home perform

24/09/2026

💨 Your Extractor Fan Is Running, but Is the Air Actually Getting Outside?

You switch the bathroom fan on.

You can hear it running.

So it's working… right?

Not necessarily.

An extractor fan can appear to be operating normally but still fail to move enough air out of the property.

The problem may not even be the fan itself.

Poor extraction can be caused by:

🔹 Crushed or compressed flexible ducting
🔹 Excessively long duct runs
🔹 Too many bends
🔹 Poorly installed ductwork
🔹 Restrictions at the external terminal
🔹 Incorrect fan selection
🔹 Poor commissioning or installation

And if moisture isn't being removed effectively, it can contribute to condensation, damp and mould.

That's why simply checking that a fan switches on doesn't tell you how well the ventilation system is actually performing.

At homeperform, we can measure the airflow being achieved at the extract point and investigate the installation where performance isn't as expected.

Because when it comes to ventilation, it's not just about whether the fan is running.

It's about how much air it's actually moving.

Experiencing condensation, mould or poor ventilation in your home?

Speak to homeperform about ventilation and airflow testing.

20/09/2026

🏠 Buying a New Build? Did You Know You Can Ask for an Independent Pre-Completion Inspection?

Buying a brand-new home is exciting, but don't assume that because it's new, everything will automatically be finished exactly as it should be.

If your developer is registered with the New Homes Quality Board and your home is covered by the New Homes Quality Code, you have the right to ask for an independent Pre-Completion Inspection (PCI) before completion.

A PCI gives you the opportunity to have your new home independently inspected before you move in, with any identified issues clearly documented for the developer.

And it's becoming increasingly important for buyers to understand their rights.

The latest New Homes Ombudsman figures show that defects and snagging remain the most common causes of complaints from new-build buyers.

At homeperform, our independent Pre-Completion Inspections are carried out in accordance with the relevant requirements and give you a clear, easy-to-understand report of the issues identified in your new home.

Because your developer may have inspected your property, but an independent inspection is carried out for you, the buyer.

Buying a new build and approaching completion?

Speak to homeperform about arranging your independent Pre-Completion Inspection.

12/09/2026

🏠 We’ve been working behind the scenes this last couple of weeks to improve the technology we use for our professional snagging surveys!

Our specialist surveying software allows us to record each snag clearly and in detail while we’re inspecting your home, including supporting photographs and all the information your developer needs.

The result is a comprehensive but easy-to-understand report, clearly setting out the defects identified and the work required to put them right.

Your completed snagging report will be delivered within 48 hours, so you can send it to your developer without unnecessary delay.

Better technology, thorough inspections and clearer reports. All designed to make the snagging process simpler for you.

Get in touch to book your appointment!

10/09/2026

💧 Damp Isn’t a Diagnosis

You’ve found a damp patch.

Maybe there’s mould growing on the wall, peeling paint, a musty smell or moisture around a window.

But saying “you’ve got damp” doesn’t tell you what’s actually causing it.

Moisture problems in a home can have many different causes, including:

🏠 Water getting in through the building
💨 Poor or inadequate ventilation
🌡️ Cold surfaces and thermal bridging
🚿 High levels of condensation
💧 Plumbing leaks
🧱 Defects in the building fabric
🔥 Heating and temperature patterns
🌧️ Problems with roofs, gutters or external drainage

Sometimes, more than one issue is contributing to the problem.

That’s why simply treating the visible signs such as cleaning the mould, repainting the wall or applying a damp treatment, may not stop it coming back.

At homeperform, our Damp & Moisture Surveys are about finding the root cause.

Depending on the property and the problem, our investigation can include moisture readings, humidity and temperature measurements, thermal imaging, ventilation and extraction assessment, airflow testing and inspection of the building fabric.

The aim is simple:

Diagnose first. Treat second.

Because understanding what is actually causing the moisture problem means you can make an informed decision about the right remedial work, and potentially avoid spending money on treatments you didn't need.

