Essential UK Property Maintenance Tips
Home Maintenance Checklist
Our homes are like an extension of ourselves. Just as we need regular health check-ups, routine home maintenance is important in keeping your house safe and healthy inside & out.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner or recently completed home renovations our essential home maintenance checklist has everything you need to prevent damage, dirt and costly repairs.
Post-renovation Home Care Tips
Completing renovations whether it be bathroom, kitchen or complete home renovations breathes life into your living space, giving you a new outlook on your house. Creating your dream home is a fantasy come true for most but once your contractors have packed up, maintaining your space is just as important as the work done.
Establish a Cleaning Routine
Post-renovation home upkeep starts from the moment contractors have packed up their tools. When dust and dirt start to settle, sneaking into all the nooks and crannies of your home, it’s time to pull out the cleaning supplies.
Some prefer going from room to room, while others tackle home cleaning by the cleaning product. No matter your approach, keeping your space clean post-renovation is always an awarding task.
Kitchen & Appliance Care
Commonly thought of as the heart of the home, your newly renovated kitchen is bound to create a mess; cooking, prepping and serving meals. Wiping down surfaces and cleaning appliances as you food-prep is a must, however, once every so often pull out the cleaning supplies and be ready to commit to a deep clean.
Monthly Property Maintenance
Some tasks around the home, that may not come to mind often but should be completed monthly are important parts of home maintenance and property care:
- Hoover your sofa of any debris
- Inspect and adjust your boiler pressure
- Thoroughly wash both the inside and outside of your bins
- Test and replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Clean the filter and interior of your cooker hood and oven
- Use a specialist cleaner to clear sink and bath drains
- Clear lint and dirt from your tumble dryer
Year-Round Home Maintenance Schedule
Spring
As the days grow warmer, spring offers an ideal opportunity to assess how your home has fared through the winter months.
Begin by inspecting your roof for any signs of damage, ensuring that any built-up moss is cleared away to maintain its integrity. It’s also crucial to clear gutters and drainage systems of leaves and debris to prevent water damage during spring showers. Check your attic space for any signs of water ingress, which could indicate potential issues with roof tiles that may need addressing.
With brighter days ahead, take the time to thoroughly clean your windows inside and out, allowing the spring sun to flood your home. Spring cleaning extends beyond windows; move furniture to reach those often-overlooked spots, ensuring a fresh and tidy environment indoors.
Additionally, maintain water flow throughout your home by cleaning taps and showerheads to remove mineral deposits accumulated over the colder months.
Outdoors, breathe new life into your garden by mowing the lawn, sweeping away winter debris, and tidying hedges and bushes to create a vibrant outdoor space for the season ahead.
Autumn
As autumn arrives, it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead.
Begin by safeguarding outdoor furniture by storing it in a dry, secure location to protect it from inclement weather. Clearing gutters and drains of leaves and debris prevents blockages and ensures efficient water drainage during autumnal rains.
Prepare your heating system by bleeding radiators to eliminate cold spots and ensure optimal performance as temperatures drop. Improve insulation by sealing gaps around windows and doors, which helps retain warmth indoors and reduces energy costs during colder months.
If you have open fires or stoves, maintain safety and efficiency by ensuring chimneys are swept before regular use. These preparations help ensure a comfortable and secure home environment throughout autumn and winter.
Summer
As summer approaches, it’s time to give both your home and garden a refreshing makeover.
Begin by revitalising outdoor areas; jet-wash decking, paving, and patios to remove accumulated dirt and grime, creating a clean and welcoming environment for outdoor relaxation.
Enhance the aesthetic appeal and durability of garden furniture with a fresh coat of paint or stain, while refreshing fences and sheds ensures they’re well-protected against summer elements.
Regular gardening tasks such as mowing, weeding, and general upkeep are essential to maintain a healthy and picturesque garden throughout the season.
Inside your home, refresh your living spaces by laundering duvets, pillows, cushions, and curtains, ensuring they’re clean and inviting. Summer also provides the perfect weather for decluttering and organising your garage or storage spaces, maximising their efficiency and accessibility.
Winter
Winter brings challenges as wet and windy weather can impact home integrity. To safeguard against potential damage, proactive measures are essential.
Ensure sufficient home ventilation to reduce dampness caused by condensation, utilising extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms as needed. Regularly wipe down windows and door frames to prevent mould formation and maintain a healthy indoor environment.
During colder spells, check pipes for leaks or cracks after frost to prevent water damage and maintain plumbing integrity.
Finally, clear drains and guttering of fallen leaves and debris to prevent blockages and ensure proper water drainage, reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rain.
These precautions help protect your home during the unpredictable conditions of winter.
