Focussing on Consumer Detriment and the Risk of Rogue Traders

Following its successful COVID19 impact survey, the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) has today launched its second nationwide industry survey to better understand the impact the COVID19 pandemic is having on householders.

The COVID19 impact survey, launched on 9^th April 2020 saw 85% respondents comment that they were seeing an increase in consumer detriment as a result of the pandemic and that 50% believe opportunism by rogue traders neglecting Public Health England (PHE) safe working guidance and social distancing rules was a significant risk, especially in vulnerable households.

“Current PHE and Government safe working guidance for construction makes no differentiation between occupied and unoccupied buildings or sites and states that work can continue, but that safe working guidance and social distancing rules must be followed” says Anna Scothern Chief Executive at the NHIC.  Continuing she says “This can be extremely challenging for professionals in the home improvement and RMI sector who primarily work in customer homes while householders are in residence and as a result, many of our member companies have made the decision that work cannot continue safely and have closed their doors for the duration of the lockdown.  This leaves the door open if you like for rogue traders to target households with the promise of works completed; often for cash, with no warranty or insurance backed guarantee and not delivered by a member of a competent person scheme and we believe this puts householders at significant risk of consumer detriment.” Summing up Scothern adds “This our second in a series of surveys will help understand the scale of the problem so we can work across our membership with government and partners to provide an evidence base with which to develop cross-industry and consumer protection solutions.”

The NHIC is an ambassador for collaborative action working to improve the home improvement and RMI sector. Representing 100,000 home improvement and RMI professionals while working across the sector, wider industry and consumer groups to raise all homes up to modern living standards while inspiring and supporting householders to renovate, refurbish and improve their homes with confidence.

The consumer detriment survey can be found at https://nhic.org.uk/home-improvement-covid-19-consumer-detriment-survey/ and will be live until 30th April 2020

The full COVID19 impact survey findings can be view at https://nhic.org.uk/covid19impactsurvey

For more information please contact the NHIC chief executive directly at annascothern@nhic.org.uk

MAKING THE CASE FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE HOME IMPROVEMENT SECTOR

The UK Government has committed to ‘net zero’ greenhouse emissions by 2050. That gives just 30 years to get our homes in order, and with UK housing accounting for almost 1/3 of carbon emissions the refurbishment maintenance and improvement (RMI) industry has a big part of play.

It would be hard to argue that there is no ethical and moral obligation on those working in the sector to find ways to reduce the climate impact caused by the maintenance and repair of homes; but is there an opportunity to support householders further providing information on the operation as well?

Other industries have shown that a viable alternative can be realised in the transition to low carbon, such as renewable energy production now being cheaper in the UK than coal or gas, and electric cars are anticipated to be significantly cheaper to buy and run than traditional ones by 2030.

That’s why during 2020 NHIC events bring together panels of experts from all sides of the home improvement sector to debate the case for a revolution in our approach to tackling the climate emergency, attendees will hear from speakers discussing:

• The cultural change needed to embrace action
• The opportunities for adopting new technology and practices across the repair, maintenance and improvement of homes
• The role of the householder in enabling change
• The role of the policymaker and legislator in enabling change

Both events will be held in prestigious venues and will be hosted by NHIC President Rt Hon  Baroness Maddock and NHIC Chair Paul Everall CBE.

Through its corporate and associate membership, the NHIC represents almost 100,000 businesses carrying out millions of home improvement jobs each year, while delivering over 1million hours of CPD training each year. Representing 100's of trades and sub-trades NHIC
membership contributes over £13Bn each year to the UK Economy.

This makes the NHIC the most representative and influential body for Home Improvement professionals in the UK. The true voice of home improvement.

Anna Scothern Chief Executive at NHIC said “It's more than 40 years since the National Home Improvement Council was launched at a time when Britain's housing stock was in a very sad state. Over the years we have campaigned, lobbied and worked tirelessly across
our membership to help turn things around. But there remains much to be done and new challenges to address. This year’s events focused on the impact home improvements can have on achieving net-zero carbon ambitions will give members and non-members the opportunity to meet industry leaders and hear from thought leaders on making the case for action on climate change in the home improvement sector”.

The NHIC is an ambassador for collaborative action, working across the membership, wider industry and government to raise all homes up to modern living standards while inspiring and supporting householders to renovate, refurbish and improve their homes with confidence.

Both events, held in prestigious London venues will look at the benefits of adopting a fabric first approach to building improvements while also looking at green finance initiatives to fund home improvement works alongside the impact of technology innovations resulting from other low carbon initiatives such as the decarbonisation of the grid and the impact on future boilers to the introduction of electric vehicles and the impact on domestic energy storage and generation.

