Homeowner Advice

General tips and advice for homeowners covering maintenance, seasonal tips and everyday property care.

Positive Input Ventilation Installation: Your Questions Answered

12th January 2023

If you have ever lived in a property that is affected by damp or condensation, you will know that endless battle of fighting the mould. Yet, no amount of mould spray and dehumidifiers can ever really get rid of the problem. Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is an effective way to get rid of condensation – for good. As discussed last week, PIV systems push clean, filtered air into your house, thereby pushing out the existing damp air. Having a PIV installed is fairly simple and can be done in pretty much any property.

Pros of PIVs

As well as being easy to install and effective in controlling condensation and, therefore, mould and damp, PIVs are relatively cheap to run, even in these times of heightened fuel costs. Because a PIV pushes filtered air into your property it has the added benefit of reducing allergens such as dust mites and pollen, too.

The cons of PIV systems

The effectiveness of a PIV depends on how airtight your home is in general. The displaced air will go out of your home via the easiest route, so if you have drafty windows upstairs, the air will leave from there and not have an impact on your downstairs rooms. You also need loft space to install your PIV system. If you live in a dormer bungalow or apartment, installation isn’t quite as cheap and easy, although there are wall-mounted alternatives available.

Using a PIV system could impact the temperature of your home; if your attic is very cold, then the air that you are pushing through the house will be cold, too. This could mean that you will need to have your heating on more; an added cost that you need to consider when working out if a PIV is worth it.

Installing a PIV system

Installing a PIV system is relatively simple and produces limited disruption within the home. However, it is usually advisable that you get a professional builder, handyperson or PIV specialist to install your system. This is because the installation will usually be subject to building regulations (speak to your builder about this), which means that it needs to be properly signed off. Additionally, a PIV system will only be effective if it is installed and controlled correctly; a professional will help you to do this to make sure that you get the most out of the system. As with many home improvements, trying to install a PIV system yourself could be a false economy; the relatively small amount of money that you save could be offset by limited results and higher fuel bills.

If you are fed up with fighting mould and condensation and you dream of a damp-free home, get in touch with a few local builders and ask them to quote for PIV installation. It could just be the best decision you make this year. For more support, follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter.

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Find clear, practical answers to common homeowner advice questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What home repairs should I never attempt myself?

Gas work - full stop. Any work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. Structural changes like removing walls, altering roof timbers, or touching anything load-bearing need professional assessment and often Building Regulations sign-off. Electrical work involving the consumer unit or new circuits must meet Part P. And if your property was built before 2000, be aware asbestos may be present - it can only be handled by a licensed specialist.
Which home improvements add the most value to a property?

Improvements that add usable space or modernise the rooms buyers scrutinise most tend to deliver the strongest returns. Loft conversions consistently top the list - adding a bedroom and bathroom can add more value than the work costs in many areas. Kitchen and bathroom updates are next. Open-plan ground-floor extensions connecting to a kitchen-diner have become one of the most sought-after layouts in UK family homes. And energy improvements - insulation, a new boiler, solar panels - are increasingly influencing buyer decisions as running costs become a bigger part of the conversation.
Should I renovate my home or move house?

There's no universal right answer - it depends on your situation. Moving gets you what you want without living through a building site, but stamp duty, estate agent fees, and moving costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Renovating lets you stay put and invest in your own property, but comes with disruption and unexpected costs. The most useful comparison: get a clear view of what your home could realistically be worth after the work, and what a move would actually cost end to end. A local estate agent and a builder's quote can give you those two numbers.
What does a home survey actually cover and do I need one when buying?

A survey is an independent assessment of a property's condition carried out by a qualified surveyor - separate from the mortgage valuation, which only tells the lender what the property is worth, not what's wrong with it. A HomeBuyer Report flags visible defects and anything that needs further investigation. A Full Building Survey goes deeper and is worth the extra cost on older, larger, or unusual properties. Given that a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, skipping the survey to save a few hundred pounds is a false economy - a single missed issue can cost far more to put right.
What should I do before starting any major home improvement project?

Get your paperwork in order before anyone picks up a tool. Check whether you need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Find out whether a Party Wall Agreement applies. Confirm your home insurance covers you during the works. Get at least three written quotes and make sure the scope of work is clearly agreed in writing with whoever you hire. And have a contingency budget - on almost any renovation, something unexpected comes up. The projects that go smoothly are usually the ones that were properly planned before they started.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold and why does it matter for home improvements?

If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it sits on outright - you can generally do what you like subject to planning rules. If you own a leasehold property (common with flats), you own the right to live there for the remaining lease term, but the freeholder owns the building. This matters for home improvements because many leases require you to get the freeholder's written permission before making alterations - sometimes even internal ones. Always check your lease before starting any work, as doing alterations without the required consent can cause problems when you come to sell.

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