The Spray Foam Removal Checklist
Complete step-by-step guide for UK homeowners
This comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to do from discovering spray foam through to final certification. Print this page and tick off each step as you complete your removal project.
Phase 1: Initial Assessment & Planning
Confirm spray foam presence
Inspect loft space, photograph foam, identify type (open cell vs closed cell if possible)
Determine your timeline
Selling? Remortgaging? No pressure? Establishes urgency (4-8 weeks standard, 3-4 weeks emergency)
Calculate budget
Base removal: £3k-£20k + contingency for timber repairs (20-30% extra) + re-insulation if needed
Measure roof area (approximate)
Length × width of house for rough m² estimate—helps contractors quote accurately
Check loft accessibility
Hatch size, location, boarding—affects contractor access and costs
Review mortgage/insurance status
Check if current lender/insurer aware of foam, confirm any restrictions
Phase 2: Getting Quotes
Contact 3-5 removal specialists
Use vetted networks, PCA members, or verified contractors—never just Google
Request site visits
In-person assessment required for accurate quotes—no "phone quotes"
Verify contractor credentials
Insurance (£5-10M public liability), PCA/RICS membership, references from 3+ recent jobs
Confirm removal method
MUST be manual hand tools only—reject any quotes mentioning power tools/chemicals
Ask about certification
Is lender-acceptable certification included? From whom (RICS/PCA)? Additional cost?
Request timber repair pricing
Get written "if damage found" rates BEFORE work starts—avoids surprise bills
Check contractor availability
When can they start? How long to complete? Fits your timeline?
Get written quotes
Detailed breakdown: removal, waste disposal, certification, exclusions, payment terms
Contact references
Call 2-3 previous clients, ask about quality, timeline, hidden costs, lender acceptance
Compare quotes thoroughly
Not just price—scope, timeline, certification, warranty, contractor expertise
Phase 3: Pre-Removal Preparation
Select contractor and sign contract
Review terms carefully: scope, price, timeline, payment schedule, certification included
Pay deposit (typically 10-20%)
Get receipt, confirm start date
Clear loft space completely
Remove all stored items, Christmas decorations, boxes—saves contractor time = saves money
Protect areas below loft hatch
Lay dust sheets, move furniture, cover items—foam debris will fall during removal
Clear driveway/access
Space needed for waste skip and contractor parking
Inform neighbors
Notify about noise, skip placement, duration—maintains good relations
Arrange time off work (if possible)
Allows quick decisions if unexpected issues arise, shows timber condition as revealed
Confirm contractor has insurance documents
Request copies before work starts for your records
Phase 4: During Removal
Take "before" photos yourself
Document foam coverage from multiple angles before contractor starts
Request daily progress photos
Contractor should photograph each day's work—documents progress and timber condition
Inspect loft after 30-50% completion
See timber condition emerging, verify manual methods being used, check quality
If timber damage found: get immediate assessment
Contractor should show you damage, explain severity, provide written repair quote
Approve any additional works in writing
Timber repairs beyond original quote—get price confirmation before proceeding
Verify complete removal
Every rafter and joist must be clean—no foam residue anywhere
Check timber repairs completed properly
If damage found and repaired, inspect repair quality before final payment
Confirm waste removed
Skip collected, loft space clean, no foam debris left
Take "after" photos
Document clean timber from same angles as "before" photos—shows complete removal
Make progress payment (typically 30-40%)
Once removal verified complete but BEFORE final payment—maintains leverage for certification
Phase 5: Certification
Arrange surveyor inspection
RICS or PCA qualified surveyor visits to assess removal completion
Provide documentation to surveyor
Contractor invoices, before/after photos, repair records if applicable
Receive formal certification
Certificate must confirm: complete removal, timber visible/sound, property suitable for mortgage lending
Verify certificate meets lender requirements
Check with mortgage broker/lender that format/content acceptable
Make final payment to contractor
Only after certification received and verified—final 30-50% balance
Get warranty/guarantee documentation
Contractor should provide guarantee on removal and any repair work performed
Create documentation package
Certificate, photos, invoices, warranties—organized for buyer's lender or future reference
Phase 6: Post-Removal Actions
Notify mortgage lender (if remortgaging)
Provide certification showing foam removed, property now mortgageable
Update buildings insurance
Inform insurer foam removed—may reduce premium or restore full coverage
If selling: provide documentation to buyer immediately
Certificate, photos, invoices sent to buyer's solicitor and lender before survey
Consider re-insulation options
Loft now uninsulated—decide: re-insulate immediately or leave for buyer/reduce price
Update property records
Keep removal documentation with property deeds/files for future reference
Leave contractor review
Help other homeowners by reviewing your experience honestly
Checklist Complete?
If you've ticked every box above, you've successfully:
- • Removed all spray foam using proper methods
- • Obtained lender-acceptable certification
- • Restored full property value and mortgageability
- • Addressed any timber damage discovered
- • Protected yourself with complete documentation
Your property is now mortgage-ready and you can proceed with sale or remortgage confidently.