Much like your annual spring clean, there are some checks that you should make on your property every year to ensure that it’s always safe. It’s better to check your property during the spring or summer, when the weather is better, as this will mean that you can fix any issues before the weather turns bad and the problem could get worse and develop into a serious structural problem. Everyone should be checking these areas of their home at least once a year to ensure that their home is safe for them and their loved ones to live in.
Walls
Both your interior and exterior walls need checking for damage. Outside you should look out for any signs of cracking, growth of any plants like moss and ivy, and serious structural damage. Inside, watch out for mould or damp, as these problems need treating promptly and could point to more serious damage to your walls. Look out for paint chipping and cracks on the inside of your home also. Make sure that you check with a professional if you’re suspicious of any of the issues you see on your walls, as they will be able to tell you if they are minor problems or signs of serious structural damage to your home.
Floors
Every year you should examine your floors for signs of sagging, sloping or damage to your carpets or other floor covering. If it is simply damage caused by footwear, pets or the age of your carpets then these can be replaced or fixed without much fuss, but any sloping or sagging should be checked out by a professional as it could be a sign of structural damage to your home. It’s easy to tell if your floor is sloping and evaluate how serious the issue is so that you can prevent any problems from getting worse.
Drains
Your drains are vital to keeping your home safe from flooding and a build-up of dirty rainwater, so it’s important that you check and clean them once a year. If you do notice any serious blockages or problems then work with a professional drain specialist to ensure that the issue is fixed quickly and efficiently. You should be able to get a free quote first too, which will help you price up how much the repair will be. An example of where this is available can be seen at draindetectives.co.uk who operate in Essex and other South East areas. If you simply fill in a form on their website or give the office a call, you can get a free no-obligation quote. This is a step you should definitely follow once you’ve spotted there’s a problem.
Radiators
At least once a year you should bleed your radiators to ensure that they are working properly. This will also be the perfect time for you to check your radiators for any signs of leaks and general structural damage, as these will mean that your heating will not work and could potentially lead to water flooding your home. If you do spot any problems, then turn the radiator off immediately and alert a plumber so that they can come and assess the damage before winter.
Furnishings
Check your interior furnishings for damp, damage or pests such as fleas or bedbugs, as these could not only damage your furniture but also cause health problems for you and your family. Furniture can be cleaned, reupholstered or replaced depending on the damage and the age of the items, so think hard about what you want to do if you do spot any damage.
Appliances
As part of your general maintenance and cleaning schedule, you should unplug all appliances once a year and check them for any signs of damage. Items like fridges and freezers need to be defrosted, whilst washing machines and tumble dryers need to have their filters cleaned, and they also need to be checked for any signs of overuse or damage. Checking your appliances yearly will ensure that you notice any problems early and don’t have to wait until your appliance breaks before you get it mended.
Roofs
Check your roof at least once a year for structural damage. There are lots of things to look out for when inspecting your roof, including missing tiles or slates, large clumps of moss and any sagging. If you think that something is seriously wrong with your roof then make sure you have it checked by a professional immediately, so that any issue can be fixed before the roof collapses.
Trees
This might seem more like a gardening tip, but it’s important for your home and your garden that you check the structural integrity of any large trees that border your property. Make sure that they’re not impacting on any electrical connections, and that they are not too close to your property so that if they do fall down then it won’t cause too much damage. Should you notice any signs of rotting, or overhanging branches that could cause problems for you and your home, then hire a dedicated tree surgeon to fix the issue as soon as possible and protect your house from damage from the trees in your area.
It might seem like a lot of work, but by being proactive and making these checks once a year you will be able to catch any small problems and fix them before they become more serious problems that could cause serious damage to your home.
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