How to prepare for unexpected crises in your home in 2023

The year might be coming to an end but the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy bills are set to continue threatening the nation. Households across the UK are already facing a staggering energy price cap increase of £4,279 annually for the first three months of the year – as recently announced by Ofgem. However, it’s the additional unexpected costs that could spell disaster for homeowners. From cracks in the walls to leaks, Livlet – the UK’s first intelligent home management platform – reveals the worst-case scenarios of ineffective home upkeep that could cost Brits thousands.

1. Asbestos – Although banned in most construction since 1999, it can still be found in older homes. The price for safe removal is around £2,500.
2. Damp – This may be simple to fix by keeping the property warm and well ventilated and using a dehumidifier. If damp-proofing is required, this costs around £2,750.
3. Electrical issues – If the property’s electrics haven’t been checked in the last 10 years, an Electrical Installation Condition Report is highly recommended. A full rewire costs around £4,000.
4. Faulty drainpipes – Sagging, overflowing gutters, no overflow from the downpipe and damp walls or roof leaks are all signs of a problem. The price to replace drainpipes and gutters is around £650.
5. Flat roofing – Often used on small extensions and garages, if your survey highlights considerable wear and tear you’ll need to get it replaced by a specialist who’ll provide a warranty. The price of a replacement flat roof is around £1,200.
6. Insulation problems – If you think a property has insulation issues, ask for the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to give you an idea of how the house is currently insulated. The cost of upgrading insulation is likely to be around £1,500.
7. Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants – The UK’s most notorious plant causes damage to buildings by growing through cracks in concrete, drains and paved driveways. Its reputation is exaggerated (it’s no more damaging per se than many other flora – the problem is that it’s so hard to kill). The price for professional removal will generally be around £3,000.
8. Roof issues – Prices vary depending on what needs fixing and start from about £100 to replace up to six broken tiles. To completely re-tile the roof on a three-bedroom house, the cost is around £7,000.
9. Structural movement and subsidence – Tell-tale signs include cracks in ceilings and walls. While cracks in plaster are fairly common, it’s wise to ask an expert to take a look before you put down an offer. The price for fixing typical structural issues is around £13,500.
10. Woodworm and beetle infestation – Wood-boring insects can be a major issue in properties with timber frames, such as period properties or barn conversions. The cost to treat and repair is around £1,000.

With this in mind, Livlet aims to protect Brits from further bill shock amidst the cost-of-living crisis by helping them navigate the complex and expensive decisions involved in maintaining, improving and repairing their homes. By using their platform, homeowners can store all information securely in one place, track and budget costs, use proactive maintenance scheduling tools, access guidance measures on how to improve their home and reduce bills, and reach the best service providers for repairs and financing.

About Livlet

Livlet is a web-based digital home management tool that simplifies homeownership. Livlet uses technology to connect all the details about a home in an intelligent way that helps homeowners proactively manage every aspect of homeownership so that they can make smart and timely decisions that increase home efficiency, save money and reduce their carbon footprint to improve their quality of life and property value.

Livlet was founded by Dasha Klyachko, an entrepreneur who was finding that managing her home was complex, time consuming and stressful. She saw an opportunity to change the way we manage our homes. And so Livlet was born in 2020. Dasha has a strong business background having founded a consulting services business in 2000 that tested financial applications for banks, brokerages, and tools providers which she grew to 1,000 employees.