Background
A couple in Midlothian, Edinburgh, had their lives turned upside down after falling victim to an insulation scam. Fiona and Andre Barton paid nearly £5,000 for spray foam insulation in their loft, only to discover later that homes with this type of insulation are considered unmortgageable. They were forced to pay an additional £5,490 to have the insulation removed and their home made marketable again. Now, the couple is speaking out to raise awareness about these professional-seeming scams.
Falling for the Scam
The Bartons were approached by a seemingly professional company that offered to upgrade their loft insulation. They were shown pictures of their supposedly damp loft and were convinced that spray foam insulation was the solution. Tempted by the promise of reduced fuel costs, the couple agreed to have the insulation installed. Little did they know that this decision would come back to haunt them later.
Unmortgageable Homes
When the Bartons decided to sell their home, a surveyor informed them that the spray foam insulation made the property unmortgageable. The insulation was applied incorrectly, preventing proper ventilation and hindering roof assessment. Many lenders have a zero-tolerance policy for homes with this type of insulation. The Bartons were left with no choice but to have it removed entirely.
An Expensive Solution
The couple found a company in Liverpool that specialized in foam removal and paid a hefty sum to have the insulation removed. The process took two and a half days and cost a total of £10,956. This was more than double the initial cost of installation. The Bartons were under immense stress, as they had already purchased their next home and had a limited amount of time to sell their previous property.
Rising Number of Complaints
Insulation scams have become a growing concern in Scotland. Trading Standards Scotland has received 158 complaints about insulation scams, marking a 42% increase since 2021. The organization is urging people to be cautious and to consult with mortgage advisers before having any insulation work done. They also advise against engaging with cold callers offering "free" surveys and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.
Raising Awareness
Fiona and Andre Barton are sharing their story to warn others about the dangers of insulation scams. They hope that by speaking out, they can prevent others from experiencing the financial and emotional stress they went through. They also encourage people to check in with their older relatives and ensure they are not falling victim to similar scams.
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