Month: November 2023

Insulating your home is generally a good way to cut back on energy bills and add value to your property.

 

But there’s one type of insulation that could cause structural problems and prove costly in time and money: spray polyurethane foam (SPF).

 

In this article, we explain why many professionals in the property industry are urging homeowners to be wary of installing SPF and what to do if it’s already in your home.

 

But firstly, what is SPF?

 

More commonly known as spray foam, SPF has been used for decades in the UK. It’s sprayed in liquid form into roofs and other hard-to-reach places, where it expands, sets and then acts as an insulator.

 

Why does it cause problems?

 

Some types of spray foam block airflow and cause condensation. Over time, this can lead to wooden beams and rafters rotting.

 

And because spray foam sets hard across the inside of the roof, it’s impossible to inspect what’s going on underneath. So, if there is a problem with damp or warping, you can’t spot it early and take action. For this reason, many surveyors refuse to sign off on properties with spray foam; they simply can’t see enough to make a professional assessment.

 

What are the implications?

 

As many banks won’t lend on homes with spray foam, its presence can impact the saleability of a property. Similarly, a homeowner could be ineligible for equity release if spray foam is present in their home.

 

What to do if spray foam is in your property

 

Firstly, don’t panic or make any rash decisions. Seek advice from a chartered surveyor about next steps.

 

One option is to have the spray foam removed. (It’s a specialist job, and not one to do yourself, as the spray foam can be toxic to touch or inhale.)

 

The cost of removal will depend on the size of your roof space and the availability of specialists to carry out the work. But expect the bill to run into the thousands. (Last year, Checkatrade suggested removing spray foam from the roof of a three-bed home would cost around £3,200.)

 

If you’re considering having spray foam removed, do your homework and check the credentials of the tradesperson quoting for the work. Unfortunately, there are cowboys out there. If someone asks for a large sum upfront to do the job or pressures you to commit to work on the spot, be suspicious and send them packing.

 

If you’d like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

 

So, you think you’ve mastered the art of letting properties?

With every tenant you place and every lease you renew, you grow more confident in your prowess as a confident, caring and capable landlord.

But are you one of the best landlords in Teignbridge?

We’ve put together a quick quiz to help you find out.

Let’s get started.

 

Do you regularly update your properties?

1. Of course! I make sure everything’s in top shape.
2. When I remember.
3. Not unless something breaks.
4. I leave that to my letting agent.

How would you handle a late rent payment?

1. Discuss a repayment plan.
2. Issue a late fee.
3. Eviction notice right away.
4. Consult my letting agent for the best course of action.

What’s your go-to marketing strategy?

1. Social media & online platforms
2. Traditional newspapers
3. A sign in the window
4. I let my experienced letting agent handle it.

How quick are you to respond to repair requests?

1. Within 24 hours.
2. Within a week.
3. Whenever I can.
4. My letting agent responds promptly for me.

What do you value most in a tenant?

1. Reliability and communication.
2. Ability to pay the highest rent.
3. Lack of complaints.
4. Whatever qualities my letting agent recommends based on their experience and knowledge.

 

Scores on the doors:

Tally your answers and find out if you are among the best landlords in Teignbridge.

Mostly 1’s: Congratulations, you’re a model landlord. You’ve got the perfect mix of attentiveness, professionalism and knowledge.

Mostly 2’s: You’re doing well but there’s room for improvement. Consider brushing up on best practices.

Mostly 3’s: You may want to revisit your approach to being a landlord. Your tenants and your bottom line will thank you for it.

Mostly 4’s: Smart move! You understand the value of a trusted, ethical letting agent in managing properties successfully.

 

Whether you’re an old hand at this or relatively new to being a landlord, there’s always something fresh to learn.

And remember, being a great landlord isn’t just about you—it’s about providing an excellent experience for your tenants, too.

 

If you’re a ‘Mostly 4’s’ kind of landlord, it seems you’ve already got that in the bag.

