MP’s are calling for an independent enquiry into cavity wall insulation, which has left homeowners with repair bills running into thousands of pounds.
More then 34,000 people have reported that cavity insulation carried out by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) has resulted in damp and mould inside homes.
In an attempt to reduce heat loss, the CIGA pumped cavity foam into millions of houses over a 35-year period.
However, thousands of homeowners have called for the agency to return to properties to carry out corrective work. In some cases, the damage caused has left residents facing huge repair bills or property that is unsellable.
Quick fix solutions rarely work and leave damaging consequences for both homeowners and the industry. Tradespeople who follow government guidance and industry regulations are left shouldering the burden when things go wrong, or methods are not fully tested. This can leave reputations tarnished and encourage a minority of traders to cash-in regardless of the consequences.
There is no one size fits all approach to making homes more energy efficient. The UK is made up of millions of homes, built in different decades, with different materials, following a mix of regulations. It doesn’t make sense to assume that what works for one house will work for all.
Major construction projects need to be considered carefully. It’s advisable for tradespeople, contracted to take out major work, to have the property surveyed first.
A survey will identify any risks involved and offer a level or protection should those risks play out. Survey costs are usually the responsibility of the property owner, and if possible, you should be on site when the survey is being carried out.
Most surveyors are well trained and identify problems professionally, however there have been instances when surveys have not been carried out properly. So, if you have the opportunity to make checks alongside the surveyor, do so, and raise any issues that have been overlooked.
This is particularly important for sole traders who may need a second opinion before accepting contracts. If problems arise during the construction process, you may be liable for any damages caused. Jobs that require changes to the structure of buildings are high risk.
To keep your reputation in check, make sure the site has been surveyed correctly and you’re covered with public liability insurance.
1 Comment
the house we now live in was done with cavity wall fill but it has dissapeard we have no paperwork relating to the cavity wall fill , you can see were it was drilled for filling but no fill