To protect the physical state and condition of your property – and ultimately its value – there are number of maintenance checks or steps you must make or take on a regular basis.

Issues or problems identified should be actioned promptly. 

Here is a quick checklist of the main things you should address…

1. External building/s

At least twice a year check/inspect and clean/clear as necessary:

[ ] Gutters
[ ] Downpipes
[ ] Drains

Yearly and after exceptionally bad weather check/inspect for cracks/damage to:

[ ] Roofs/especially flat roofs/slates/tiles
[ ] Chimneys
[ ] Fascia and soffit boards
[ ] Walls

Regularly check:

[ ] Doors/locks
[ ] Windows/locks
[ ] Security grills
[ ] Windows
[ ] Garage: whether watertight plus locks, doors and windows
[ ] Outhouses/other buildings: whether watertight plus locks, doors and windows

2. External front and rear

Regularly check for:

[ ] Japanese knotweed

Check for damage to:

[ ] Trees, shrubs, hedges
[ ] Walls, fences, gates
[ ] Footpaths
[ ] Pavements/driveways
[ ] Patio
[ ] Decking
[ ] Artificial surfaces

Check that following working:

[ ] Security lights
[ ] Solar lights

3. Internal safety & security

Twice a year check that in place, working, secure and have fresh batteries where necessary:   

[ ] Intruder alarm pad
[ ] Security sensors
[ ] Panic alarms
[ ] Smoke alarms
[ ] Carbon monoxide detectors

Checks that in place, working and secure:

[ ] Door locks and bolts
[ ] Window locks and bolts

Check that opening and closing securely:

[ ] Doors
[ ] Windows
[ ] Cupboards
[ ] Other entrances or exits

4. Heating, Electricity, Gas & Water

In relation to the boiler and central heating check:

[ ] Radiators bled
[ ] Leaks
[ ] Boiler pressure
[ ] Radiator heat, top and bottom
[ ] Outside vent clear of obstruction
[ ] Date of last servicing and any outstanding issues    

In relation to the electricity check:

[ ] Switches and sockets working
[ ] Lights and bulbs
[ ] PAT tests obtained where necessary
[ ] Electrical test certificates obtained where necessary

In relation to the gas check:

[ ] No smell of gas

In relation to water check for:

[ ] Dripping taps
[ ] Leaking pipes
[ ] Water penetration/damp to loft
[ ] Water penetration/damp to the basement
[ ] Exposed pipes are lagged

5. General

In relation to bathroom/shower on a regular basis check for:

[ ] Cracks in tiles or sealant in bathrooms
[ ] Perishing of grouting
[ ] Damp stains to ceilings of rooms below bathrooms

In relation to wood at least once a year check for:

[ ] Wood rot
[ ] Dry rot

On a regular basis check for:

[ ] Ceiling cracks – possibly sign of movement
[ ] Wall cracks – possibly sign of movement
[ ] Windows sticking  – possibly sign of damp/rotting
[ ] Doors sticking – possibly sign of movement
[ ] Floorboards springy or bouncy – possibly sign of rot or movement

MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
Don’t ignore maintenance & repairs (the first level of protection for your property)
Budgeting for repairs is smart (how to be prepared for surprises and big bills)

Do you think there is anything important that has been missed? Other readers may benefit from your information. Please leave your comments below.

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Dalton Barrett
Rebel Property Coach

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