Causes of damp and mould
Damp and mould are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames.
In a newly-built home damp can occur if the water used when the house was built is still drying out.
Condensation
Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation. Condensation forms when the air indoors can't hold any more moisture. Cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors and breathing without adequate ventilation can all cause excess moisture. Droplets can form on indoor surfaces such as mirrors, windowsills and on walls, particularly when they're cold.
You can help prevent the build-up of condensation by:
putting lids on saucepans, drying washing outside and avoiding using paraffin or bottled gas heaters
opening the bedroom window for 15 minutes each morning
making sure your home is well insulated
heating your home a little more
ventilating rooms regularly and leaving doors open to allow air to circulate, unless you're cooking or showering
if you're cooking, showering or bathing – opening the window, putting the fan on and closing the door of the room you're in.
Repairs may be needed to get rid of any leaks or to improve ventilation. Once your home has been repaired, or if your home is damp because it's newly built, it may take weeks of heating and ventilating it to dry it out.
Can damp and mould affect my health?
Yes, if you have damp and mould you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.
Who's affected?
Some people are more sensitive than others, including:
babies and children
elderly people
those with existing skin problems, such as eczema
those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
those with a weakened immune system
These people should stay away from damp and mould.
How does it affect your health?
Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.
What should I do if I find mould?
It will depend on how bad the mould is and the size of the area the mould is covering, other things to take into consideration is if you can identify the source / cause of the mould and if you have the relevant experience to deal with the mould in your property.
Before attempting to tackle any mould take into account any current health concerns.
For your safety and the professional removal of mould, it is recommended that you consult a professional.
Hawksview Property Services can help, please call or email for more information or advice.
Damp and mould are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames.
In a newly-built home damp can occur if the water used when the house was built is still drying out.
Condensation
Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation. Condensation forms when the air indoors can't hold any more moisture. Cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors and breathing without adequate ventilation can all cause excess moisture. Droplets can form on indoor surfaces such as mirrors, windowsills and on walls, particularly when they're cold.
You can help prevent the build-up of condensation by:
putting lids on saucepans, drying washing outside and avoiding using paraffin or bottled gas heaters
opening the bedroom window for 15 minutes each morning
making sure your home is well insulated
heating your home a little more
ventilating rooms regularly and leaving doors open to allow air to circulate, unless you're cooking or showering
if you're cooking, showering or bathing – opening the window, putting the fan on and closing the door of the room you're in.
Repairs may be needed to get rid of any leaks or to improve ventilation. Once your home has been repaired, or if your home is damp because it's newly built, it may take weeks of heating and ventilating it to dry it out.
Can damp and mould affect my health?
Yes, if you have damp and mould you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.
Who's affected?
Some people are more sensitive than others, including:
babies and children
elderly people
those with existing skin problems, such as eczema
those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
those with a weakened immune system
These people should stay away from damp and mould.
How does it affect your health?
Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.
What should I do if I find mould?
It will depend on how bad the mould is and the size of the area the mould is covering, other things to take into consideration is if you can identify the source / cause of the mould and if you have the relevant experience to deal with the mould in your property.
Before attempting to tackle any mould take into account any current health concerns.
For your safety and the professional removal of mould, it is recommended that you consult a professional.
Hawksview Property Services can help, please call or email for more information or advice.
Landlords, Tenants or anybody else connected or concerned in the property rental market take note:
Ending a tenancy agreement can be a headache for both landlords and tenants alike,
On the landlords part: there is the worry has the property been emptied, how many repairs this time, how much cleaning etc, etc.
On the tenants part: there is the worry will my bond money be kept, why should i carry out repairs (its not my property), I have kept it clean etc, etc.
All of these scenario's add to yet more stress and frustration to the Landlord, Agent or Tenant involved.
While this fundamental end of tenancy maintenance takes place it means the property is off the rental market.
No rent = no income, unrented properties = bad business.
