<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Properly]]></title><description><![CDATA[Build Smart, Live Stress-Free]]></description><link>https://www.properlyapp.co/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:09:44 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.properlyapp.co/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Dealing with Aggressive Builders: Staying Safe]]></title><description><![CDATA[It is one of the most distressing situations a homeowner can face: a professional relationship that has turned from cooperative to confrontational. Whether it is a builder shouting on-site, making constant "urgent" demands for cash, or using intimidating language in texts, aggressive behaviour is a tactic often used to bypass contracts and pressure you into compliance. At Properly, we believe no one should feel unsafe in their own home. Here is a factual, step-by-step protocol for handling...]]></description><link>https://www.properlyapp.co/post/dealing-with-aggressive-builders-staying-safe</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b2df55a7843f58b68232e2</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:51:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5325c250743044898527f36974d24a08~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nathan Fulwood</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trade Bodies and Beyond: What the FMB, Checkatrade, and Others Can (and Can’t) Do for You]]></title><description><![CDATA[When a home improvement project starts to drift into a dispute, many homeowners turn to trade associations or review sites for help. Whether it’s the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or platforms like Checkatrade, it is vital to understand their remit so you can decide when to stay the course and when to escalate. Trade bodies serve a purpose, but they have limitations that every homeowner should be aware of. Understanding the Trade Landscape Most trade organisations operate on a...]]></description><link>https://www.properlyapp.co/post/trade-bodies-and-beyond-what-the-fmb-checkatrade-and-others-can-and-can-t-do-for-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b2a4ebd0cd2535b525bd8e</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:37:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/00761ee4ab8f4b6fb948f7593c092e1a.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nathan Fulwood</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why it Feels So Bad to be Ripped Off: Protecting Your Mental State]]></title><description><![CDATA[When a home improvement project goes wrong, the conversation usually focuses on the bricks and mortar: the leaking roof, the wonky tiles, or the missing deposit. But for many homeowners, the physical damage is secondary to the emotional toll. At Properly, we speak to many people who describe a specific, heavy kind of distress. It isn’t just about the money; it’s about the violation of your sanctuary. Why it hits so hard Your home is your safe space. When a contractor causes damage, leaves a...]]></description><link>https://www.properlyapp.co/post/why-it-feels-so-bad-to-be-ripped-off-protecting-your-mental-state</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b2a4889f757da15ac5e214</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:34:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_90e9927407ea4339ba0328fe58595f3e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nathan Fulwood</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to spot a 'Fake' Five-Star Review]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you are looking for a contractor, your first instinct is likely to check the major review platforms. Seeing a "10/10" rating or a sea of five-star reviews on sites like Checkatrade or Bark can feel like a green light. However, it is important to remember that these platforms are often "trader-centric"—the contractors are the ones paying for the listings. Relying solely on stars is a risk. Even with top-tier ratings, homeowners can still experience rising costs, poor workmanship, or even...]]></description><link>https://www.properlyapp.co/post/how-to-spot-a-fake-five-star-review</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b2a1b1881f20099b2ce7d4</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:30:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4e762d7678336b55523241~mv2_d_6480_4320_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nathan Fulwood</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>