Maintaining a healthy home

Torbay and South Devon has an increasingly aging population. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS 2017), around a quarter of Torbay’s population are aged 65 or over (26.5%, compared with 18.1% across England). Together with this, Torbay encompasses areas of great affluence in the same postcode as areas of severe poverty and deprivation. As a result, health inequalities are increasingly prominent. It is understood that the majority of health inequalities are a result of a lack of access, a lack of understanding, and thus, a lack of education.

Here at McCluskey Surveyors, our mission is to make home surveys more accessible to everyone. We believe every person deserves to know that the roof over their head will keep them, and their families safe. We aim to therefore offer access to education to advise people about defects so they can make informed decisions, offering ultimate peace of mind.

As we all try to adapt during a pandemic, our health and the health of those around us is at the forefront of our minds. Many of us are also spending far more time in our homes. Our homes can provide a sanctuary, especially when the outside world is tough. However, they can also be the source of our stress and anxiety when new defects arise. Are you currently living in a house of dreams, or a house of horrors? When we view a property to buy, we don’t tend to look in the loft space, or under the stairs, and therefore there is always a possibility of defects that we’re not aware of. Defects can of course also arise at any point during of a house’s lifespan, from new builds to properties that are a few hundred years old.

Defects in our homes can contribute to a number of health issues. Mould spores can develop as a result of damp and condensation causing issues for people with respiratory conditions. Our homes can also contain hazardous materials such as asbestos containing materials (ACM), particularly in properties built before 2000. Poorly constructed staircases, or staircases that have deteriorated over time can lead to serious injury in the event of a fall. These factors, together with many more, can cause serious risks to our physical health. Dealing with the stress and anxiety that accompanies these issues is likely to adversely impact our mental health, particularly at a time when we want to come home and unwind.

We recognise that during this time, access to professional advice may be hard to find. This is why we offer a range of support designed to meet the needs of everyone. The services below offer an overview of how we can help you diagnose and remedy defects, keeping you safe, healthy and well in your home.

1. Resource Hub

Access to a range of Guidance Notes, including Maintenance Tips for your home.

Cost: FREE

2. Ongoing support

We are available to offer advice over the phone to discuss any concerns you may have about your home, at any time.

Cost: FREE

3. Property Advice Service

Share a description and photographs of a defect online. We will review the information remotely and offer advice on an appropriate course of action.

Cost: £75 per defect

Please note: If your property has more than three defects please contact us for a quote. A defect analysis may be more cost effective and provide greater peace of mind. We would then deduct any fees already paid.

4. Defect Analysis Inspection

This allows us to visit the property and look at the main structure, commenting specifically on any structural issues or defects where there may be specific concerns in relation to damp, for instance.

Cost: Variable. Please contact us for a free no obligation quote.