for professionals working with traditionally constructed properties, combining non-invasive site inspection workflows with forensic invasive and semi-invasive techniques under the JPS 2022 investigation framework.
Delivered through 50 masterclass video lessons across six structured learning stages, the module addresses a recognised skills gap in the professional sector: the ability to accurately identify, trace and report on moisture defects in historic fabric without defaulting to unnecessary or damaging interventions.
The launch comes amid growing industry concern about the continued misdiagnosis of moisture-related defects in traditional buildings, despite increasing emphasis on evidence-led investigation and the publication of JPS 2022.
The 50-lesson CPD module equips surveyors, engineers and conservation professionals with forensic-level investigative skills aligned with the Joint Professional Statement (JPS) 2022 framework. Enrolment is now open at £250 + VAT.
A Curriculum Built Around Forensic Accuracy
The module progresses from foundational building pathology and external defect mapping through to advanced diagnostic tools, including thermal imaging cameras, hammer probes, and the interpretation of forensic indicators such as salt analysis and the identification of rust halo patterns.
A dedicated stage covers professional report writing to JPS 2022 standards, equipping learners to present defensible moisture survey findings to clients and statutory bodies.
Key learning stages include:
Stage 01: Building Pathology & Moisture Dynamics, including legacy damp and minimum intervention philosophy
Stage 02: External Inspections & Defect Mapping, covering render systems, chimney stacks, flashings and timber windows
Stage 03: Non-Invasive Historic Building Inspection Protocols and surveyor toolkit assembly
Stage 04: Invasive Forensics under the JPS 2022 framework, including sub-floor void assessment and direct structural investigation
Stage 05: Advanced Damp Diagnostics, including thermal imaging and the debunking of common meter-reliant methodologies
Stage 06: Professional Judgement and JPS 2022-compliant moisture report production
Seven practical exercises, JPS Report Guides and questionnaires that candidates are expected to complete are included alongside the video content, reinforcing application across real-world site conditions.
Expert Instruction from Leading Practitioners
Module 2 is led by Stephen Boniface and Ian Bullock, both recognised practitioners in building pathology and historic building conservation. BEST Training is also delighted to welcome special guests Simon Hollis and Peter Monk, who contribute expert instruction across key diagnostic stages.
The course features extended on-site case study sequences, including a detailed investigation of a live residential property, guiding learners through each diagnostic phase from initial consultation to final client presentation.
“The scale of misdiagnosis in traditional building moisture surveys is still significant across the professions. This module exists to change that, giving professionals the investigative rigour, the right toolkit, and the professional framework to reach accurate conclusions and defend them in writing. Minimum intervention isn’t a constraint — it’s the correct approach, and it begins with correct diagnosis.”
Stephen Boniface, Building Pathology Expert and Course Contributor
“What distinguishes this module is the combination of forensic depth and practical accessibility. We take professionals through real buildings, real defects, and real decision-making, not sanitised theory. The JPS 2022 framework gives the industry a shared standard, and this course gives practitioners the skills to apply it with confidence at every stage of an investigation.”
Ian Bullock, Building Conservation Specialist and Course Contributor
Designed for the Full Project Team
The module has been developed for a broad range of built environment professionals, including building surveyors, structural engineers, architects, conservation planners, and property and estate managers. It aligns with guidance from ICOMOS, SPAB and Historic England, and is recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
BEST Training courses are structured to meet CPD requirements across multiple professional registers, providing verifiable structured learning hours that can contribute towards the CPD requirements of professional bodies including RICS, RIBA, IStructE, RTPI, CIOB and IHBC.
Availability and Enrolment
Module 2: Investigating Moisture in Traditional Buildings is available now via the BEST Training online learning platform.
Andrew Stanton Executive Editor – moving property and proptech forward. PropTech-X
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