When you’re already under pressure to meet tight deadlines, sometimes things slip through the net - like forgetting equipment or safety checks.
But experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd warn that skipping one crucial step - getting a Japanese knotweed survey - could cost builders thousands in labour and cause major project delays.
A Japanese knotweed survey may seem like a minor inconvenience, but in reality it can save time, money, and stress. Knotweed is an aggressive invader that spreads rapidly, damaging foundations, walls, and driveways.
The longer it’s left untreated, the bigger the problem becomes. It’s not a matter of if it will cause trouble, but when.
If knotweed is discovered after a property has been purchased, legal action can be taken against the seller, creating headaches for developers. In resident-to-resident house sales, sellers must complete a TA6 form declaring any invasive weeds, and withholding this information can leave them liable for compensation. Developers of new-build properties, however, are not legally required to complete a TA6 form, meaning buyers could unknowingly inherit a multi-thousand-pound problem. If knotweed is later discovered, the buyer may have a strong case to claim compensation for treatment costs and any proven loss of property value.
However, developers of new-build properties are not legally obligated to complete a TA6 form - so the owners could walk into their new home only to find they have this expensive problem on their hands as an unwelcome surprise. If the residential developer denies that knotweed was present but it is subsequently discovered, this evidence gives the buyer a strong case to sue the developer for misrepresentation, the cost of treatment, and any proven diminution of the property’s value.
Jennifer Holmes at Japanese Knotweed Ltd, said: “We’ve seen so many cases of knotweed on new-build sites that could have been completely avoided if dealt with and managed at the right time of the build. The right time is pre-planning or even pre-purchase - because every landowner should know what they’re buying and that includes what’s in the soils. Knotweed isn’t always visible all year round, but to a trained knotweed surveyor it can be picked up very early on. Getting a survey carried out is simple, quick and painless - it makes short and long-term sense.”
A professional invasive weed survey can take up to a few days, so it should be planned into development timelines to avoid delays. To reduce the risk of costly setbacks, Japanese Knotweed Ltd advises developers to use contractors who are fully qualified, insured, and members of recognised trade bodies, including:
- Demonstrable competence under CDM 2015 Regulations
- Property Care Association (PCA) membership
- Constructionline and/or other SSIP memberships.
- BASIS and Amenity Assured.
- CSJK and other industry related qualifications
- SSSTS / SMSTS (Site Supervisor/Manager Safety Training Scheme) certifications.
- NPTC / City & Guilds PA qualifications for the legal and safe use of pesticides and herbicides.
- Waste Carrier’s license
- Be fully insured to carry out the works.