Hawksview Property Services are here to help, we are aware of the situations that are faced by Landlords, Agents and Tenants alike, we are also aware of what standard of maintenance is required for a property to be suitable for the rental market.
Firstly when entering a property for the first time to carry out end of tenancy maintenance, a site survey and report of all potential works / repairs will be required to give the Landlord, Agent and tenants a clear idea of what timescale there will be before the property is fit for rental and also what costs shall be involved.
At this stage organisation is vital, to arrange access to the property for the works / repairs to be completed but also being able to assess what works are required, to minimise costs to both Landlord and tenant.
Important things to be looked at include:
Hawksview Property Services also provide a general electrical safety inspection and testing, if required by Landlord or Agent.
Maintaining a rental property is a big responsibility for all involved, let us at Hawksview Property Services help.
We have affordable care plans available upon request and also free no obligation quotations for one off contracts.
REMEMBER WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS: THINK HAWKSVIEW PROPERTY SERVICES
BECAUSE WE HAVE, AN EYE FOR DETAIL.
Ending a tenancy agreement can be a headache for both landlords and tenants alike,
On the landlords part: there is the worry has the property been emptied, how many repairs this time, how much cleaning etc, etc.
On the tenants part: there is the worry will my bond money be kept, why should i carry out repairs (its not my property), I have kept it clean etc, etc.
All of these scenario's add to yet more stress and frustration to the Landlord, Agent or Tenant involved.
While this fundamental end of tenancy maintenance takes place it means the property is off the rental market.
No rent = no income, unrented properties = bad business.
Hawksview Property Services are here to help, we are aware of the situations that are faced by Landlords, Agents and Tenants alike, we are also aware of what standard of maintenance is required for a property to be suitable for the rental market.
Firstly when entering a property for the first time to carry out end of tenancy maintenance, a site survey and report of all potential works / repairs will be required to give the Landlord, Agent and tenants a clear idea of what timescale there will be before the property is fit for rental and also what costs shall be involved.
At this stage organisation is vital, to arrange access to the property for the works / repairs to be completed but also being able to assess what works are required, to minimise costs to both Landlord and tenant.
Important things to be looked at include:
- Removal of Rubbish or Unwanted Items
- Garden Clearance
- Deep House Clean
- Carpet Cleaning
- Checking Windows Open (and don't stick) / Window Cleaning
- Checking For Mould / Damp
- Checking Paintwork / Decor
- General Repairs (loose hinges on cupboards and doors etc)
- Inspect For Unwanted Visitors (e.g.: Bugs, pests or rodents)
- Fit New Locks For Security
Hawksview Property Services also provide a general electrical safety inspection and testing, if required by Landlord or Agent.
Maintaining a rental property is a big responsibility for all involved, let us at Hawksview Property Services help.
We have affordable care plans available upon request and also free no obligation quotations for one off contracts.
REMEMBER WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS: THINK HAWKSVIEW PROPERTY SERVICES
BECAUSE WE HAVE, AN EYE FOR DETAIL.
Hiring a landscape gardener to create your dream garden is a big decision so to help you we have put together a list of what you should consider when looking for a landscape gardener:
Think about what kinds of things you like or need in your garden? From traditional, contemporary, favourite plants, a place to eat or entertain, soft lighting, a vegetable patch to a children's area or water feature, whatever it is you like make sure you tell your landscaper. All good landscapers will be happy to come on site and run through the proposed works with you face to face and some even provide mood boards. Write your preferred ideas down, with a list of what you definitely don't like!
Decide what you can afford and what your budget is. Design modifications may be necessary in order to fit within your budget. Your landscaper should discuss with you what is realistic depending on your ideas and designs.
Finding a landscaper who can create your dream garden can be worrying and reputation is key. Evaluating previous work via portfolios or visiting garden sites to speak with clients goes a long way to find out their credentials. Good landscapers will be more than happy to show off their work and give references.
Make sure you approach at least three landscaping companies to quote in order to get an overview of cost based on the same list of requirements. Keep a record of your interactions and documents.
