Your house is probably the biggest purchase you will ever make in your lifetime - don't neglect it!
Property maintenance companies love people who don't look after their houses, as they are called upon when things go wrong - when you have let things go, or attempted a desperate DIY repair. A small amount of regular maintenance can save time and money in the long run. Simple maintenance from time to time will leave you with the money to pay for qualified tradesmen to carry out larger jobs you would like done (e.g. a new bathroom suite), rather than repairs you need done due to neglect.
CENTRAL HEATING We need heat and hot water, and we get upset and angry when we don't have them. They are a not luxuries, they are necessities. HAVE YOUR SYSTEM AND GAS FIRE SERVICED ANNUALLY to keep it in good shape! If your boiler stops working, you need it fixed fast, so you call out an engineer and pay huge call out rates. ABC charge £46 for an out-of-hours call out, including the first hour on site (and let's face it, you may not be able to take time of work at the very time your heating system decides not to work). Whereas this is a very competitive rate, if we made a pre-planned visit at your convenience, the charge is only £18 per hour. For safety reasons, appliances should be checked annually anyway, but only ever by a C.O.R.G.I. registered engineer.
PLUMBING Make sure your pipes and tanks are lagged, any dripping taps are attended to, and bath and shower seals are checked for wear and tear. Your insurance may cover you if you have a burst pipe, but they often only cover the damage caused by the leak, not the repair of the leak itself. Plus, most people have at least a £25 to £50 excess to pay on any claim, and wear and tear is not always included on the cover.
ELECTRICAL Don't overload your system. Don't attempt what may seem a simple task unless you are doubly sure you can carry it out. Only the most competent person should ever deal with electricity. If you lose power, check with your neighbours before you call out an electrician. It may be a power cut. In the 10 years ABC has been in business, the two most common electrical emergencies we have been called out to have been 'lights have all gone off', when the householder hasn't realised there has been a power cut, and 'cooker not working', when the timer has been set accidentally. Always check whether any faulty electrical appliances are under guarantee before you call out a tradesman.
ROOFING Check for any loose or slipped tiles/slates, especially after high winds. You can often see dislodged tiles from the ground, or by checking your loft area for any visible gaps. One loose tile can leave a weakness and cause more to slip if caught by further winds. Flat felt roofing usually carries a 10 year guarantee, so if yours is older than that, check for any cracks that may cause leakage. Have your gutters cleaned occasionally, especially if you live in an area where there are lots of trees. Blocked guttering and worn pointing to brickwork can cause dampness.
PAINTING AND DECORATING Exterior woodwork should be kept in good repair. Loose and flaking paint can result in damage to the woodwork due to water penetration. Protect your property from the elements by maintaining the paintwork.
JOINERY AND LOCKS Make your home safe with good quality locks. Most insurance companies insist that 5-lever mortice be fitted to exterior doors, and there are locks on all windows.
If you require any advice on maintaining your property, call ABC Services on 0191 4146444. For emergencies, out of office hours, call 07860 32670.