By Peter Hart, Managing Director
It’s impossible to miss the cost of living crisis. It’s affecting us all, with a disproportionate impact on the poorest in our society, and 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 know we have a particular job to do for our clients as the cost of essentials such as food, energy, and transportation continue to rise. We know that many homeowners are finding it increasingly difficult to afford heating and basic repairs and maintenance for their homes. This can lead to serious issues with damp, mould, and other problems that can cause significant damage to a property over time – and that a potential purchaser needs to be aware of when committing to the biggest transaction of their lives.
The most obvious issue that can arise as a result of the increased cost of living is a lack of heating. When homeowners are struggling to pay their bills, they may be forced to cut back on the amount of heat they use in order to save money. I have even heard of property owners using patio heaters and even chimineas inside their property in an attempt to reduce the cost of generating heat.
While this is an extreme example with obvious risks, a general lack of heating is becoming increasingly common as the cost of gas and electric continues to rise. This can lead to cold spots in the home, which can then lead to problems with damp and mould. Damp is a major issue that can cause significant damage to a property, both structurally and aesthetically. Not only can it cause rot and decay, but it can also lead to unpleasant odours and a general sense of discomfort – and be costly to fix.
Another issue that can arise as a result of the cost of living is a general lack of maintenance. When homeowners are struggling to make ends meet, they are much less likely to invest in regular maintenance and repairs for their homes. This can lead to issues such as leaks, cracks, and other problems that can cause significant damage over time.
So, what can be done to address these issues as the potential purchaser of a property? One solution is to hire a professional surveyor. A surveyor can help you identify any long-term issues that may have been caused by the cost of living and can provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about how to address those issues.
A surveyor can also help you to identify any potential issues with damp or mould, and can provide you with advice on how to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. For example, a surveyor may recommend that you invest in a dehumidifier to help control the humidity levels in your home. They may also recommend that you invest in insulation or other measures to help keep your home warm and dry.
A surveyor can also help you to identify any other potential issues with your property. For example, they will check for structural issues, such as cracks or subsidence, and can provide you with advice on how to address them.
By hiring a professional surveyor, home buyers can identify and address any long-term issues that may have been caused by the cost of living and can take steps to prevent those issues from occurring once the purchase has completed. If you are concerned about the impact of the cost of living on a property you are buying, we recommend that you contact a surveyor today to schedule an inspection.
At Home Surveying we understand the importance of having all the information at your fingertips when making decisions relating to the biggest purchase of your life. We offer a wide range of surveying services, including Level 3 Building Surveys, and Level 2 Home Surveys, previously known as a Homebuyer report. Our surveyors are highly experienced and qualified and will provide you with a detailed report on the condition of your property.
In our experience, the additional cost of hiring a surveyor is usually more than made up for by the sense of wellbeing you get from knowing you have all the information you need, even before considering the costs you may be able to mitigate or avoid by being aware of any issues before you commit to a property purchase.
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