Home maintenance is a key aspect of responsible home ownership. Proper, regular
maintenance of your property not only protects your investment but also ensures a
safe and comfortable living environment for you and your family.
How much maintenance your home requires will depend on the age and condition of
your property but all homes need some general upkeep and even new houses can benefit from regular home maintenance.
We’ll discuss the benefits of a regular maintenance schedule and seasonal tips for
keeping on top of the jobs around your home.
Benefits of Regular Home Maintenance
There are many benefits to keeping a regular schedule of home maintenance. Here
are just a few:
● It protects (and can add to) your property’s value
● It makes your home a safer and more comfortable place to live
● It can save you money on costly repairs in the long term
● If you’re planning to put your property on the market, it makes your home more appealing to potential buyers
● It can save you money on your energy bills
● It gives you peace of mind that everything is working as it should in your home
Seasonal Home Maintenance Guides
Breaking your home’s maintenance tasks down into a seasonal schedule can make
property upkeep seem less daunting and also ensure that potential issues are
rectified quickly and that routine tasks don’t get missed.
Spring
Spring is the ideal time to inspect the exterior of your home for any damage or wear
that might have occurred over winter. Check your roof for signs of loose or missing
tiles or slate. This can be done externally, by looking for gaps or by checking inside
your attic or loft space for damp or discolouration that suggests moisture is coming
through.
Spring is also a good time for inspecting and cleaning your home’s gutters and
removing leaves and debris.
Summer
As the days grow longer, our thoughts naturally turn outdoors and we want to spend
more time in the sun. Make the most of the good weather and longer days by
pressure washing decks or patios and cleaning your home’s windows.
Autumn
In autumn, you want to be preparing your home for colder weather. Check your
heating system is in tip-top condition and if you have central heating, schedule an
annual boiler service and gas safety check.
Ensure that your home has adequate insulation and inspect your home’s doors and
windows for drafts that will require sealing before the temperatures drop.
Winter
Prevent your pipes from freezing in winter by insulating pipes and tanks, fixing leaky
taps and switching on your heating at regular intervals.
Snow accumulating on the roof of your home is a sign that your insulation is doing its
job but heavy snowfall or a build-up of snow and ice that persists for several days or
even weeks can put pressure on your roof and gutters. However, removing snow
from your roof can cause more harm than good and is risky if you’re unfamiliar with
the best way to use a snow rake. If you live in an area that experiences regular,
heavy snowfall, it may be better to hire a professional to safely move snow and ice
from the roof of your home.
Year-Round Routine Checks
Some home maintenance needs to take place all year round. Keep an eye on your
water pressure and temperature regularly, both for safety reasons and to identify
potential hidden leaks.
Regularly bleeding your radiators prevents a build-up of air and ensures your heating
works efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills.
You should also check your home’s electrics throughout the year. Replace old bulbs
with LED alternatives that use significantly less energy for the same amount of light.
Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors at least once per month
and replace their batteries as needed to protect your home in case of emergencies.