If you have damp, mould or condensation in your home and want to understand why, speak to homeperform about an independent Damp & Moisture Survey.

Read more in our blog at https://www.homeperform.co.uk/post/why-damp-mould-and-condensation-need-a-whole-home-investigation

When damp, mould or condensation appears in a property, it's natural to focus on the area where the problem is visible. However, what you can see is often just the symptom. The real cause may lie elsewhere.

07/09/2026

⚡ Company EV Driver? Where You Charge Now Affects Your HMRC Mileage Rate

If you drive a fully electric company car, there’s been a change worth knowing about.

From 1 September 2026, HMRC’s Advisory Electric Rates differentiate between charging at home and using public charging:

🏠 Charging at home - 7p per mile
🔌 Public charging - 15p per mile

These are the advisory rates businesses can use when reimbursing employees for business mileage in fully electric company cars, reflecting the very different costs associated with home and public charging.

And for small businesses running electric company vehicles, it highlights something else worth considering:

Where are your vehicles being charged?

Having convenient charging available at home or at the workplace can make running an electric company vehicle considerably easier, reducing reliance on public charging and allowing vehicles to charge while they're parked anyway.

We help you choose a solution that works for your vehicles, property and electrical supply.

We can advise on:

⚡ Home and workplace EV charging
🔌 Choosing the right charger
📊 Load management
☀️ Solar-compatible charging options
📱 Smart charging and tariff integration
✅ Professional installation, testing and certification

And with eligible businesses currently able to access OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme funding of up to £500 per socket, it could be a good time to consider installing workplace charging too.

Running electric company vehicles or thinking of making the switch?

Get in touch with homeperform to discuss your EV charging options.

27/08/2026

🏠 Awaab’s Law. Is Your Investigation Finding the Cause, or Just Treating the Problem?

With Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law taking effect from 30 November 2026, social landlords will face statutory timescales for investigating a much wider range of potential hazards within their homes

And there is an important point within the Government’s guidance:

An Awaab’s Law investigation does not have to be a formal HHSRS assessment.

Instead, landlords must ensure that the person investigating a potential hazard is competent for the particular issue being investigated, with the necessary skills, experience and applicable qualifications.

That distinction matters.

A report of damp, mould or condensation, for example, may require investigation of:

- Moisture levels and possible water ingress
- Extraction and ventilation performance
- Internal temperatures and thermal anomalies
- Building fabric and potential thermal bridging
- Sources of excess moisture
- Electrical safety where moisture and electrics interact

homeperform provides landlords and housing providers with clear, evidence-based findings covering:

➡ Observed defects and conditions
➡ Measurements and photographic evidence
➡ Likely underlying causes
➡ Immediate safety concerns
➡ Practical remedial recommendations
➡ Further specialist investigation where required
➡ Post-remedial verification where appropriate

The landlord remains responsible for its statutory decisions and compliance with Awaab’s Law, but good decisions depend on good technical evidence.

If you're a social landlord, housing provider or property management company looking to strengthen your property investigation and remedial processes ahead of 30 November 2026, speak to homeperform.

[email protected]

19/08/2026

Purchasing a new build home? The developer’s responsibility does not end when you receive the keys 🔑🏠

Under the New Homes Quality Code, registered developers must provide a full and accessible after-sales service for at least two years following completion.

The developer should explain to you:

✅ How to report snags and defects
✅ Who you need to contact
✅ The timescales for dealing with problems
✅ How emergency issues are handled
✅ How to make a formal complaint
✅ What is considered normal homeowner maintenance

The developer is responsible for putting right qualifying issues, including snags and defects, that arise during the first two years.

You should report problems as soon as possible and keep photographs, dates, correspondence and details of every appointment.

Having a Snagging Survey carried out makes this process simple and stress free, we take care of finding the defects in your new home so you can sit back and enjoy it!

Get in touch on 01604 877269 or [email protected] to book!

17/08/2026

🏠 Why Does My Mould Keep Coming Back?

You've cleaned it.

You've sprayed it.