Once you are happy to proceed ask your landscaper to provide you with a written specification of works which should stipulate at least: what you require, the design to be created, costs and timescales etc.
Remember that your garden may not look very attractive for a while whilst your landscaper is making the transformation happen. This is temporary and soon you will be able to explore your new dream garden.
Landscapers love their work and equally want you to love your garden. They will keep in touch with you throughout the project, and work with you to make your new garden a success. Landscaping is an outdoor industry though and sometimes the weather doesn't help progress (eg. snow, excessive rain). Hawksview Property Services will keep you up to date on plans and progress.
Think about what kinds of things you like or need in your garden? From traditional, contemporary, favourite plants, a place to eat or entertain, soft lighting, a vegetable patch to a children's area or water feature, whatever it is you like make sure you tell your landscaper. All good landscapers will be happy to come on site and run through the proposed works with you face to face and some even provide mood boards. Write your preferred ideas down, with a list of what you definitely don't like!
Decide what you can afford and what your budget is. Design modifications may be necessary in order to fit within your budget. Your landscaper should discuss with you what is realistic depending on your ideas and designs.
Finding a landscaper who can create your dream garden can be worrying and reputation is key. Evaluating previous work via portfolios or visiting garden sites to speak with clients goes a long way to find out their credentials. Good landscapers will be more than happy to show off their work and give references.
Make sure you approach at least three landscaping companies to quote in order to get an overview of cost based on the same list of requirements. Keep a record of your interactions and documents.
Once you are happy to proceed ask your landscaper to provide you with a written specification of works which should stipulate at least: what you require, the design to be created, costs and timescales etc.
Remember that your garden may not look very attractive for a while whilst your landscaper is making the transformation happen. This is temporary and soon you will be able to explore your new dream garden.
Landscapers love their work and equally want you to love your garden. They will keep in touch with you throughout the project, and work with you to make your new garden a success. Landscaping is an outdoor industry though and sometimes the weather doesn't help progress (eg. snow, excessive rain). Hawksview Property Services will keep you up to date on plans and progress.
The property you rent out must be “fit for occupation” and most properties, even new ones, need regular maintenance.
Here are some things to bear in mind:
1. WATER DAMAGE/LEAKS
Water can do a whole heap of damage if the source of the problem isn't treated early. Ultimately it can make the property unstable, therefore unfit for occupation – costing you valuable rent. The most common time for water-related issues is when the weather is more extreme: either very cold (causing pipes to expand), or during very hot weather (when the pipes tend to “sweat”). To combat this, inspect your property on a regular basis (every 3 months), get your pipes lagged, and ask your tenants to inspect the pipes if the weather has been particularly extreme (under the sink, around the boiler and water heaters as a starting point). Home maintenance is important.
2. SMOKE & CARBON DIOXIDE DETECTORS
If there is a fire or a carbon dioxide leak in your property, and your smoke/carbon dioxide detector isn't working - you could face legal action. Test them monthly, and replace the carbon monoxide detector after 5 years, and the smoke detector after 10. It's always best to be on the safe side. Install good quality detectors, these save lives.
3. BATHROOM CAULKING AND GROUT
Similar to water damage, it is important to rectify cracking in the grout between tiles, or loosening of the caulking surrounding a bath tub early. The later you leave it, the bigger the problem it could be, resulting in mould and unstable flooring. Mould contains many health risks.
4. RODENTS
Having mice or rats in your property is a nightmare, as it can cause your tenants to leave, and put off prospective tenants. A loss of rental income is a much more costly scenario than getting pest control in to sort out the issue.
5. PROPERTY STRUCTURE
It is important to inspect your property's structure regularly as structural issues with the property mean rent ceases to be payable. If you have buildings insurance you should be able to rehouse your tenants; if you don't, your tenants could sue. All in all not the ideal situation, with you certainly out of pocket, so inspecting the property's structure on a regular basis is really worth doing. Building maintenance is essential
6. THE BOILER
It's 4am, and you get a phone call from your tenant saying the boiler's broken. Not ideal. Hawksview Property Services offer an emergency call out service, this provides you with peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, you have trained and qualified personnel on standby a good way of covering yourself and your property as well as keeping your tenant safe.
