Regular repair work in the home is a sure-fire way to ensure it keeps its value and saves you money in the long run’.

Correct any wear and tear or deterioration as it happens and spare yourself from dishing out a small fortune to put right damage that's out of control because you failed to keep up with your maintenance. Even if you can't do all the jobs yourself, you can certainly monitor what needs updating, use our guide to help you.

Your home maintenance checklist

Chimney stacks
What should I look for?
Your inspections will be limited to visual examination of the condition of the brickwork, pointing, chimney pots and chimney cappings.

When should I check it out?
Annually, by a competent builder.

Flashings
What should I look for?
Visual checks will be limited but any missing or dislodged flashings will soon make themselves evident by staining marks on ceilings, particularly around the chimney stack area.

When should I check it out?
Twice a year, and if necessary, arrange for repair or replacement by a roofer.

Drains
What should I look for?
A blocked surface and foul water gulleys and manholes will indicate problems.

When should I check it out?
Regular checks and removal of debris and leaves will allow the drains to run freely. Regular flushing with a garden hose will solve most problems. However, if drains do become blocked and access is not possible, then a specialist drainage firm should be called in.

Roof
What should I look for?
Missing or broken slates or roof tiles, especially after strong or heavy winds. Prompt action is required to avoid any further damage to ceilings and decorations.

When should I check it out?
Twice a year, late spring and late autumn. A roofing contractor should carry out all repair work.

Gutters
What should I look for?
Monitor the state of supporting brackets and gutter joint brackets, particularly the PVC type. Secure or replace as necessary. Check that downspouts are not blocked and that all wall fixings are secure.

When should I check it out?
Check and clean out in mid to late autumn. Annual checks are recommended for dislodged or leaking joints and work should be carried out to rectify any problems. If you live in an older property it might be wise to have a professional builder carry out the annual check for you.

Damp proof course(DPC)
What should I look for?
Problems may arise with raised patio areas or flowerbeds and ornamental walls built against the DPC on the external wall.

When should I check it out?
No maintenance is required. However, make sure you do not allow any material or debris to be placed against an external wall as this may cause bridging and allow dampness to bypass the DPC.

Flat roofs
What should I look for?
Problem areas tend to be at the flashing junctions between wall and roof and vertical upstands. Other issues include thermal movement causing cracking of the felt roof covering. This is usually caused by loss of the reflective limestone chippings, which protect the roof covering. Ensure a covering of limestone chippings to a depth of at least 25mm and avoid walking on flat roofs, as this will cause long-term damage.

When should I check it out?
Newly constructed flat-roofed extensions with built-up felt roof covering should be trouble free for many years and if properly maintained, should have a life expectancy of approximately ten to 15 years. If the flat roof starts to leak, then immediate attention is required in order to avoid further damage as well as the cost of replacing the roof decking.

Brickwork
What should I look for?
There should be few problems as bricks are pretty durable. The only potential problem is crumbling pointing, the cement between the bricks. If it's good then it should last for years. Other possible concerns include missing, damaged or open joints between coping-stones to boundary walls and, in particular, abutment walls.

When should I check it out?
An annual check will reveal any frost damage to both brickwork and pointing. Any open jointed brickwork should be raked out and re-pointed. Prompt action will avoid damp penetration through the brickwork affecting the internal plasterwork.

Internal joinery
What should I look for?
In all houses, but particularly new builds, all new joinery should be given adequate time to dry out completely. Some shrinkage should be expected, although this should be limited to small cracks between joints. Once the timber is completely dry, small gaps should be filled in before painting. It is good practice to prime the timber then allow drying time before the undercoat and gloss finish are both applied.

When should I check it out?
Allow six months for shrinkage on new wood before repairing. Otherwise it's best to repair when decorating.

Ponds
What should I look for?
The simplest way of locating a leak is to let gravity and water take their course and see where the dropping water level finally rests. Where the tide stops, mark the level where the pond perimeter will have to be inspected. The smooth nature of a liner-style pond means that a hole should be relatively easy to find. A repair will either involve a patch/glue affair or the use of a strip of pliable adhesive tape. Either way it is vital that the liner surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried prior to applying the patch. For concrete, a re-application of waterproofing sealant or re-render is required. A re-application of resin may solve the leak in a fibreglass pond. A pond should be regularly cleaned.

When should I check it out?
Clean pond of algae in spring, remove leaves in winter, and clean pump filter, carry out any repair jobs in spring, if possible.

Plumbing
What should I look for?
Make sure that all cold water storage tanks are sufficiently insulated and have a close fitting cover. Check that all pipe work in the floor and ceiling voids is properly lagged. And check that all ball valves are working correctly and replace or repair as necessary. Make a point of testing the main stop tap regularly. Dripping taps should have new washers put in. Combination boilers and central heating boilers should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. A competent plumber should carry out any repair work that may be necessary and a CORGI registered contractor should undertake any work that may be required to the gas installations.

When should I check it out?
Check all insulation annually before the onset of winter, and arrange for an annual boiler service, again preferably before heavy use during the winter period.

Window & door frames
What should I look for?
If you have PVC windows and doors, look for metal fatigue in the window pivot, pin hinges and handle fixings. With Timber window frames, check the paintwork.

When should I check it out?
Timber window frames will require regular maintenance at approximately three-year intervals. It is important to do the job properly to maximise the lifespan of the window.

Plastering
What should I look for?
Newly plastered walls and in particular, walls plastered following an injection of damp proof coursing will need to dry out. However, if the walls were extremely damp then a longer period should be allowed before redecoration is possible. Salts may accumulate on the surface of the plasterwork and these should be lightly brushed off. Salting will stop when the plaster rendering is completely dry. All new surfaces should be sealed before redecoration.

When should I check it out?
Check the walls are dry normally after six months, but for extreme damp leave around 12 months. Check all plasterwork around the home annually for any signs of damp, and repair problem as necessary.

Electrics
What should I look for?
Check that your appliances have the correctly rated plug fuses and do not overload the circuits. Avoid using plug-in adaptors as this may overload the circuit. Check appliance flexes and leads for damage, repair or replace as appropriate.

When should I check it out?
New houses or homes that have been rewired should be virtually maintenance-free. It makes sense to check the RCD test button on the consumer unit regularly. All electrics should be repaired by a qualified electrician.

Patios
What should I look for?
It is essential they are cleaned properly to avoid accidents. A pressure washer or hose will remove all deposits on the patio or decking area. Once this has been done, use a cleaning fluid like Jeyes Path, Patio & Drive Cleaner to remove any coating left. Treat decking with Cuprinol Decking Protector.

When should I check it out?
Clean the patio or decking regularly during the winter months because they can become very slippery.

Gas
What should I look for?
Ensure all flues are swept before fitting any type of gas fire or heater. Check that all flues are unobstructed and working efficiently. Make sure that all gas appliances are firmly fixed and mounted correctly. A CORGI Registered Contractor must carry out any servicing, alterations or repairs.

When should I check it out?
Regular servicing is essential.