If you’re looking for any lettings advice, contact us today.

Remember, remember, Bonfire Night celebrations don’t always have to go off with a bang. There are lots of ways to have fun on the 5th of November without letting off noisy fireworks (which can cause distress to small children, pets* and wildlife).

 

Here are five ways to have a quieter Bonfire Night this year.

 

Marshmallow fun

 

Nothing takes the chill off the November night air quite like toasted marshmallows. If you have a fire pit, you can toast them outdoors. If not, put them under the grill in the kitchen – they’ll still taste delicious. Another option is to try the American campfire classic S’mores. Sandwich marshmallows and chocolate buttons between sweet biscuits and toast gently.

 

Glow-in-the-dark games

 

Take six plastic bottles from your recycling and fill them with water. Then, activate six glowsticks and add one to each bottle. Tightly fasten the lid on each bottle, grab a ball, and you’re good to go. Dim the lights or head to the garden for a game of glow-in-the-dark skittles.

 

Sparklers 

 

It doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s something magical about waving a sparkler in the air and making shapes or writing your name. (Although, always wear gloves and have a bucket of water nearby, just in case.) If you’re a keen photographer, capture these moments on your phone (there are plenty of tips online on how to take great sparkler photos) and share them with family and friends.

 

Stargaze

 

Wrap up warm and head outside to gaze at the November night sky. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot the constellation Orion or a star cluster like Seven Sisters. Download a stargazing app beforehand to help you identify what you’re looking at.

 

Raise a toast

 

A hot drink is just the thing to warm your cockles if you’re spending time outdoors. Adults who enjoy an alcoholic tipple could try hot buttered rum (a silky mix of brown sugar, rum, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg).

 

Or the whole family could enjoy an indulgent hot chocolate. Tailor your hot chocolate to your tastes by adding ingredients such as ground cinnamon (for added warmth and spice) or raspberry-flavoured syrup (for fruity sweetness). And if you’ve already had your fill of marshmallows, you could add whipped cream and sprinkles for a colourful finishing touch.

 

From all of us here at Chamberlains, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night. 

 

* If you have a pet, the animal welfare charity Blue Cross has plenty of tips to help keep your pets calm on Bonfire Night.

 

There’s a lot to consider when you start thinking about moving home.

This includes things like:

• What the new monthly mortgage payments will be?
• What’s parking like at the new place?
• Are the new neighbours friendly?

It’s a massive decision to sell up and buy elsewhere.

When families are involved, our advice is to make your children feel part of the process, and listening to their thoughts, concerns and ideas helps them (and you) get your head around things.

 

We asked a 16-year-old whose family recently sold and moved to another home what was on his mind during the process.

It makes interesting reading.

A bag of mixed emotions

“My first thoughts were a bag of mixed emotions. I was excited about the prospect of getting a bigger room. But when the decision was made that we were selling our old home, I thought, oh no, they are going to make me pack and tidy my room.

Domestic strains and paint shades

I was also worried that Mum and Dad might be stressed 24/7 because of renovating, and will they ever stop arguing over paint colours?

Friendships and farewells

I felt sad to be leaving my neighbour, who I was best friends with, but she moved away anyway, so that wasn’t such a big deal.

I was proud because I knew we lived in a small two-bed flat when I was born, and we were now moving to a much bigger home.

Concerns about connectivity

I was concerned about not being close to anything – like shops and bus routes – and anxious about the wifi strength at our new place.

Other things on my mind were if we could still afford Sky TV. I also wondered if moving meant we were going to be broke.

Reflections and advice

My advice for anyone in my age group whose family are moving home is this:

1. Start tidying and packing your room the minute you know you’re selling/moving.
2. Speak to your parents about anything that’s worrying you.
3. And finally, focus on the positives.

I love our new place, and we still have Sky TV and good wifi!”

 

Considering a family move? Contact us today for an accurate valuation and expert advice.