Here are some other more minor things to think about:
Trim trees and shrubs so they don’t interfere with the foundation or exterior walls.
Check gutters are clear - they may need clearing after autumn and spring.
Check doors and windows.
Check appliances.
Here are some things to bear in mind:
1. WATER DAMAGE/LEAKS
Water can do a whole heap of damage if the source of the problem isn't treated early. Ultimately it can make the property unstable, therefore unfit for occupation – costing you valuable rent. The most common time for water-related issues is when the weather is more extreme: either very cold (causing pipes to expand), or during very hot weather (when the pipes tend to “sweat”). To combat this, inspect your property on a regular basis (every 3 months), get your pipes lagged, and ask your tenants to inspect the pipes if the weather has been particularly extreme (under the sink, around the boiler and water heaters as a starting point). Home maintenance is important.
2. SMOKE & CARBON DIOXIDE DETECTORS
If there is a fire or a carbon dioxide leak in your property, and your smoke/carbon dioxide detector isn't working - you could face legal action. Test them monthly, and replace the carbon monoxide detector after 5 years, and the smoke detector after 10. It's always best to be on the safe side. Install good quality detectors, these save lives.
3. BATHROOM CAULKING AND GROUT
Similar to water damage, it is important to rectify cracking in the grout between tiles, or loosening of the caulking surrounding a bath tub early. The later you leave it, the bigger the problem it could be, resulting in mould and unstable flooring. Mould contains many health risks.
4. RODENTS
Having mice or rats in your property is a nightmare, as it can cause your tenants to leave, and put off prospective tenants. A loss of rental income is a much more costly scenario than getting pest control in to sort out the issue.
5. PROPERTY STRUCTURE
It is important to inspect your property's structure regularly as structural issues with the property mean rent ceases to be payable. If you have buildings insurance you should be able to rehouse your tenants; if you don't, your tenants could sue. All in all not the ideal situation, with you certainly out of pocket, so inspecting the property's structure on a regular basis is really worth doing. Building maintenance is essential
6. THE BOILER
It's 4am, and you get a phone call from your tenant saying the boiler's broken. Not ideal. Hawksview Property Services offer an emergency call out service, this provides you with peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, you have trained and qualified personnel on standby a good way of covering yourself and your property as well as keeping your tenant safe.
Here are some other more minor things to think about:
Trim trees and shrubs so they don’t interfere with the foundation or exterior walls.
Check gutters are clear - they may need clearing after autumn and spring.
Check doors and windows.
Check appliances.
Rats
There are two species of rat in Britain, Rattus Norvegicus which is commonly known as the Brown Rat or Common Rat. The Rattus Rattus, known as the Black Rat or Ship Rat is now rarely found in the UK.
Appearance
The Brown Rat is the larger of the rats in Britain, often weighing over half a kilo and measuring about 23cm, without counting the tail. It has a blunt muzzle, small hair-covered ears and a tail that is shorter than its body. The Black Rat weighs half as much and is shorter. It has a pointed muzzle, large, almost hairless ears, a more slender body and a long thin tail that is longer than its body.
Characteristics
Rats have well developed senses of smell taste and touch. They have an acute sense of hearing, frequently using ultrasound to communicate, and are particularly sensitive to any sudden noise. Both species breed rapidly and become sexually mature in about three months. Each female may produce from 3 to 12 litters of between six and eight young in a year. Rats need to gnaw to keep their constantly growing incisor teeth worn down. They damage woodwork, plastic, bricks and lead pipes, and will strip insulation from electrical cables.
Habitat
Brown Rats live in any situation that provides food, water and shelter. In homes, they will live in roof spaces, wall cavities or under floorboards. In gardens, they will burrow into grassy banks or under sheds. Brown Rats are often found living in sewer systems. Black Rats are rare and are occasionally found in shipping ports.
