Autumn has arrived, and after a long spell of record-breaking summer temperatures, UK homeowners are finally swapping sandals and suncream for sweaters and woolly socks. That’s why our estate agents in Ilford have teamed up with our estate agents in Newbury Park to help you prepare your home for winter.
Related: All-year care: seasonal maintenance property tips for landlords
Why do I need a winter home maintenance checklist?
A survey carried out by Insight DIY found that as the festive season approaches, 39 per cent of Brits plan to make home improvements. UK homeowners clearly want to make a good impression when family and friends visit, but it’s equally important to ensure that a property is in good working order.
These essential tasks could help you save money on heating bills, avoid costly repairs and provide protection from household hazards.
1) A health check for your heating
Don’t wait until your boiler breaks down in the middle of a cold spell. Take a few moments now to book in a professional service, to ensure you are getting the best from your heating system.
Ask the heating engineer to ‘bleed’ your radiators (this removes any air that has built up, making them less warm). If you want to learn how to do this yourself, there are many YouTube videos that give step-by-step instructions. Also ensure that your thermostat is still working effectively.
2) Eliminate exposed pipework
If you want to avoid a burst pipe this winter, you might need to do a little detective work to track down any exposed pipework. You could find unprotected pipes in outdoor spaces, garages or even in your loft.
Make sure that all exposed pipes are lagged (insulated) before the temperature turns to zero. You’ll need to turn off the stopcock if you do suffer a burst pipe, so make a careful note of its location.
3) Clear out gutters and drains
The average tree sheds between 20,000 and 50,000 leaves each year and dead leaves could end up blocking your drains and gutters.
A blocked gutter can lead to damp issues (when rainwater overflows and cascades down outer walls), while obstructed drains can cause a flood. Keep water flowing freely by removing any accumulated debris before heavy rain or snow causes a problem.
4) Insulate to trap the heat
One of the best ways to save money on heating bills is to have a well-insulated home. Not everyone can afford major fixes such as cavity wall insulation, but you can keep warmer with just a few minor adaptations.
Loft insulation is a low-cost solution that makes a surprising difference to the warmth of your home. Check your windows and doors for draughts and use draught excluder strips or secondary glazing film to ensure that your home stays cosy all winter long. Thicker curtains can also help to keep out the cold.
5) Sweep and service chimneys and stoves
If you love a real fire but haven’t had your chimneys swept for a while, call in a sweep to have them professionally cleaned. Since they were last used it’s likely that your chimneys have built up a layer of flammable creosote and soot. This can cause a fire risk within the chimney itself, which could spread to the rest of the house.
A suitably qualified chimney sweep should also be able to service any wood burning stoves to ensure they are safe to use. At the same time, test your carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are working efficiently.
6) Check roofs and cut back overhanging trees
Inspect your roof tiles and lead flashings for any gaps that could let in water. Call in an accredited roofer to make any necessary repairs before winter storms set in.
High winds can bring down tree branches, so take the opportunity to cut back any tree growth that might damage people or property if it fell.
7) Stock up on staples
The Met Office has predicted that the UK has a 55 per cent likelihood of “near average” temperatures over winter, but there’s a 15 per cent chance of a much colder season.
It’s always better to be prepared, so stock up on essentials such as rock salt or grit to spread on icy pathways. In case of power cuts, you’ll need torches and batteries, blankets and a fully charged power bank so you can recharge your phone.
Related: Top home organisation tips for UK residents
8) Taking good care of your property
Whether you are a homeowner or a landlord (or both), proper care of your property not only creates a more comfortable environment, it can also save you money.
At Oakland Estates we love to help home movers, landlords and investors find their ideal east London properties. If you are hoping to move into your next home in the New Year, this is the ideal time to start your search. Contact our friendly home sales team to get the ball rolling.
For more details, Get in touch via 020 3972 7341 or email info@oaklandestates.co.uk
Meanwhile, if you’d like to find your dream home or properties to rent in Ilford, wanstead, Newbury Park, Barkingside and surrounding areas, check the links below
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