You've painted over it.

And a few weeks or months later... it's back.

The problem is that removing visible mould and solving the reason it's growing are two very different things.

Mould needs moisture to grow. So if it keeps returning, the important question isn't simply:

“How do I get rid of the mould?”

It's:

“Where is the moisture coming from?”

And there isn't always one simple answer.

Recurring mould and condensation can be influenced by a combination of factors, including:

💨 Poor extraction: bathroom or kitchen fans may be fitted but not actually moving enough air.

🪟 Insufficient background ventilation: including missing, blocked or closed trickle vents.

🌡️ Cold surfaces and thermal bridging: certain areas of walls and ceilings can remain significantly colder, increasing the risk of surface condensation.

💧 Leaks or water ingress: moisture may be entering through the building fabric, roof, plumbing or external defects.

🏠 Insulation and building defects: missing or poorly installed insulation can create localised cold spots.

🚿 Moisture generated inside the home: showering, cooking, drying clothes and simply living in a property all introduce moisture into the air.

🔥 Heating patterns: colder rooms and surfaces can increase the likelihood of condensation forming.

And sometimes it's several of these factors working together.

That's why simply spraying mould killer, repainting the wall or automatically assuming a property needs a new damp-proof course may not solve the problem.

Finding the cause comes first.

At homeperform, our damp and moisture investigations look beyond the visible mould.

Depending on the property and the problem, our investigation can include:

✓ Moisture readings
✓ Relative humidity and temperature measurements
✓ Thermal imaging
✓ Ventilation and extraction assessment
✓ Airflow testing
✓ Inspection of the building fabric
✓ Consideration of heating and condensation patterns
✓ Investigation of potential moisture sources

The aim is simple:

Understand what's causing the problem before deciding how to fix it.

Because the right solution might be improving extraction or ventilation, repairing a building defect, addressing a leak, improving insulation or changing how moisture is managed within the home.

And identifying the correct cause could save you from spending thousands of pounds on unnecessary work that doesn't solve the problem.

If you're struggling with mould, condensation or unexplained damp and want to understand what's actually happening in your home, speak to homeperform about an independent damp and moisture survey.

14/08/2026

Made a formal complaint to your new build developer? 🏠⚒

The New Homes Quality Code sets out a minimum timetable that registered house builders must follow:

📅 Within five days
The developer should send written acknowledgement of the complaint.

📅 Within 10 days
The developer should provide a Path to Resolution Letter explaining how the complaint will be investigated.

📅 Within 30 days
The developer should issue a Complaint Assessment and Response Letter addressing each part of the complaint.

📅 Within 56 days
If the complaint remains open, the developer should issue an Eight-Week Letter explaining what has been done, what remains outstanding and what happens next.

If the matter is still unresolved, a qualifying complaint can normally be referred to the New Homes Ombudsman Service after 56 days from the complaint start date.

The developer’s correspondence should also explain how to make that referral.

Source: New Homes Quality Code, Version 2, sections 3.4 and 3.5.

13/08/2026

How long should you wait for your developer to resolve a snag in your new home? 🏠⚒

The New Homes Quality Code states that developers must acknowledge snags and other after-sales issues as soon as possible.

In most situations, the developer should be able to settle an after-sales issue within 30 days.

Where there is a significant reason for a delay, the developer must:

📝 Explain the reason clearly
📅 Give the homeowner updates at least once a month
🔧 Continue providing updates until the matter is settled

If you are not satisfied with the after-sales response, you can move the matter into the developer’s formal complaints procedure.

Report every snag in writing and retain a clear record of:

✅ When it was first reported
✅ Photographs or videos
✅ The developer’s response
✅ Promised repair dates
✅ Missed appointments
✅ Any further damage caused by the delay

Good records make it much easier to show how an issue has been handled.

A Snagging Survey makes this process simple and stress for homeowners.

Make sure you get the home you were promised.

Get in touch today to book. Call or WhatsApp on 01604 877269 or email us at [email protected]