Spalding area photographer is branching out into new business
A photographer who has taken pictures of homes listed on the market for millions of pounds has used his time during lockdown to branch out into another profession.
Charles Fernandez, who lives in Whaplode after moving to the area two years ago, has used his experience to start up a business to benefit home owners who are preparing their properties to go on the market.
Charles, known as The House Photographer, has spent the past 12 years photographing properties to be used by estate agents as part of their marketing material. But while looking at his own home during lockdown, Charles realised he could use his eye for detail to help property owners by setting up The House Washer as an extension of his photography business.
The business specialises in high pressure and soft washing for homes and commercial premises using Charles’ skills to pinpoint areas outside properties which need sprucing up.
He said: “It was a few days into lockdown when I decided that I needed to clean outside my house and once I had started the job, I realised how much nicer the house looked. So I thought it was something which customers who are selling their houses would be interested in.
“I don’t just get hold of a power washer and blast everything to kingdom come, I am able to look at the rendering or watermarks on the outside of a house, or things like moss and lichen which people may know are there but they are unable to remove or use the right products to remove or treat the problem.”
Charles, whose photographs have been featured in national newspapers, recognises that many people may not prioritise the outside of their property when looking to go on the market. But he hopes to be able to give them a viable option to allow them to make the job a priority.
He said: “I think people have a lot of things they want to go when getting ready to market their homes, but they can’t afford to do everything.
“I’ve decided that as part of a package I will be offering through estate agents, I will be asking customers for a small deposit for the cleaning service and the balance will not need to be paid until the property sale completes. I am also offering NHS staff a 50 per cent discount.
“While part of this concerns making a property look as attractive as possible, it is also important to realise that some of these problems can lead to damage.
“For example, if there is moss on someone’s roof, it can be quite dangerous for the roof as it attracts and holds moisture, meaning it gets heavier and could lead to cracks, especially in the autumn and winter when it freezes. Then it can cause tiles to lift and crack which would cost a lot of money to have fixed.
“I’ve spent a lot of time studying and ensuring I’m doing this properly as everything has to be right.
“As a photographer I have an eye for detail and I won’t stop until I get everything as it should be . I’m applying the very same method to this business and I actually find the process very rewarding and therapeutic too!”
Visit @thehousewasheruk on Facebook.