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<\/p>\nA PROPERTY expert has revealed there\u2019s lots of things you don\u2019t know about your home which might be costing you money.<\/p>\n
Michael Holden, a chartered surveyor, weighed in on all the points of confusion surrounding homes – including how much DIY is too much and a pesky plant which may make your house unsellable.<\/p>\n
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Michael works with Propertymark, a housing sector regulator that makes sure estate agents abide by a strict ethical code.<\/p>\n
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Michael shared his tips which could save you a heap of money and make sure you go into your next property issue clued up.<\/p>\n
Thanks to the rise of DIY in lockdown, thousands of Brits have learnt new skills to keep their home on trend.<\/p>\n
But not many are aware that their work might be non-compliant and defy building regulations surrounding their homes.<\/p>\n
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This can cost up to thousands when it comes to sell your home, so it's best to check in with your mortgage provider before getting too happy with the hammer.<\/p>\n
"Non-compliance with building regulations can cause difficulties at the point of sale," Michael said. "And these are often only discovered by a chartered surveyor or during the conveyancing process."<\/p>\n
It might just seem like small area of damp that you're hoping will clear up when it gets sunny again, but it could cost you in the long run. <\/p>\n
It's best to seek expert advice and get damp fixed early, particularly before it escalates to mould. <\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n "This is a very controversial area, especially following the tragic case of the young child who died of pneumonia following his exposure to mould," Michael said.<\/p>\n "The employment of a suitably qualified expert on dampness is essential as it can prevent health issues and limit potential backlash at the point of sale."<\/p>\n Being ignorant about whether you have Japanese Knotweed could get you sued, as Michael revealed happened to one homeowner recently.<\/p>\n It's a fast-growing weed – adding up to four inches of height a day in summer – which was imported into the UK as an ornamental\u00a0plant.<\/p>\n "Some property valuers suggest that this can impact the resale value of a property by up to 15% but as with everything, each situation will be different," Michael said.<\/p>\n The roots can undermine walls and foundations, duly making\u00a0selling your house\u00a0impossible.<\/p>\n Spray foam insultation is injected into walls, attic surfaces and floors with a gun to stop draft getting in – but Michael described it as a "hot potato".<\/p>\n "Some mortgage lenders have refused to lend on properties that have had spray foam insulation installed," he said.<\/p>\n "If you own a listed building, then it is possible that enforcement action could be taken on the owner who will then be responsible for putting things back to the original state."<\/p>\n He advised checking whether this is something you have and to discuss your options on whether you need to get rid of it with a professional.<\/p>\n Fences straddling two properties can cause issues between otherwise friendly neighbours.<\/p>\n Who fixes it if a storm blows it down? Whose job is it to keep it looking fresh?<\/p>\n If the "good side" faces into your garden, it\u2019s usually yours – but this isn't always the case.<\/p>\n You should check the deeds and title plan of your property if you're a homeowner, or ask your landlord.<\/p>\n These documents show the legal ownership of the property and the general position of its boundaries.<\/p>\n Knowing which side of the fence is actually yours could save you a fortune in fence repairs after a nasty storm.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/prince-harry-heart-invictus-trailer-841130479.jpg\")
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Japanese Knotweed<\/h2>\n
Spray foam insulation<\/h2>\n
The dreaded fence debate<\/h2>\n
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