Health risks: Mould spores can trigger asthma, allergies, and breathing problems, particularly for children, older people, and those with health conditions. Property damage: Damp damages finishes, plaster, walls, timber, potentially the structural integrity of your...
You’ll need to tell your insurer about any changes or alterations you’re planning on making to the structure of your home. Things like extending a room, adding a conservatory, or doing a loft conversion. Your insurer doesn’t need to know about cosmetic changes to the...
A Brief History of Smoke Alarms The concept of fire detection dates back to the 1930s, when it was initially designed for commercial buildings. The first residential smoke alarms appeared in the 1960s, becoming more widespread after battery-powered models were...
One way to demonstrate this is to use an architect. Using an architect for your domestic project provides you with valuable expertise and professional guidance. They will help you navigate the planning permission process and building regulations submission (which...
That’s where water treatment and filters come in. Did You Know? Up to 87% of boiler breakdowns are caused by dirty or untreated system water. Some boiler manufacturers won’t honour your warranty unless the system water is properly treated. A simple magnetic filter can...
What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials due to its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It was commonly used in homes built before 2000, particularly between the 1950s and 1980s....
Did you know? Construction products must meet strict safety and performance standards. In the UK, OPSS ensures that performance requirements are met for construction products under its remit, promoting better buildings and stronger protections for people and...
We recognise that some terminology may be unfamiliar, and our goal is to clarify these terms to enhance your understanding and empower you as a homeowner. Whether you are embarking on energy efficiency upgrades, navigating building compliance, or exploring...
What’s the Difference Between Regulated and Unregulated? Regulated sectors, such as gas, electricity, ventilation, and specific structural work, are governed by law. Tradespeople must be registered, qualified, and assessed through formal Competent Person Schemes....
The New Homes Ombudsman Service exists to help homeowners resolve issues with their new homes after they have exhausted all avenues and complaint procedures provided by their Registered developer or housebuilder and after they have been advised that the developer is...
What is consumer protection? Consumer protection is all about protecting you, the consumer when buying home improvements. It starts when you start searching for an installer and ends when the guarantee has ended. In the middle of it, you want to ensure that you have...
An Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) is an insurance policy – paid for by the installing contractor – which provides valuable protection for consumers when undertaking home improvement projects. Did you know? Many contractors will be happy to guarantee their work...