How To Look After Your Property

Now we’re in January, the start of a new year and most importantly the start of a new decade, it’s time to bring out the old saying; New Year, New You!

To kick-start off that “New Year, New You” mantra, we have outlined a few handy hints and tips on how to look after your property to avoid expensive repairs later in the year. Whether you are a home owner or a tenant, we have pulled together some expert advice that will help keep your property looking great!

If you’re a Home Owner:

1. Check your house regularly - why not dedicate a Sunday every month to look around your property? This will ensure there’s no new damages that you might miss day-to-day e.g damp patches, cracks or extreme wear and tear.
2. Clear your gutters of leaves- High winds and storms at this time of year can cause damage to your roof tiles and slates which may result in water penetration to your roof space which may not be immediately noticeable. Look in your roof space for any signs of dampness.Gutters can become blocked by fallen leaves and choked gutters can cause damage and unsightly staining to other parts of the building fabric.
3. Maintain your garden - make sure your garden is free from weeds or overgrown grass to keep your house looking presentable and increase your kerb appeal.
4. Ensure that there’s no roof or insulation issues – this can be especially important from November through to February when the weather is at its worst!
5. Check that your boiler is up to date on servicing - if not, it may give up on you when you need it the most! A new boiler can be a very expensive investment and sometimes preservation is more cost effective than replacement!
6. Monitor signs of pests - make sure to look in the corners of windows, sheds, garages and the back of bins for anything that looks like wasp nests or rodents and take action immediately. The longer these things are left, the more difficult it can be to get rid of them.
7. Inspect your outdoor drains (if any) - make sure they’re clear of leaves and any other waste as this can cause drain clogging and ultimately flooding.

If you’re a Tenant, this can also affect you, and if you do spot any issues as detailed above, then it is important to inform your landlord ASAP to minimise any damage.

Now that you have read our helpful guide there is nothing stopping you keeping your property sparkling all year round!