By Peter Hart, Managing Director
The cost of living crisis is impossible to miss. It’s affecting us all, and it hits the poorest in our society hardest. We’re incredibly proud of our friends at enable for the work they’re doing to reduce fuel poverty and increase affordability in people’s homes.
As surveyors, we have a particular job to do for our clients right now. The cost of essentials like food, energy and transport keeps climbing. Many homeowners now struggle to afford heating, repairs and basic maintenance. This neglect can trigger serious issues with damp, mould and other problems. Such problems can cause significant damage to a property over time. A potential purchaser needs to know about them before committing to the biggest transaction of their lives.
The heating problem
The most obvious issue stems from a lack of heating. Homeowners struggling with bills may cut back on heat use to save money. I have even heard of property owners using patio heaters and chimineas indoors to reduce the cost of generating heat.
That’s an extreme example with obvious risks. However, a general lack of heating is becoming common as gas and electric prices climb. The result? Cold spots in the home. Cold spots then create problems with damp and mould.
Damp: a serious threat
Damp is a major issue. It can cause significant damage to a property, both structurally and aesthetically. Rot and decay often follow. Unpleasant odours and a general sense of discomfort come with them. Fixing the problem can prove costly too.
The maintenance gap
Another issue stems from a general lack of maintenance. Homeowners struggling to make ends meet rarely invest in regular upkeep. This neglect leads to leaks, cracks and other problems. Such issues then cause significant damage over time.
So what can a buyer do?
What can a potential purchaser do about all this? One solution is to hire a professional surveyor. A surveyor can help you identify any long-term issues linked to the cost of living crisis. They can give you the information you need to make informed decisions about fixing those issues.
Spotting damp and mould early
A surveyor can also help you spot any potential damp or mould issues. They can advise on how to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. For example, they may suggest a dehumidifier to control humidity levels. They may also recommend insulation or other measures to keep your home warm and dry.
Beyond damp: structural checks
A surveyor can also flag other issues with your property. For example, they check for structural problems such as cracks or subsidence. They can then advise on how to address them.
Take action before you commit
Hiring a professional surveyor pays off. Home buyers can identify long-term issues tied to the cost of living crisis. They can then take steps to prevent those issues from recurring once they own the property. Worried about the cost of living’s impact on a property you’re buying? Contact a surveyor today to schedule an inspection.
How Home Surveying can help
At Home Surveying, we understand the importance of having all the information at your fingertips when making decisions about the biggest purchase of your life. We offer a wide range of surveying services. These include Level 3 Building Surveys and Level 2 Home Surveys (previously known as a Homebuyer report). Our highly experienced, qualified surveyors will give you a detailed report on the condition of your property.
In our experience, the cost of a surveyor more than pays for itself. You gain a sense of wellbeing from knowing you have all the facts. On top of that, you may mitigate or avoid significant costs by spotting issues before you commit.
Contact Home Surveying today to learn more about how our RICS-qualified surveyors can help you make an informed and financially wise property purchase.
