There have been reports of ceilings collapsing and other building defects when the insulation has been installed by scam companies.
Mortgage companies are concerned as it is not straightforward to distinguish between genuine installers and fraudsters. Nationwide Building Society in particular has reported concerns about spray foam insulation and have adjusted their lending policy accordingly.
The concern over spray foam insulation has resulted in homeowners having to pay thousands of pounds to have the foam spray insulation removed in order to sell or re-mortgage their homes. Notwithstanding that the government may have provided a grant in the first place for the foam spray insulation to be installed as an approved home insulation measure.
Clearly, until there is government guidance (perhaps as part of the amended ECO grant scheme), a building standard or an agreed protocol which will verify properly installed and guaranteed spray foam insulation borrowers and sellers are likely to continue to face obstacles. Spray foam insulation has a bad reputation as a result of a number of unscrupulous operators in the industry even though it has previously been approved by the government as a genuine home insulation measure.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has recommended that homeowners use an independent expert to evaluate whether the insulation is compatible with their homes and urged homeowners to look at different and more sustaina
ble options to insulate their properties.
If you would like any further information on property law or property defects liability, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Bill Dhariwal, Lawcomm Solicitors, on DDI: 01489 864 117 E: bill.dhariwal@lawcomm.co.uk
The contents of this article does not constitute legal advice.