Diet
Rats feed mostly at night and an average rat will eat 50g of food a day. Preferred foods are cereal products, although rats are omnivorous and will eat almost anything that humans eat.
Why control Rats?
Rats carry many nasty diseases which they can spread to humans, normally through their urine. including; Leptospirosis or Weil's disease, Salmonella, Listeria, Toxoplasma gondii and Hantavirus.
Rats can inflict a great amount of structural damage. They can cause serious fires by gnawing away the insulation around electrical cables, floods by puncturing pipes and even death by chewing through gas pipes. The insurance sector have estimated that rodent damage to wiring is responsible for 25% of all electrical fires in buildings.
Rats can ruin an organisation's reputation. If clients and customers spot evidence of rodent infestation in the premises you manage, they are unlikely to want to do business with you.
Property owners have a legal obligation under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep premises rodent free, or, if rodents pose a threat to health or property, to report infestations to the local authority.
How to prevent Rats
You can put steps in place to try and prevent a rat infestation:
Eliminate any harbourage points such as sealing gaps around pipes and under sheds; rats only need a gap of 15mm to gain entry.
Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, by cutting back overgrown areas and clearing any piles of wood/debris.
Ensure that drain inspection covers are in a good state of repair.
Cover any household waste where rats can get access to it, close dustbin lids and cover compost heaps.
If you feed garden birds, do not do this to excess and use a bird table or feeder basket if possible.
How to get rid of Rats:
Rats are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly, this combination can make rat control a difficult task for the untrained individual. For any rat infestation, we would always recommend contacting a professional pest control company, preferably a member of the BPCA. They are trained in rat control and will have access to a range of professional use rodenticides which are not available to the public.
However, if you decide to carry out the work yourself then you can buy amateur use poisons and traps from a hardware store or garden centre. Most rats are wary of new objects such as traps or poisons placed in their environment, and will avoid them for a period of time prior to exploring them, so don't expect an instant success. When placing poison or traps, make sure they are in a safe and secure place out of reach of children and pets.
WARNING: When using rodenticides always follow the instructions on the label, and importantly search for and dispose of any dead rodents in a safe manner.
Hawksview pest control Leicester - helping to keep Leicester and its homes pest free.
There are two species of rat in Britain, Rattus Norvegicus which is commonly known as the Brown Rat or Common Rat. The Rattus Rattus, known as the Black Rat or Ship Rat is now rarely found in the UK.
Appearance
The Brown Rat is the larger of the rats in Britain, often weighing over half a kilo and measuring about 23cm, without counting the tail. It has a blunt muzzle, small hair-covered ears and a tail that is shorter than its body. The Black Rat weighs half as much and is shorter. It has a pointed muzzle, large, almost hairless ears, a more slender body and a long thin tail that is longer than its body.
Characteristics
Rats have well developed senses of smell taste and touch. They have an acute sense of hearing, frequently using ultrasound to communicate, and are particularly sensitive to any sudden noise. Both species breed rapidly and become sexually mature in about three months. Each female may produce from 3 to 12 litters of between six and eight young in a year. Rats need to gnaw to keep their constantly growing incisor teeth worn down. They damage woodwork, plastic, bricks and lead pipes, and will strip insulation from electrical cables.
Habitat
Brown Rats live in any situation that provides food, water and shelter. In homes, they will live in roof spaces, wall cavities or under floorboards. In gardens, they will burrow into grassy banks or under sheds. Brown Rats are often found living in sewer systems. Black Rats are rare and are occasionally found in shipping ports.
Diet
Rats feed mostly at night and an average rat will eat 50g of food a day. Preferred foods are cereal products, although rats are omnivorous and will eat almost anything that humans eat.
Why control Rats?
Rats carry many nasty diseases which they can spread to humans, normally through their urine. including; Leptospirosis or Weil's disease, Salmonella, Listeria, Toxoplasma gondii and Hantavirus.