For more information please contact the NHIC chief executive directly at annascothern@nhic.org.uk

The National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) President Rt Hon Baroness Maddock is hosting a Healthy Homes debate in Parliament. Entitled healthy Homes and the Role of Refurbishment, the debate will look at what needs to be done to raise awareness and standards to ensure UK homes are healthy, safe and efficient.

Taking place at the House of Lords on Tuesday 22 nd October 2019, the event is chaired by NHIC Chairman and LABC Chief Executive Paul Everall CBE. Following a keynote speech by Jim Shannon MP, APPG Healthy Homes Chair, speakers will include Simon Storer, Chief Executive at IMA, Lorna Stimpson, LABC Deputy Chief Executive, alongside Lords Rt Hon Andrew Stunell, and Rt Hon John Shipley and Cllr Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council.

Commenting on the debate, Anna Scothern, NHIC Chief Executive said: “We are so pleased to be able to host this debate in Parliament.  Through our membership, we represent almost 50,000 home improvement professionals and businesses across the UK and know that individuals and families living in well maintained, safe and efficient homes are physically and mentally healthier. This debate has underlined that fact continues the important work of getting the refurbishment of our nation’s homes onto the political agenda.”

Simon Storer, Chief Executive at Insulation Manufacturers Association said “Everyone has a right to live in a healthy home with better insulation, better ventilation, windows and doors, and more efficient heating systems.  And yet, to date, nobody in government has provided a financial model alongside regulation and legislation that is attractive enough and robust enough to enable owners, occupiers, landlords, housing associations and local authorities to invest the sums of money necessary to bring the nation’s housing stock up to the standard that is needed.  But there a moral and social imperative to do so and I commend the NHIC for hosting this Parliamentary Debate and raising the issue”.

Lorna Stimpson, Chief Executive of LABC, commented, “I congratulate NHIC for focussing on the healthy homes issue.  The cost and technical challenges of improving existing homes will be considerable and there are real dangers that work can be wrongly designed and badly built creating dangers to health and well-being. Sadly research shows that, even with the best intentions and best efforts, he performance of improvements actually fall far short of those promised.  Climate changes and social needs can’t wait.  We have to deliver.  So I believe this means improving the regulatory framework and raising standards – not dumbing standards down.”

The NHIC advocates home modernisation in line with energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets, and plays a major role in raising the standard and quality of the home improvement industry.

For more information about the National Home Improvement Council please visit
www.nhic.org.uk

Are looking to buy your first home? Here are some smart investment plans

Now that you have finally decided to buy your first home, you should know that it is going to be a big financial commitment – one of the major investments you will make in your lifetime. Many first time home buyers I have spoken with wondered if buying property is a good investment. Well, if you are young and looking to buy your first home, you need to see yourself beyond just owning a property. Even as many people consider investing in real estate probably after they have purchased about two different homes, you could start investing much sooner than you think. There are lots of smart investment plans you can consider, but here are just a few.

1. Create a budget, and stick to it!

It is quite easy to be carried away in the real estate world. Therefore before you think of making any investment, make sure you evaluate your finances and have a clear budget. Your budget, however, should not only comprise your monthly mortgage payment. You also need to consider your expenditure on foods, monthly utility bills, and other items. Being open about your spending habits and lifestyle will help you determine how much you can invest and what will be profitable for you.

2. Select a low-cost home

Even if you are willing to invest million dollars when buying your first home, it is always a great idea to opt for properties in the lower price brackets. According to some experts, they suggest a house that does not cost more than $150,000. Also do not forget that you will need to spend more money on renovating the house before living in it, renting it out or selling it.

3. Do your research

The need to conduct proper research before buying your first home cannot be exaggerated. Make sure that the property is not a scam, and that it is in a location that will appeal to the real estate market should you decide to sell the home in the future.

4. Look for a property with rentable units

When buying your first home, settle for a property with extra rentable units or a rentable accessory dwelling unit. You can make one of the units your primary residence and then choose to rent out the other units to make a profit off your investment. Ultimately, you can also decide to move out of the property while still keeping it as cash flowing rental. This will leverage your lifestyle and you can reinvest the money you earn into your property or use it to pay off other bills and debts. All it requires is a little bit of real estate smartness.

5. Go for distressed homes

When buying your first home, the first step is to ensure that you purchase a house you can afford. With many distressed homes available for sale, buying one would make you an investment owner for a considerably lesser amount than the market value, particularly as prices begin to rise. Since it is your first home buy, make sure you keep your investment as low as possible so as to stay in the safe zone.

6. Pay off all debts

This is another smart investment plan to consider. As you are looking to buy your first home, you need to think about the investment loan options. It does not follow to be carrying debts as your investment portfolio. Make sure you clear all of your debts, medical bills, student loans, etc before thinking about buying your first home.

