Ashfield Japanese Knotweed has undertaken a review of our domestic projects in 2018 and identified the following statistics:
On 50% of the properties we surveyed we advised that no further management works were required or advised that a third party land owner was responsible for managing identified Japanese knotweed due to encroachment. This demonstrates the value to Clients of having an independent assessment of the impact of Japanese knotweed at a property, even when a valuation surveyor; contractor; or mortgage provider has recommended further works.
For 44% of the properties we surveyed recommended herbicide management to control the Japanese knotweed at the property and/or to facilitate a mortgage application. On tendering the recommended works we saw an average saving of £3,050 on contractors’ quotes for herbicide projects. As part of our survey costs, where Japanese knotweed management is required, we always tender works to at least three Property Care Association approved contractors on behalf of our Clients.
Only 6% of properties surveyed required excavation of Japanese knotweed and on tendering these works an average saving of £29,705 was identified to the benefit of our Clients.
In conclusion, 1 in 2 properties surveyed by Ashfield Japanese Knotweed Limited resulted in no further works being required. Where further works was required, our Clients didn’t have to take the day off work/stay at home to allow three contractors to the property to ensure they obtained a competitive quote, we tendered the works on their behalf with savings of between £3,050 and £29,705. We also ensured all works were undertaken by a Property Care Association approved contractor with works supported by a ten year insurance backed guarantee.
We have now reviewed our domestic projects for 2017 to look at the value we have provided to our domestic clients. On average in 2017, 1 in 3 surveys undertaken by Ashfield Japanese Knotweed had led to no further works at a property even when a home buyer’s valuation survey has recommended further works supported by a guarantee is required.
Where further works have been required, we have ensured the minimum required works are specified and have tendered the works to three Property Care Association approved contractors on behalf of our clients. With the average cost difference of £3,800 between contractors for herbicide management of Japanese knotweed, our tendering process ensures the client gets value for money.
We would always recommend an independent survey of a property prior to engaging a contractor to ensure works at a property are actually needed and if they are, that you get the best price for the works.
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We have now reviewed our domestic projects for 2016 to look at the value we have brought to our domestic clients. Over the last twelve months we have saved our domestic clients an average of £2,200 on the management of Japanese knotweed at their property. We have been able to provide these savings by the following means:
Our survey report demonstrating that Japanese knotweed local to the property does not present a risk to the mortgage lender;
Demonstrating that Japanese knotweed impacting a property is the legal responsibility of adjacent land/homeowners;
Ensuring an independent assessment of the required Japanese knotweed management has been undertaken; and
Where required, tendering works to at least three Property Care Association contractors.
This demonstrates the value of an independent surveyor undertaking the initial survey as there is no commercial gain from their recommendations. This also ensures you can get three quotes without the need for three visits from three contractors on three different days.
We have also provided reassurance to buyers purchasing a property where a Japanese knotweed management plan is already in place by ensuring it is appropriate and being undertaken by a reputable company.
In 2017 we will continue to ensure our clients are only undertaking works absolutely necessary and are getting the best value from the market place.
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We have now reviewed our domestic projects for 2015 to look at the value we have brought to our domestic clients. 45% of our surveys for Japanese knotweed resulted in no further works required to facilitate a mortgage.
This demonstrates the value of an independent surveyor undertaking the initial survey as there is no commercial gain from their recommendations. Where we have advised no further action this has typically been due to the knotweed being on an adjacent property and posing no immediate risk to our client’s property. It should be noted in this scenario it is always wise to engage the neighbour to ensure they manage the problem on their property.
Where further action has been required we have saved our clients an average of £1,500 on treatment costs for relatively simple works and a staggering £20,000 on works of a more complex nature. This is due to AJK having no commercial link to a contractor and always tendering the works to at least three Property Care Association Contractors.
We have also saved our Clients time as we only need to visit the property once, whereas if you want to get three quotes directly, this typically requires three visits from three contractors on three different days.
In 2016 we will continue to ensure our clients are only undertaking works absolutely necessary and are getting the best value from the market place.