Rats can inflict a great amount of structural damage. They can cause serious fires by gnawing away the insulation around electrical cables, floods by puncturing pipes and even death by chewing through gas pipes. The insurance sector have estimated that rodent damage to wiring is responsible for 25% of all electrical fires in buildings.
Rats can ruin an organisation's reputation. If clients and customers spot evidence of rodent infestation in the premises you manage, they are unlikely to want to do business with you.
Property owners have a legal obligation under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep premises rodent free, or, if rodents pose a threat to health or property, to report infestations to the local authority.
How to prevent Rats
You can put steps in place to try and prevent a rat infestation:
Eliminate any harbourage points such as sealing gaps around pipes and under sheds; rats only need a gap of 15mm to gain entry.
Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, by cutting back overgrown areas and clearing any piles of wood/debris.
Ensure that drain inspection covers are in a good state of repair.
Cover any household waste where rats can get access to it, close dustbin lids and cover compost heaps.
If you feed garden birds, do not do this to excess and use a bird table or feeder basket if possible.
How to get rid of Rats:
Rats are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly, this combination can make rat control a difficult task for the untrained individual. For any rat infestation, we would always recommend contacting a professional pest control company, preferably a member of the BPCA. They are trained in rat control and will have access to a range of professional use rodenticides which are not available to the public.
However, if you decide to carry out the work yourself then you can buy amateur use poisons and traps from a hardware store or garden centre. Most rats are wary of new objects such as traps or poisons placed in their environment, and will avoid them for a period of time prior to exploring them, so don't expect an instant success. When placing poison or traps, make sure they are in a safe and secure place out of reach of children and pets.
WARNING: When using rodenticides always follow the instructions on the label, and importantly search for and dispose of any dead rodents in a safe manner.
Hawksview pest control Leicester - helping to keep Leicester and its homes pest free.
Causes of damp and mould
Damp and mould are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames.
In a newly-built home damp can occur if the water used when the house was built is still drying out.
Condensation
Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation. Condensation forms when the air indoors can't hold any more moisture. Cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors and breathing without adequate ventilation can all cause excess moisture. Droplets can form on indoor surfaces such as mirrors, windowsills and on walls, particularly when they're cold.
You can help prevent the build-up of condensation by:
putting lids on saucepans, drying washing outside and avoiding using paraffin or bottled gas heaters
opening the bedroom window for 15 minutes each morning
making sure your home is well insulated
heating your home a little more
ventilating rooms regularly and leaving doors open to allow air to circulate, unless you're cooking or showering
if you're cooking, showering or bathing – opening the window, putting the fan on and closing the door of the room you're in.
Repairs may be needed to get rid of any leaks or to improve ventilation. Once your home has been repaired, or if your home is damp because it's newly built, it may take weeks of heating and ventilating it to dry it out.
Can damp and mould affect my health?
Yes, if you have damp and mould you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.
Who's affected?
Some people are more sensitive than others, including:
babies and children
elderly people
those with existing skin problems, such as eczema
those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
those with a weakened immune system
These people should stay away from damp and mould.
How does it affect your health?
Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.
What should I do if I find mould?
It will depend on how bad the mould is and the size of the area the mould is covering, other things to take into consideration is if you can identify the source / cause of the mould and if you have the relevant experience to deal with the mould in your property.
Before attempting to tackle any mould take into account any current health concerns.
For your safety and the professional removal of mould, it is recommended that you consult a professional.
Hawksview Property Services can help, please call or email for more information or advice.
Damp and mould are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames.
In a newly-built home damp can occur if the water used when the house was built is still drying out.
Condensation
Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation. Condensation forms when the air indoors can't hold any more moisture. Cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors and breathing without adequate ventilation can all cause excess moisture. Droplets can form on indoor surfaces such as mirrors, windowsills and on walls, particularly when they're cold.
