Government ‘failing’ home sellers over spray foam...

The Government is not taking any responsibility for the thousands of people that have had spray foam installed by Green Homes Grant vouchers, a claims management company has suggested.

Hydrogard Legal Services, which helps recover money paid for mis-sold home improvements, said it is helping people on a no-win-no-fee basis who have had mortgage offers withdrawn and lost sales after surveyors spotted inappropriately installed spray foam installation.

This is because problems in timber-framed roofs have been reported recently where spray foam insulation is causing decay and leading to dampness and condensation, making mortgage lenders nervous about approving loans.

Hydrogard Legal Services has expressed disappointment after a document published on the House of Commons Library highlighted that the Government won’t do anything to help homeowners with spray foam and has left decisions to lenders and installers.

Chris Brown, owner of Hydrogard Legal Services, said spray foam can cause delays to transaction and agents can lose sales after investing in marketing and viewings.

Whilst owners of properties are faced with costly resolutions, he highlights that if agents can spot this problem at the point of valuation there is a possibility that the homeowners can resolve it quickly and claim costs for installation, removal and any consequential damage.

Brown added: “A lot of PR is being put out from the installers, saying it has Government backing, the Government are involved in issuing guidelines, which frankly is misleading.

“Whilst our workload has increased dramatically this year and we are getting success for the homeowners in getting properties into saleable condition and getting costs repaid, if anyone has had this installed by a Green Home Grant, through Trustmark, I would be more than happy to take a claim forward.

“What really upsets us are the people, normally over 70 years of age, are sold this product then other companies contact them for roof cleaning and loft ventilation systems.

“This is bordering on criminal activity, and we are working in partnership with Trading Standards, to bring these companies to task.

“There is help if you find yourself in this position, but not from the Government.”