The Best Building Maintenance Survey Tips For Your Home

Building Maintenance Survey London

A building maintenance survey is vital for knowing your property's condition. RICS Home Surveys offer different types such as Level 2 Homebuyer Surveys, Party Wall Surveys, and Specific Defect Surveys.

Our panel of surveyors also provide RICS Valuations like Help to Buy, Shared Ownership, and Right to Buy Valuations. This helps in making informed decisions about the care of your home.

For those who need more detailed checks, services include Structural Engineering with Beam Calculations and Full Structural Surveys. These are important for larger projects like structural alterations or installing solar panels.

Available in various locations including London, Birmingham, and Manchester, these surveys ensure your property stays in top shape.

Importance of Property Maintenance

Taking care of your home keeps its value high and makes it a nice place to live. Regular upkeep stops big problems before they start.

Caring for Your Home

Doing regular checks and fixes stops defects becoming exacerbated and saves money. Your home needs attention in places like chimneys, roofs, gutters, walls, damp areas, drives, drains, ceilings, floors, pipes, heaters and electrics. Keeping an eye on these can make a huge difference.

Key Maintenance Tips for the Exterior

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Taking care of the outside of your home keeps it safe and looking great. Check out more tips to help with this!

Chimney Maintenance

Taking care of your chimney is key to a safe and warm home. Regular check-ups prevent damage and keep your fireplace working well. Here's how you do it:

Inspect the chimney pots annually. Make sure they are secure and free from cracks.
Look for broken joints or cracks in the chimney itself. Fix these issues promptly to avoid bigger problems.
Check that the metal flashing is intact. This stops water from getting into where the chimney meets the roof.
Keep fireplaces clear to ensure proper ventilation at all times.

Following these steps will help maintain your chimney's condition, ensuring safety and efficiency in your home heating system.

Roof Care

Moving from chimney maintenance, we now focus on the vital aspect of roof care. A well-maintained roof is crucial for securing your home against weather damage and leaks.

Inspect your roof twice a year and after heavy storms to catch any issues early.
Look for cracked, slipped, or missing tiles and replace them promptly to avoid water ingress.
Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights should be intact; fix any gaps or cracks.
Keep an eye out for sagging areas on the roof as they indicate underlying problems.
Moss and algae can hold moisture against the roof surface, potentially leading to rot; remove them carefully.
Check for signs of pooling water; it's a warning sign that the roof may not be draining properly.
Clean gutters regularly to ensure water can flow away from your roof and foundation efficiently.
Secure loose shingles to prevent wind damage and further issues down the line.
Trim overhanging tree branches to reduce leaf accumulation on the roof and in gutters.
Professional assessments are recommended if you're unsure about your ability to spot trouble or safely access your roof.

Following these steps will help maintain your roof's integrity, ensuring it continues to protect your home effectively against the elements.

Gutter Inspection

The importance of maintaining your home's gutters is paramount to prevent water damage and avoid costly repairs. Here are the steps to follow:

Safely ascend using a stable ladder and ensure the gutters are firmly attached and leak-free.
Check for indications of rust or perforations in metal gutters, signalling the need for repair or replacement.
Verify that downpipes are free from obstructions by rinsing them with water or using a drain auger.
Look out for any vegetation activities in the gutters, as these can lead to severe obstructions and damage over time.
Make sure the water drains away from your house to prevent foundation issues.
Check the soffits and fascias for stability; there should be no signs of rot or cracks for your gutter system to function effectively.
Remove any leaves, twigs, or debris found in the gutters to guarantee unimpeded water flow during heavy rains.
Think about installing gutter guards if you're residing in an area with an abundance of trees to reduce the frequency of cleaning.
After cleaning, pour water into the gutters to verify proper flow and check for hidden obstructions or leaks.
Arrange for routine inspections twice annually — once in late spring and again in early autumn — to ensure peak gutter performance.

Following these guidelines will help safeguard your house from water-related issues by guaranteeing the efficient operation of your gutter system all year round.

Window & Door Joints

Windows and doors are major contributors to home security and comfort. Attending to their joints is essential to prevent water damage and maintain their functionality.

Annually, inspect the frames of windows and doors for indications of wear or damage. This enables you to identify issues before they escalate.
Apply a sealant onto the joints connecting windows and doors to bar water entry. This preventative measure helps avoid potential damages over time.
Address any issues with window joints promptly. This contributes to your windows’ optimal condition and extends their longevity.
Regular hinge lubrication ensures the seamless operation of windows and doors. It eliminates any squeaking sounds and facilitates their daily use.
Be vigilant for signs of condensation, indicative of potential problems with window or door insulation or ventilation systems.
Ensure that weep holes in window frames are void of obstructions; they function to eliminate trapped moisture and therefore, maintaining their clarity is imperative.
During each autumn season, prior to the onset of cold weather, scrutinise the weather stripping around doors and windows. Replace any that have deteriorated to maintain your home's warmth.
Examine for potential gaps or fissures around frames—these can permit drafts, hence reducing your home's energy efficiency.