You can help prevent the build-up of condensation by:
putting lids on saucepans, drying washing outside and avoiding using paraffin or bottled gas heaters
opening the bedroom window for 15 minutes each morning
making sure your home is well insulated
heating your home a little more
ventilating rooms regularly and leaving doors open to allow air to circulate, unless you're cooking or showering
if you're cooking, showering or bathing – opening the window, putting the fan on and closing the door of the room you're in.
Repairs may be needed to get rid of any leaks or to improve ventilation. Once your home has been repaired, or if your home is damp because it's newly built, it may take weeks of heating and ventilating it to dry it out.
Can damp and mould affect my health?
Yes, if you have damp and mould you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.
Who's affected?
Some people are more sensitive than others, including:
babies and children
elderly people
those with existing skin problems, such as eczema
those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
those with a weakened immune system
These people should stay away from damp and mould.
How does it affect your health?
Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.
What should I do if I find mould?
It will depend on how bad the mould is and the size of the area the mould is covering, other things to take into consideration is if you can identify the source / cause of the mould and if you have the relevant experience to deal with the mould in your property.
Before attempting to tackle any mould take into account any current health concerns.
For your safety and the professional removal of mould, it is recommended that you consult a professional.
Hawksview Property Services can help, please call or email for more information or advice.
Landlords, Tenants or anybody else connected or concerned in the property rental market take note:
Ending a tenancy agreement can be a headache for both landlords and tenants alike,
On the landlords part: there is the worry has the property been emptied, how many repairs this time, how much cleaning etc, etc.
On the tenants part: there is the worry will my bond money be kept, why should i carry out repairs (its not my property), I have kept it clean etc, etc.
All of these scenario's add to yet more stress and frustration to the Landlord, Agent or Tenant involved.
While this fundamental end of tenancy maintenance takes place it means the property is off the rental market.
No rent = no income, unrented properties = bad business.
Hawksview Property Services are here to help, we are aware of the situations that are faced by Landlords, Agents and Tenants alike, we are also aware of what standard of maintenance is required for a property to be suitable for the rental market.
Firstly when entering a property for the first time to carry out end of tenancy maintenance, a site survey and report of all potential works / repairs will be required to give the Landlord, Agent and tenants a clear idea of what timescale there will be before the property is fit for rental and also what costs shall be involved.
At this stage organisation is vital, to arrange access to the property for the works / repairs to be completed but also being able to assess what works are required, to minimise costs to both Landlord and tenant.
Important things to be looked at include:
Hawksview Property Services also provide a general electrical safety inspection and testing, if required by Landlord or Agent.
Maintaining a rental property is a big responsibility for all involved, let us at Hawksview Property Services help.
We have affordable care plans available upon request and also free no obligation quotations for one off contracts.
REMEMBER WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS: THINK HAWKSVIEW PROPERTY SERVICES
BECAUSE WE HAVE, AN EYE FOR DETAIL.
Ending a tenancy agreement can be a headache for both landlords and tenants alike,
On the landlords part: there is the worry has the property been emptied, how many repairs this time, how much cleaning etc, etc.
On the tenants part: there is the worry will my bond money be kept, why should i carry out repairs (its not my property), I have kept it clean etc, etc.
All of these scenario's add to yet more stress and frustration to the Landlord, Agent or Tenant involved.
While this fundamental end of tenancy maintenance takes place it means the property is off the rental market.
No rent = no income, unrented properties = bad business.
Hawksview Property Services are here to help, we are aware of the situations that are faced by Landlords, Agents and Tenants alike, we are also aware of what standard of maintenance is required for a property to be suitable for the rental market.
Firstly when entering a property for the first time to carry out end of tenancy maintenance, a site survey and report of all potential works / repairs will be required to give the Landlord, Agent and tenants a clear idea of what timescale there will be before the property is fit for rental and also what costs shall be involved.
At this stage organisation is vital, to arrange access to the property for the works / repairs to be completed but also being able to assess what works are required, to minimise costs to both Landlord and tenant.
