Ask an expert

Homeowners are often confronted with complex – and very expensive – problems that they have never experienced before. Knowing what to do can be nail-bitingly confusing. Members of the HomeOwners Alliance can send in their questions, and one of our experts will give a detailed answer within 48 hours, using their industry-insider experience. As a member, you can ask up to five questions a year.

I am managing/improving

How do I tell when I need to replace my roof?
Our expert discusses the pros and cons of this expensive home improvement

Getting planning permission for a new build home
Simon Wallis of Savills takes our members through the first steps to building an eco home

Our neighbours have built a balcony over our skylight
How to tackle inconsiderate neighbours

Legally splitting up a property
Our legal expert answers a member’s query about splitting the deeds of a home being turned into two flats

Moving a drain on your own land
Our expert explains how a drain can put an end to that dream extension and how to get round them

How do I object to a planning application?
Is there a plot to commit a crime architecture? Don’t just stand there do something about it

I’m worried about my interest-only mortgage expiring in January 2014
Is a financial time-bomb about to go off in you home? Find out how to defuse it

Maintaining garden walls and fences – who pays?
A serious bone of contention for many, our expert provides some legal clarity

When do I pay my builder?
Saving our member from dodgy practices our expert discusses paying builders

I am selling

Do I have to pay estate agents fees when I sold the house?
A member’s tricky situation solved by our expert

If I switch estate agents will I still have to pay commission to my old one?
Our member want to leave her ineffective estate agent but she’s worried she will have to pay twice

Trouble selling my home
Should our member consider a bridging loan to buy a home while their current one won’t sell

Problems with buyer’s mortgage
A house seller’s nightmare: what to do when a buyers fall through

I am buying

How do I know if there’s a sewage pipe under the house I want to buy?
Our expert gives our member the down low on sewage pipes

Gazumped!
Our expert explains best practice in the case of a gazumping

Should we get a full buildings survey?
Will a full buildings survey affect my mortgage valuation?

Can I lower my offer on the home I want to buy?
Oona has made an offer but thinks it’s too high but is worried she can’t walk away

This service is to provide information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The legal stuff is here.