Tending to these elements of your home saves you from potential future expenses and guarantees a pleasant and dry living environment throughout the year.

Maintenance Tips for Walls

Keeping your walls in top shape is key to a happy home. Check them often for signs of wear and tackle problems early, such as filling cracks or updating paint.

Maintaining Mortar Joints

Maintaining mortar joints in your brick walls is key to keeping dampness at bay. Filling cracks promptly can also prevent further damage. Here's how you can manage it effectively:

Check for any cracks or gaps in the mortar. Look closely between bricks for signs of wear.
Use a chisel and hammer gently to remove loose or damaged mortar. Careful not to harm the bricks.
Clean out dust and debris with a brush, ensuring a clean surface for new mortar.
Mix fresh mortar that matches the existing colour and consistency as close as possible.
Wet the area slightly before applying new mortar, helping it adhere better.
Apply the mixed mortar into gaps using a pointing trowel, pressing down firmly.
Smooth over the area with a jointer tool, making sure it blends well with surrounding areas.
Remove any excess mortar with a damp sponge for a clean finish.
Let the repaired area dry slowly; avoid rapid drying as it may cause cracks.
Regularly inspect your walls, especially after harsh weather, to catch any early signs of damage.

By following these steps, you can ensure your home remains sturdy and damp-free, keeping those vital brick bonds in good shape for years to come.

Repainting and Redecorating

Giving your home a new lease of life with a fresh paint job is a top-notch way to enhance its aesthetic and feel. A new layer of paint and decor not only boosts looks but also safeguards the surfaces against everyday use. Here's the optimal way to achieve it:

Consider the proper paint for each room, factoring in aspects such as moisture levels for bathrooms and kitchens.
Initiate with a thorough cleaning of walls, fill any existing cracks or holes, and smooth out uneven patches.
On new surfaces or for significant colour transformations from dark to light, use a primer to guarantee uniform colour distribution.
Safeguard furniture, floors, and fixtures with protective cloths or plastic sheets.
Tackle ceilings at first, then walls and finally woodwork like doors and skirting boards to prevent any paint overspill on newly painted surfaces.
Ensure to apply a minimum of two paint layers for a lasting finish, allowing sufficient drying time between layers.
Concerning stone walls, enlisting the help of professional stone cleaning services can significantly uplift the exterior look without causing harm to historic materials.

Now, let's address the issue of damp-proof course management.

Managing Damp-Proof Course

Keeping your home dry and protected starts with a well-managed damp-proof course. This barrier is essential for preventing moisture from rising up through the walls. Here's how to ensure it remains effective:

Check the ground level around your home. It should be at least 150mm below the damp-proof course to prevent water from breaching the barrier.
Look for signs of soil or debris build-up against the walls. These can bridge the damp-proof course, allowing moisture to pass through.
Ensure gutters and downpipes are clear of blockages. This helps to direct rainwater away from the base of your walls.
Trim plants and shrubs near your home's exterior. Vegetation can retain moisture and encourage dampness if it's too close to your walls.
Inspect external renders or finishes for cracks or damage. Repair any issues promptly to maintain an effective moisture barrier.
Regularly check internal walls for tell-tale signs of damp, such as peeling paint or wallpaper, which could suggest the damp-proof course has been compromised.
Use water-repellent treatments on external walls if necessary, especially in areas prone to heavy rain, to provide extra protection against moisture.
Schedule professional inspections of your damp-proof course every few years to catch any potential problems early.

By following these steps, you can help protect your home from the damaging effects of moisture and ensure a healthy living environment. Read our post on Wall Damp Guidance for more information.

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Driveway and Drainage Maintenance

Keeping your driveway and drainage system in good shape is key to a well-maintained home.

Inspecting Driveway Surfaces

Inspecting your driveway is vital for retaining its condition and preventing substantial repairs later. Here's the procedure:

Identify any cracks or uneven areas. They may escalate into severe issues.
Observe if the hue diminishes or gravel disperses too widely.
Look for water accumulation following rain, indicating drainage complications.
Inspect the boundaries for wear, as they are usually the first to deteriorate.
Monitor vegetation sprouting through crevices, requiring immediate attention.
Test if the surface seems unstable when walked on, suggesting hidden problems.
Confirm the driveway gradient channels water away from your residence, not in its direction.
Rectify minor damages promptly to stop them from worsening.

Performing these inspections can conserve your resources by identifying issues at an early stage.

Cleaning Drains

After checking the driveway surfaces, it's time to focus on cleaning drains. This step keeps your home safe from water damage.

Lift manhole covers regularly to remove blockages and ensure smooth flow.
Use a sturdy rod or plumber's snake to clear out any debris stuck in the pipes.
Rinse through with plenty of water after unclogging to wash away residual waste.
Check for any signs of damage like cracks or leaks while cleaning and address them promptly.
Place guards over drain openings to catch leaves and prevent them from causing blockages.
Schedule a professional inspection once a year for a thorough check-up of the drainage system.
Avoid pouring fats, oils, and other non-biodegradable substances down the sink as they can solidify and clog the drains.
Educate all household members about what should not go into toilets and sinks to prevent avoidable clogs.
Keep an eye out for poor drainage signs like water pooling or bad odours, indicating a deeper issue that needs attention.

