When you buy a home you may be keen to jump in and start making it your own, but it’s important to consider any repairs and maintenance tasks which may need your attention first. It’s wise to employ a surveyor to identify any issues with water and drainage systems, structural elements or the electrics before you commit to buying any property. Some tasks are relatively simple to do yourself with a little research, but others are best left to the professionals. Here are three maintenance tasks to consider and how best to approach them:

Check your systems

Water damage can be expensive to repair, so it’s well worth ensuring your new home is waterproof outside and in. Check the guttering is unblocked and that there are no leaks in the roof or drips coming through into the attic or walls.

Blocked or slow drains can soon become a disastrous, smelly problem. Check your toilets, baths, showers and sinks to make sure they are draining properly and don’t have any stagnant water smells coming from them. Slow-draining pipes may be helped by an unblocking chemical, commonly found in most supermarkets. But if this doesn’t shift it, you may need to call in a professional. 

Mould on the walls can signal a damp problem or leaks in the pipes in the roof. Run the water and check for leaks or any water pooling on the floor around the shower or under the sink. You can regrout bathroom tiles yourself if it is mouldy or patchy. 

Bleed your radiators to ensure your heating is effective, especially if it hasn’t been used for a while. Check the boiler to ensure the thermostat is working properly and the unit is no more than eight years old as it may need to be replaced.

Repairs 

You can fix draughty windows by replacing the weatherstripping yourself, but if you want to replace any windows or external doors you’ll need to hire a professional. Fill in old nail holes with interior filler and sand them flat before you paint or apply the new wallpaper. Sticky doors that are difficult to shut are usually caused by wood swelling due to excess moisture in the air. You can fix them by sanding the swollen edge and repainting them, but make sure to investigate the surrounding rooms for any damp areas on the floor, ceiling or walls. 

Flooring

Old carpets can harbour bacteria, dust mites, fleas and pet hair. It’s worth budgeting to replace the carpets in your new home or fit new flooring to ensure you don’t have any nasty surprises. Whilst you can do this yourself, it’s worth paying the professionals to fit any new flooring for you as it can be frustrating and difficult to achieve a high standard if you aren’t experienced. Many companies will also take the old flooring or carpets away and properly dispose of them for you. Wood or tile flooring may just need a deep clean, or if the carpets are relatively new, you may get away with simply hiring a professional carpet cleaner. 

You can probably do most painting tasks yourself, although it may pay to hire a professional if you need to paint a large area or multiple rooms quickly. Wallpaper can be especially difficult to remove, so either gather a team of family and friends to help or hire someone!

However you choose to fix up your new house, remember to keep on top of repairs and maintenance tasks regularly to avoid problems. Above all, have fun creating your unique style and indulging your inner interior designer!

How Quick Clear Drainage Can help

It’s also important to understand the condition of your house before undertaking any home improvements. If you want to fully understand the condition of your drains, you should arrange for a homebuyers CCTV Drain Survey If you live in London, the chances of having blocked drain issues can be quite high due to the antiquated sewerage that a large portion of homes in London has to deal with. Give us a call if you have any questions!

One of the main reasons why you should keep on top of maintenance jobs at home is to avoid flood risks. While it is important to have insurance in case of a natural disaster, taking steps to prevent flooding in the first place is always the best course of action. 

Preventing flood damage to your home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Taking some simple precautions and being proactive about home maintenance can go a long way. For example, checking your gutters and downpipes regularly to make sure they’re clear of leaves and debris will help ensure that they can do their job properly during heavy rain. 

Likewise, making sure your roof is in good condition will help stop water getting into your home in the first place. Another potential problem area is blocked drains – if these become overloaded during a downpour, the resulting overflow can cause serious flooding inside your home. So, if you’re able to, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them and give them a good clear-out every now and then. 

Taking these small steps to responsible home ownership will help give you peace of mind – knowing that you’ve done what you can to prevent flood damage to your property.

Let’s look at some of these maintenance jobs in more detail:

1. Inspect your roof for missing or damaged tiles

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. One of the best ways to do this is to regularly inspect it for missing or damaged tiles. This is especially important during wetter seasons, as missing or damaged tiles can lead to leaks and flooding. By taking the time to inspect your roof on a regular basis, you can avoid these costly repairs. Additionally, regular inspections can also help you identify any potential problems before they become serious. As such, they are an essential part of home maintenance.

Start by taking a look at the outside of your home. If you see any missing or damaged tiles, make a note of their location. Then, if it’s safe to do so, head up to your roof and take a close look at the tiles. If you see any that are cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged, replace them with new ones. Remember you may need a professional roofer to do this for you. It’s also a good idea to check the flashing around your chimney and vents, as this can also be a potential entry point for water.

2. Clear gutters and drains of any leaves or debris

As the leaves begin to fall, it’s important to take measures to prevent them from clogging up your gutters and drains. This can lead to a flooding risk, so it’s important to clear them out regularly. One way to do this is to use a garden hose with a nozzle attachment. You can also use a long-handled brush or rake. Simply direct the hose into the gutter and let the water run through, flushing away any leaves or debris. You may need to repeat this process several times to ensure that the gutter is completely clear. 

Once you’ve finished, be sure to check the drains around your home and clear them of any leaves or debris as well. Again, remember to call in the experts when you need them. Clearing drains and gutters can be an exhausting and dirty task so it’s often best left to the professionals. More than anything, experts tell us, it’s important that you’re regularly checking the condition of your gutters and drains so you can notice any issues before they become too problematic.

3. Check seals around doors and windows for leaks

One of the most frustrating things about owning a home is dealing with drafts – especially if they let water in. Not only can they make your home feel cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer, but they can also drive up your energy bills. The good news is that there are a few easy ways to check for leaks around doors and windows. 

First, take a look at the weatherstripping. If it’s cracked or peeling, it’s time to replace it. You should also check for gaps around the perimeter of the door or window. If you see any, caulk them up. Finally, open the door or window and hold a piece of paper up to the opening. If you can feel air moving, there’s a good chance you’ve found a leak and need to take action.

4. Fix dripping taps to avoid water wastage

A dripping tap may not seem like a big deal, but it can actually waste a lot of water over time. Even a small leak can add up, and it’s not just the water that you’re wasting. Depending on the severity of the leak, it can also lead to higher water bills and potential damage to your home. In addition, leaks can be an indication of other problems with your plumbing, so it’s always best to have them fixed as soon as possible. 

Want some help?

If you have any further questions about how you can take action to prevent flooding or perhaps you already have a blocked drain which needs clearing – get in touch with a drainage engineer at Quick Clear Drainage!