Can I trust a Japanese knotweed consultant?

The invasive species of Japanese knotweed has a very aggressive and damaging growth pattern and poses many problems for home owners and developers. This invasive weed damages brick walls, tarmac and concrete and is very difficult to eradicate. Consequently, many home owners are being told their property values have significantly decreased or are worthless. Lenders are reluctant to mortgage properties that are infested. Lenders not only consider the immediate damage, but consider what the future long term effects may be on infested properties. Home owners seek to hire a Japanese Knotweed consultant to fix the problem, but they are having difficulty finding a reputable and competent consultant who will adequately complete the job at a fair price.

There are many bogus contractors in the field, and home owners need to carefully screen each Japanese knotweed consultant before hiring a contractor. These professionals need to have the products, technology and equipment necessary to eradicate Japanese knotweed. It is also wise to consult with several consultants to compare prices so one can have realistic expectations of the costs involved. This will help prevent being overcharged for services. At the same time, the eradication of Japanese knotweed is not a simple process, and home owners should view low quotes with caution. Since Japanese knotweed is so difficult to completely remove, it is also judicious for home owners to research customer reviews that reflect the company’s track record. Home owners should also check that a contractor has the proper license to perform the eradication process in a professional and safe manner. Checking references, comparing quotes and verifying licenses are all steps that can help home owners find a good Japanese knotweed contractor.

In Great Britain, there are many Japanese knotweed contractors employing “cowboy” tactics and taking advantage of desperate home owners with inflated pricing for their services. The best way to avoid falling prey to these have-gun-will-travel contractors is to hire a professional company that does not have to use scare tactics. A professional Japanese knotweed contractor will educate, inform, advise and often match the price of another Japanese knotweed consultant.

To help home owners with the costs involved using a consultant, the Human Revenue and Customs organization offers home owners the ability to recoup costs under the Land Remediation Relief legislation (LRR). In layman’s terms, it is a relief in personal tax. It provides a 100 percent deduction for qualifying expenditure incurred.

Choosing a professional Japanese knotweed contractor and taking advantage of the LRR tax benefits are two ways to reduce the financial stress home owners face with having to do eradication of Japanese weed.