7. Control your emotions

Often times when people are buying a home, they listen more to their heart than actually putting it into consideration logically. This is fine provided it is a place where you will be living for many years. But when it comes to buying your first investment property, do not let your emotions affect your decision. Think of it as simply a business investment and reasonably negotiate to get a good deal. Remember, the lower the price you get for your home, the better the chances that you will make a higher profit when you want to sell it.

8. Getting a Mortgage

As a first time home buyer, you may find that the cost of buying a home can be very devastating. And one of the major concerns of first time home buyers is nothing but the fear of getting a home loan. If you have a good credit history, then that shouldn’t be a problem. Even if your credit history is poor, you can still avail the services of FinTech. If you consult a real estate expert, they will help to work out your mortgage monthly repayment figure and you can look at prospective homes that you can purchase with that particular payment plan. Getting a loan pre-approval before you begin to look for your choice of homes will help to boost your confidence level. The seller would like the idea that the loan is pre-approved, which may give you an edge when other buyers have made offers on the anticipated home.

Conclusion

Like every other business, buying your first home can either be a smooth experience or turn out to be devastating. If you follow the smart investment plans mentioned above you will surely be on the winning side. Do you think we have missed some smart investment plans? We will be glad to hear from you.

The National Home Improvement Council is proud to announce the NHIC Educational Trust as this year’s sponsor of the category ‘Innovation and Education to Reduce Fuel Poverty’ at its 45^th Annual Awards. This category is open to all companies and authorities who can demonstrate innovative and educational practices which reduce the impact and effect of fuel poverty or reduce the number of households living with ‘heat or eat’ choices.

The NHIC Educational Trust was established as a charitable foundation in 1980 to complement the broad objectives of the NHIC. It achieves this by extending the aims of the NHIC in educating central and local government of the need to improve the UK’s housing stock and also in educating homeowners on the benefits of improving their homes. Lester Corney, Chairman of the Trust said, “Reducing fuel poverty lies at the heart of our activities which is why the NHIC Educational Trust is delighted to sponsor this important Award.”

The National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) was launched in 1974 and today, through its corporate and associate membership options, it represents over 30,000 businesses carrying out more than five million jobs each year in and around the home.  Representing 100’s of trades and sub-trades, the NHIC membership contributes over £13bn to the UK economy while delivering thousands of hours’ training and professional development, making the NHIC the most representative body for home improvement professionals in the UK.

Anna Scothern, Chief Executive at NHIC, said “We are excited to welcome again the NHIC Educational Trust as sponsor of the category ‘Innovation and Education to Reduce Fuel Poverty’. Having an award which recognises the innovation and educational work which is carried out across the country to reduce fuel poverty, one of our key objectives, is an important part of our Annual Awards ”.

The NHIC works hard to raise the profile of high standards of energy efficiency and modernisation in all homes alongside the reduction of carbon emissions and promotion of the benefits of home improvement to householders.

Entries are now invited from across the spectrum of housing modernisation projects and associated activities in the following eight categories:

• Innovation and education to reduce fuel poverty, sponsored by the NHIC Educational Trust
• Delivering community benefit through home improvement, sponsored by Quality Assurance National Warrantees
• Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Haymarket Media Group
• Innovation and Initiatives to Promote Consumer Safety Through Compliance in Bathroom Products and Installation, sponsored by Bathroom Manufacturers’ Association
• Roofer of the Year, sponsored by Competent Roofer
• Individual Winners, sponsored by RetrofitWorks
• The George Clarke Medal, sponsored by NHIC

For more information and to enter visit nhic.org.uk/awards

The 45^th NHIC Annual Awards black-tie dinner will be held on Thursday 28^th November 2019 at One Whitehall Place,  London.  Information regarding attendance and booking can be found at www.nhic.org.uk/awards

The GGF is delighted to announce that it has renewed its longstanding partnership with the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).

In previous years, both GGF and the NHIC have worked on political influencing, marketing and PR campaigns.

On the renewed partnership, James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs commented, “We are pleased to continue our relationship with NHIC as they are the voice of the home improvement sector. They are the one organisation that truly represents the entire home improvement industry, covering over 100 trades and we look forward to working with them to raise awareness of the major issues affecting the sector.”

Anna Scothern, NHIC Chief Executive commented, “We are delighted the GGF will continue to be part of the NHIC and contribute to our shared voice to Government.

With so many issues affecting our industry at present, it’s vital that all trade bodies representing the tens of thousands of local professionals and tradespeople work together to improve the quality of home improvement. 2019 is an exciting year for NHIC with parliamentary events and political campaigns. In addition, the annual NHIC awards will once again feature the prestigious George Clarke Medal for home renovation and our focus, as always will be on raising the standards and quality of works delivered in to improve existing housing in the UK.”

To find out more about NHIC please visit https://nhic.org.uk/

For further information go to: http://www.ggf.org.uk or for consumer information
generated by the GGF please visit www.MyGlazing.com