Steve Nancarrow “King of the Snaggers” lends support to the Empty Homes campaign

Dec. 4, 2011 - PRLog -- Steve Nancarrow owner of New Home Advisor Ltd http://www.newhomeadvisor.co.uk has offered his support to the Empty Homes campaign by offering his assistance and advice on build quality to the project.

Steve is better known for his work campaigning for quality standards and snagging reports on brand new homes, but over the past few years he has also been assisting with home improvement and renovation projects and resolving builder problems on existing homes throughout the UK.

“My main concern about the re-occupation of empty homes is the quality of the building work and the cost” says Steve.  “These homes could be purchased by some of the most vulnerable families in the UK and my concern is that they may not have the money to pay for high quality repairs, or they could be ripped off by cowboy builders.  Who will be there to help and advise them?” http://www.newhomeadvisor.co.uk/homeimprovementadvice.html

In 2 recent surveys of empty homes conducted in North London and the Midlands, nearly half of respondents said that their homes were empty because they needed significant repairs, and over 75% said they would welcome advice on repairs and recommended builders.  

New Home Advisor are also concerned about the sale of large residential areas that have been empty for years.  “If these homes are sold to individuals, then who will pay for adequate facilities?” asks Steve.  Play areas, sports pitches, community centres – these areas became empty for a reason and selling them off cheap will not ensure a good quality of life for families moving back in to deserted estates.”

Steve is appearing on BBC breakfast news today to discuss his concerns and offer his support to the campaign.  “In theory it is a great idea” says Steve “but often it can be more cost effective in the long term to demolish homes than refurbish them.  Some of these properties have been derelict for years and it would cost tens of thousands of pounds just to make them habitable, let alone meet modern energy efficient building standards.”

Ends

Notes to editors

1.   Steve Nancarrow is the owner of New Home Advisor Ltd and can be contacted on 07968 509589 or e-mail info@newhomeadvisor.co.uk
2.   Steve has been campaigning for improved building standards in the UK for the past 10 years – he took a petition to the House of Commons in 2004 and has appeared on many TV and radio programmes including Watchdog, Tonight with Trevor McDonald and is an advisor to Which?
3.   Research conducted in the Midlands by English Partnerships and the BHSF and Ipsos MORI in North London

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