As the weather begins to warm up, now is the perfect time to take care of any property maintenance tasks that may have been overlooked during the winter months.
Here is our list of ideas of what to do inside and out. It is by no means an exhaustive list, but carrying out the actions below will help keep your property properly maintained …
External property maintenance
It is important to inspect your home’s exterior for any signs of damage. So …
- stand back and look at your roof – are there any slipped or missing tiles?
- are the gutters all intact and free flowing?
- inspect the windows for any signs of damage or wear, such as broken seals, cracked glass, or peeling paint;
- does the external paint need a touch-up or even a complete re-do?
- are there any cracks or any other signs of wear and tear?
- can you see any signs of water damage?
- are the walls structurally sound, properly insulated and have adequate ventilation?
It’s important to get these repairs done as soon as possible to ensure that your home remains in good condition, is protected from the elements and, any further damage is prevented.
When it comes to more serious repairs, it’s important to contact a professional. This could range from fixing a foundation issue to replacing windows.
Don’t forget regular maintenance, too. This includes:
- cleaning gutters;
- pressure washing the exterior;
- cleaning the windows.
The garden
Garden maintenance is an important part of keeping your outdoor space looking its best:
- trim and tidy the shrubs, and prune and feed the plants;
- mulching is another essential part of garden maintenance. Mulching helps to protect your plants from extreme temperatures and reduces the need for frequent watering;
- control weeds;
- regularly inspect your plants for signs of disease or pests. If you find any issues, act immediately to prevent them from spreading;
- check for the infamous Japanese Knotweed;
- feed the lawn if you have one;
- if you have paving slabs, check that there aren’t any cracks or gaps that need repointing.
Now, on to the inside ….
Internal property maintenance
Internal property maintenance is the process of keeping the interior of your home in the best shape possible. This means tending to any repairs, upkeep, and general care of the interior of your home.
The first step is to identify any necessary repairs. Start by inspecting for any wear and tear, mould or cracks and damage to:
- the walls, floors, and ceiling;
- your window and doors;
- kitchen and bathroom appliances.
Once you’ve identified any necessary repairs, it’s time to address them. Depending on the type of repair needed, you may need to enlist the help of a professional or may be able to do this yourself.
In addition to repairs, you should also focus on regular maintenance such as cleaning your doors, windows and window frames etc.
Get the paint brushes out!
Regular interior painting and wall repairs are necessary to keep walls looking fresh and in good condition. Depending on the age and condition of walls, interior painting should be done every few years. Worn or damaged areas should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Carpets should be professionally cleaned at least once a year, and hard floors should be refinished every few years.
Also, check:
- your loft or attic and make sure it is watertight;
- your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. (It is recommended you check your smoke alarms and CO2 detectors at least once a month. You should also change the batteries in these safety devices at least once a year);
- when your boiler next needs a service – this should be annually. Landlords also typically need to carry out extra gas safety checks;
- the electrics – again, landlords also have certain electrical safety obligations.
External and internal property maintenance is an important part of property ownership. By taking the time to do regular inspections and maintenance, you can ensure that your home or investment property remains in top condition and looks its best. This will help protect your property from the elements and keep it looking good for years to come.
Your property insurance and home maintenance
Finally, keeping your property well-maintained is typically a condition of your buildings insurance. This is because it decreases the risk of damage to the property, meaning the insurance company is likely to pay out less.
Regular maintenance also ensures that any existing damage is identified and dealt with quickly before it has the chance to cause more damage. This reduces the risk of a claim being made against the policy.
Further reading: March home maintenance and Spring property maintenance tips.
