Simple ways to save on property repairs

Your home is your sanctuary. And keeping it in good condition can save you money.

1. Prevention rather than cure

It’s the dampest room in the house, so it’s unsurprising that most of us will have to tackle mould issues in the bathroom. By keeping on top of your grout and sealants, you can focus on prevention rather than cure – which is far cheaper. Cleaning tile grout and around sealants helps to keep it in check. Plus, with regular attention you’re more likely to spot anything out of the ordinary, like cracks or leaks, in good time.

2. Tackling mould and damp

If you do find mould, it can usually be removed with household cleaning products designed to get rid of fungus. Mould is caused by excess damp, so try and use an extractor fan or leave the window open to get good air circulation and help the room dry out.

Airing rooms helps to prevent damp problems. But if you’re cleaning and airing regularly and you find there’s an area that is always damp, or it keeps coming back, it could be that you have a leak. Don’t worry. It’s better to spot this early. Check your home insurance policy, as it may cover repairs.

3. Window maintenance

Windows are expensive to replace. But you can help give them a long and healthy life. If you have wooden window frames, a lick of paint goes a long way. Repaint them once a year to keep wood rot at bay. Simply cleaning the glass regularly also helps keep wooden frames in good condition.

4. Forgotten areas

Give your loft a quick check before the winter months – that way if anything that needs fixing you can get it sorted before the weather get colder and wetter. Look for:

Tears to the roof lining
Rot or decay in timbers
Crack in the water pipes or tank
Signs of wasps nests or vermin
Insulation that is at least 250mm thick, as this could save you money on energy bills.

5. Uninvited guests

Are you sharing your house with uninvited residents? Pests may be small but they can damage your property if left to their own devices. Tell-tale signs of mice or rats are droppings and gnawed furniture and/or wiring. Moths will make themselves known by taking small bites out of your clothes, especially if you have natural fibres such as wool, silk and cotton. Small holes in your floorboards could be a sign of woodworm.

As soon as you spot the signs, call a professional in to assess and offer a solution. It’s always worth checking your home and contents insurance to see if you’re covered for pest clauses.

6. Get back to nature

A garden that is well loved can add value to your property if you’re selling. Not only that, but tending to your outside space could save you time and money on more serious structural damage.

Give your shrubs some space. Shrub and tree roots can damage drainage pipes and even cause subsistence if they are too close to the walls of your house.
Check for large tree roots. Large trees have large roots, and these can be a problem for your foundations.
Cut back wall climbers and creepers. Plants growing on your house look idyllic, but it’s important to keep them in check. Over time they can cause damp and damage the structure of the house.
Introduce a wild area. If you have the space, allow part of the garden to grow wild flowers. A wild area will invite more bees and help your garden become part of the eco system.

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