Property maintenance is something all homeowners must pay attention to. If you rent your property, your landlord is responsible for fixing problems, but if this is your home, it’s all on you. Jobs like fixing a leaking roof or replacing a broken fence take time and money, but ignoring problems is likely to lead to bigger, more expensive problems. It might not matter now, especially if you can ignore damp patches on the ceiling, but at some point, you’ll want to sell the property. A poor maintenance record won’t make that very easy!
If this is your first home, here is a list of maintenance tasks to do regularly, depending on the nature of the job.
Cleaning Out the Gutters
The job of a gutter is to collect water from the roof and channel it into a downpipe and drain. This directs it away from the walls and foundations, so you don’t end up with penetrating damp and subsidence.
The problem is that gutters don’t just collect water. They also collect leaves and other debris. Over time this accumulates and prevents your gutters from doing the job they were designed for. Once you start noticing weeds growing in your gutters and rain cascading over the sides rather than flowing freely, they need clearing.
Check the Roof (Property maintenance)
Always check your roof for signs of damage after a bad storm. Strong winds can lift tiles, even heavy concrete ones, and create holes in the roof. Water can find a way inside a roof through even the smallest of holes. Wildlife can too, and the last thing any homeowner wants is for birds to begin nesting inside the roof! It’s noisy and smelly when they do.
You can inspect a roof from the ground. Look for missing tiles, slipped tiles, signs the roof structure is sagging, and missing lead around the chimney. Use the zoom function on your smartphone if you can’t see something clearly. If you do spot any issues, or there are problems inside, such as leaks in upstairs bedrooms, call in an expert for advice.
Property Maintenance Your Driveway
Driveways don’t always get much attention, but they do need regular maintenance, otherwise, they tend to deteriorate over time.
A block paving driveway should be swept regularly to prevent dirt and leaf matter from accumulating. Remove weeds and grass before they have a chance to take root too strongly. Repair cracks and holes in a concrete driveway and if it hasn’t been sealed, treat this task as a priority. Sealant needs to be reapplied every two to three years, or per the product’s guidelines. A driveway and landscapes Solihull contractor can advise you if your driveway needs replacing.
In the Garden
To keep your lawn in good condition, rake up dead leaves and apply a lawn feed product during the growing months. Treat weeds and remove moss. Repair or replace fencing when it sags or rots. Prune trees and hedges before they grow too tall or become unsafe.
Make a checklist of tasks for each month and stick it on the wall somewhere prominent. If you can’t do the work, hire a general handyman to take care of the jobs for you. A home is a massive financial investment, so it is sensible to look after it.