By following these steps, you can maintain clean and efficient drains, protecting your home from potential water damage related problems.

Protecting Against Tree Damage

Keeping trees and shrubs away from your home's walls is crucial. This stops roots from reaching and harming pipes beneath the ground. It also helps to keep the foundation strong. Make sure to trim these plants regularly.

By doing this, you ensure they don't grow too close or cause any damage over time.

Checking for signs of roots near your house often is good practice. If you spot any problems, dealing with them early can save a lot of hassle later on. This simple step keeps your home safe from unwanted tree damage, ensuring everything stays in top condition.

Interior Maintenance Tips

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Keeping your home's inside tip-top means checking the roof from inside and caring for ceilings and floors. Don't forget to test plumbing, heating, and electricals to keep everything running smoothly.

Roof Interior Inspection

Checking the inside of your roof is key to a well-maintained home. It can reveal problems like leaks, insulation issues, and signs of decay.

Look up in the attic during the day to find any light coming through holes in the roof, which shows leaks.
Inspect wood for signs of rot or decay. Pay special attention to areas that feel soft or crumbly.
Search for water stains on the underside of the roofing, as these indicate past or ongoing leaks.
Check insulation levels and condition. Make sure it's dry and evenly spread, with no damp patches.
Examine rafters and trusses for any sagging or bending, which suggest structural problems.
Be on alert for droppings or signs of nesting that point to rodent infestations.
Inspect for tiny holes and sawdust, which could mean wood boring beetles are present—extermination might be necessary.
Feel around for any draughts that could signal gaps in insulation or cracks allowing cold air in.
Review electrical wiring (if accessible) for fraying or other damage to prevent fire hazards.
Lastly, make a habit of regular checks after storms or extreme weather conditions to catch and fix new issues early.

By keeping an eye on these areas inside your roof, you'll help prevent bigger problems later.

Ceiling and Floor Care

After inspecting the roof interior, it's time to focus on ceiling and floor care. These areas are necessary for a home's comfort and structural integrity.

Fix sagging or cracked ceilings without delay. This prevents further damage and maintains safety.
Look out for damp patches on ceilings and walls to stop water damage fast.
Use a spirit level to check floors regularly for unevenness, signalling possible structural concerns.
Repair distorted floorboards promptly to avoid tripping hazards and further complications.
Fill cracks in floors to keep moisture out and maintain the floor’s strength.
Keep an eye out for signs of dampness, which could indicate more serious underlying issues needing attention.

Plumbing and Heating Checks

After taking care of the ceiling and floor, it's key to focus on plumbing and heating checks. These systems play a big role in keeping your home comfortable and safe.

Check taps for leaks or damage. Fix any problems right away to save water.
Regularly clean out plumbing traps. This stops blockages before they start.
Wrap water tanks and pipes with insulation. It cuts down heat loss.
Test valves to make sure they're working as they should.
Have a look at the central heating system often. Look for any signs that it's not running smoothly.
Service radiators and pipework regularly to keep them efficient.
Fix dripping taps promptly - even a small drip can waste a lot of water over time.
Clear out drains outside to prevent flooding and damage from standing water.
Keep an eye out for damp or mildew around pipes – these could be signs of leaks.
Make sure your boiler is serviced yearly by a qualified professional to avoid breakdowns.

Taking these steps helps ensure your home's plumbing and heating systems are in top shape, leading to fewer emergencies and more peace of mind.

Electrical Safety

Keeping your home safe is crucial. Electrical safety should never be overlooked.

Always call a professional for electrical alterations; DIY fixes can lead to danger.
Ensure wiring undergoes checks if it's older than ten years or has not had inspection in the last five.
Watch out for warning signs like frequent fuse blowouts, electric shocks from sockets, overheating or discolouration of fittings, and loose cables.
Install a carbon monoxide detector that matches BS 7860 standards to keep your home safe.
Regularly test smoke detectors and replace batteries annually to ensure they’re working right.
Use child-proof covers on sockets if you have little ones running around.
Keep water away from all electrical contacts to prevent shock or fire.
Make sure outdoor lights and electric tools are suitable for outside use and properly insulated.
Unplug appliances when not in use, especially heat-generating ones like irons and heaters, to reduce fire risk.
Avoid overloading sockets with too many devices; it strains the system and can cause fires.

These steps help keep your home safe from electrical hazards, ensuring peace of mind for everyone living there.

Conclusion

We hope you found our guide to keeping your home in top shape helpful. Maintenance can range from chimney checks to cleaning drains, and so you need to cover all bases. Regular fixes stop small problems becoming bigger. Keep an eye on both the inside and outside of your dwelling. Small efforts now can save time and money later. It’s worth looking after your home, particularly when you come to sell it!