Important things to be looked at include:
- Removal of Rubbish or Unwanted Items
- Garden Clearance
- Deep House Clean
- Carpet Cleaning
- Checking Windows Open (and don't stick) / Window Cleaning
- Checking For Mould / Damp
- Checking Paintwork / Decor
- General Repairs (loose hinges on cupboards and doors etc)
- Inspect For Unwanted Visitors (e.g.: Bugs, pests or rodents)
- Fit New Locks For Security
Hawksview Property Services also provide a general electrical safety inspection and testing, if required by Landlord or Agent.
Maintaining a rental property is a big responsibility for all involved, let us at Hawksview Property Services help.
We have affordable care plans available upon request and also free no obligation quotations for one off contracts.
REMEMBER WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS: THINK HAWKSVIEW PROPERTY SERVICES
BECAUSE WE HAVE, AN EYE FOR DETAIL.
Hiring a landscape gardener to create your dream garden is a big decision so to help you we have put together a list of what you should consider when looking for a landscape gardener:
Think about what kinds of things you like or need in your garden? From traditional, contemporary, favourite plants, a place to eat or entertain, soft lighting, a vegetable patch to a children's area or water feature, whatever it is you like make sure you tell your landscaper. All good landscapers will be happy to come on site and run through the proposed works with you face to face and some even provide mood boards. Write your preferred ideas down, with a list of what you definitely don't like!
Decide what you can afford and what your budget is. Design modifications may be necessary in order to fit within your budget. Your landscaper should discuss with you what is realistic depending on your ideas and designs.
Finding a landscaper who can create your dream garden can be worrying and reputation is key. Evaluating previous work via portfolios or visiting garden sites to speak with clients goes a long way to find out their credentials. Good landscapers will be more than happy to show off their work and give references.
Make sure you approach at least three landscaping companies to quote in order to get an overview of cost based on the same list of requirements. Keep a record of your interactions and documents.
Once you are happy to proceed ask your landscaper to provide you with a written specification of works which should stipulate at least: what you require, the design to be created, costs and timescales etc.
Remember that your garden may not look very attractive for a while whilst your landscaper is making the transformation happen. This is temporary and soon you will be able to explore your new dream garden.
Landscapers love their work and equally want you to love your garden. They will keep in touch with you throughout the project, and work with you to make your new garden a success. Landscaping is an outdoor industry though and sometimes the weather doesn't help progress (eg. snow, excessive rain). Hawksview Property Services will keep you up to date on plans and progress.
Think about what kinds of things you like or need in your garden? From traditional, contemporary, favourite plants, a place to eat or entertain, soft lighting, a vegetable patch to a children's area or water feature, whatever it is you like make sure you tell your landscaper. All good landscapers will be happy to come on site and run through the proposed works with you face to face and some even provide mood boards. Write your preferred ideas down, with a list of what you definitely don't like!
Decide what you can afford and what your budget is. Design modifications may be necessary in order to fit within your budget. Your landscaper should discuss with you what is realistic depending on your ideas and designs.
Finding a landscaper who can create your dream garden can be worrying and reputation is key. Evaluating previous work via portfolios or visiting garden sites to speak with clients goes a long way to find out their credentials. Good landscapers will be more than happy to show off their work and give references.
Make sure you approach at least three landscaping companies to quote in order to get an overview of cost based on the same list of requirements. Keep a record of your interactions and documents.
Once you are happy to proceed ask your landscaper to provide you with a written specification of works which should stipulate at least: what you require, the design to be created, costs and timescales etc.
Remember that your garden may not look very attractive for a while whilst your landscaper is making the transformation happen. This is temporary and soon you will be able to explore your new dream garden.
Landscapers love their work and equally want you to love your garden. They will keep in touch with you throughout the project, and work with you to make your new garden a success. Landscaping is an outdoor industry though and sometimes the weather doesn't help progress (eg. snow, excessive rain). Hawksview Property Services will keep you up to date on plans and progress.
